In addition to agreeing with dubstepped's comments on a grieving process, I also believe newly awakened JWs often have feelings of embarrassment and shame for even having considered anything against the JW religion that person may have been born into. They automatically have feelings of doing wrong while the active JW remains on higher moral ground which maybe why JW opinions are often given higher significance initially. These feelings are purposely programmed by WT to prevent JWs from reading, listening, viewing, thinking or speaking anything critical of the religion.
Until an awakened JW comes to accept and become comfortable that he/she hasn't done anything wrong, that sense of shame will often paralyze the person from moving forward in exiting the religion or helping his/her children to consider other views or discuss JW teachings in a critical fashion.
Covert:. While it is natural to feel an initial sense of loss and regret for the time spent within the religion, please remember that you can't undo what has already happened but can only control what you will do today and in the future. By becoming consumed by past regrets, may only paralyze you from enjoying life moving forward. Be relieved that you awakened now as opposed to in another 5, 10, 20 years, or perhaps never. Today is the first day to the rest of your life.
