Once you realized the organization is simply a religious corporation, how did you leave? Stopped going.
Did you fade? Yes, started just missing Wed then quickly all meetings.
Were you forced out? Not forced out, but being that our child was a victim of molestation and we were a constant reminder of how bad things happen within...they were in no hurry to try and "save" us.
How did you adjust to life on the outside? It was really hard at first, but eventually we knew we had to get busy with living. We put our kids in sports and other activities and reached out to our neighbors. Happy to say we are very happy with the choices we made and our children are thrilled to be living normal teenage lives.
Do you still have social or family connections within the organization? At first, No. Our families were really trying to get us to go back, if meant stepping back from associating with us, so be it. Once they realized it wasn't working and coming to terms with what they already knew in their hearts (we had good reason to leave) they came back around. It's still not the same as it was when we were active JW's, but it will do.
What did you do to supplant the lost friends, routine, and sense of purpose? This is still a work in progress but we are trying, as time passes, it gets easier. We don't have tons of friends but the ones we have are great. I have learned the real purpose of the greatest commandments given...Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” These are things we can all do without a religion :)