That was the ticket for me too. Distance and a fresh start...
D
moving.. move away from the situation, if at all possible.
have a job offer in another state/province/country?
need to go to school elsewhere?
That was the ticket for me too. Distance and a fresh start...
D
it must be about 13 years since i went out in service.
about 15 years since i went out a couple times a month, and about 18 years since i went at least once a week.. i just can't imagine going from door to door anymore.
but to think that we all did it for quite awhile.
Probably around 1993 or so...wow, I can't believe its been so long!
D
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i am pretty sure this is what i am.
i would love to chat with anyone else who might want to sort some stuff out with me.. many thanks!.
I sure didn't mean to stir up a hornet's nest. I am still trying to figure out my belief system for myself. I don't really like labels either, but it's real hard to connect to a person who might believe in a similar way without any identifying statements. My journey away from the witnesses has been long and I am still searching for answers to some of my questions. I was content for awhile just being away from the JW. I know I wondered what my beliefs where at all. Did I believe in God at all? Could I ever belong to a group of people again who worship God? With lots of soul searching I started the process to figure it out. It was such a relief to not feel all that pressure and negativity that had been drilled into my little head for 28 years. But, I still feel the need to connect with my creator. When I pray, I feel a peace. A contentment that was never there as a JW. I will continue to do my own research on theological matters. I have a hard time accepting certain beliefs that are mainstay in a Christian church. I wonder sometimes if these questions I have are because of the brainwashing I was under for so many years or if these beliefs make sense to others that may have been raised in a similar situation. I also really like the feeling of being in a church body. I like having friends I can call on in good times and bad. I know there are other places to make friends, but this really has worked for me. I like the fact that I know for the most part, these people have similar values and morals. Not because someone dictated it to them. They have decided for themselves this is the way they want to live. I have felt more unconditional love from these Christians (in various locations, since I have lived in three states since departing the JW) then ever as a JW. I don't have to be so good, so perfect. I love the fact that I don't have to "do" anything...it's mere believing that sets me free. There really isn't anything that is required of me from my current church. They are very supportive and realize that my experiences in the cult have really molded who I am, both bad and even sometimes, good. I don't feel the need to drag anybody in to Christianity, but would leave the door open if anyone was interested in discussing it. But, I definitely won't be counting any field service time. Anyhow, I will pm those who offered me assistance. Thanks for your help everyone. I guess it took me 28 years to get away, maybe it will take me another 28 to figure everything out my beliefs...lol
Promising not to be the bain of the boards,
D
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i am pretty sure this is what i am.
i would love to chat with anyone else who might want to sort some stuff out with me.. many thanks!.
I am pretty sure this is what I am. I would love to chat with anyone else who might want to sort some stuff out with me.
Many thanks!
D
hi, i am new to this site.
i have been an ex- jw for about 10years now, and this is the first time i have done this.
( trying to avoid the "apostate" label) haha i would love to hear from some ex- jw's, and see if they have and are going thru some of the same experiences that i am.
Welcome!!!!
Raised in the way too. Never felt more happy than I do today. It's been about 10 years for me too, its weird though. Just when I think I am past all THAT it rears its ugly head again. You know, the negative thinking, trying to please everyone, etc. Then I give myself a reality check and realize I am doing pretty darn well!!! This is real life, we can't live by the script that the WTS wrote for us. What caused you to leave?
D
i would like to say that any of you that read this board are more than welcomed to be a part of this group.
i know some of you are afraid.
some of you are unsure.
I lurked for months and finally got some courage to post from a fellow ex JW that I recently spoke with (FreePeace). I its just more scary for some of us. But, its been great!!!!!
D
i remember coming home from a meeting one evening in a spiritually heightened mood and seeing all these lights dancing around in the sky.
strangest thing i ever saw.
i said to my wife ?quick inside?
For me I remember being so scared when the first Gulf War broke out. I just KNEW it was Armagedon! On September 11th I gave it a thought...I wonder if this could be IT! I was much more calm during the crisis in both Afghanistan and Iraq.
D
hello to everyone, my name is esther and i am from australia.. i was directed to this website from my ex husband who also was a jw.
i guess in the truth we still are as we have not been df or disocciated ourselves.. i just wanted to say hi.
this is a great website, i had been brought up in the truth and had only decided to leave about 2 years ago, when my marriage was failing,i'm not a person who lives great by other peoples rules, especially when i dont agree with half of them.
Welcome! Everyone is so nice here!
http://www.p-mate.com/eng/intro.html
i heard this was a hot selling item in england and australia.
no need to sit on a filty toilet seat or squat.
Too funny! I remember going out in service waaaaaaaaaaay out in the boonies. There was many a time I had to go and no toilet to be found. The worst part is when you get pee on your good meetin' clothes and have to drive back to town, over an hour away. YUCK! This contraption would have been nice in that circumstance.
a couple years ago, i bumped into a chronically ill brother in a store.
he was friendly initially but backed away from me quickly.
when he heard i barely attend any meetings.. i ran into him again last week.
I think it really irritates them to see us so happy! The best revenge is happiness!
D