I agree with the diagnosis of programmed/ingrained depression inherant in the JW lifestyle. I also was strongly discouraged from attending college and getting "worldly knowledge". My poor sister had to fight tooth and nail to get my parents to sign off on a form that said they were NOT supporting her financially so she could get financial aid for college. They were so paranoid about anything involving education they strung her out for several months just on this form alone. Eventually she got past that and has done very well for herself (graduated from a 4 year college last year or the year before). I have managed to do okay for myself without the college education, but I could have had more/better paying options had i recieved the education.
Looking back, I remember having what can best be described as a hazy numb feeling the whole time I was growing up. It's a wierd feeling that I can't describe with words, but I especially remember feeling strangely out of sinc with reality.
My wife (neverwuzadub) has been very important in enabling me to enjoy my life and the people/things in it. She provides much levity and helps with an overall positive outlook
Often if I am feeling bummed she will sing;
| Always Look on the Bright Side of Life Some things in life are bad, They can really make you mad, Other things just make you swear and curse, When you're chewing life's gristle, Don't grumble, Give a whistle And this'll help things turn out for the best. And... Always look on the bright side of life. [ whistle ] Always look on the light side of life. [ whistle ] If life seems jolly rotten, There's something you've forgotten, And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing. When you're feeling in the dumps, Don't be silly chumps. Just purse your lips and whistle. That's the thing. And... Always look on the bright side of life. [ whistle ] Always look on the right side of life, [ whistle ] For life is quite absurd And death's the final word. You must always face the curtain with a bow. Forget about your sin. Give the audience a grin. Enjoy it. It's your last chance, anyhow. So,... Always look on the bright side of death, [ whistle ] Just before you draw your terminal breath. [ whistle ] Life's a piece of shit, When you look at it. Life's a laugh and death's a joke it's true. You'll see it's all a show. Keep 'em laughing as you go. Just remember that the last laugh is on you. And... Always look on the bright side of life. Always look on the right side of life. [ whistle ] Always look on the bright side of life! [ whistle ] Always look on the bright side of life! [ whistle ] Always look on the bright side of life! [ whistle ] Always look on the bright side of life! [ whistle ] Always look on the bright side of life! [ whistle ] Always look on the bright side of life! [ whistle ] Always look on the bright side of life! [ whistle ] Always look on the bright side of life! [ whistle ] Repeat to fade... | |||||||
Good stuff eh
Big Willy