Posts by longgone

33

JW's are S.O.B's

by James Mixon in

jw
friends

i didn't say it, it was the president....

longgone

I'm sorry that happened CC.

it was so embarrassing to stand in the classroom saying nothing while everyone else was saying the pledge. 😕

22

Approximately how many JW have left permanently?

by longgone in

jw
friends

i did try a search before posting this question and found nothing current.

pew research -2016 says approximately two thirds of those born into the religion in the united states alone, no longer consider themselves as members.

(sorry, still don't know how to link, but it's an easy google search.).

longgone

I did try a search before posting this question and found nothing current.

Pew Research -2016 says approximately two thirds of those born into the religion in the United States alone, no longer consider themselves as members. (Sorry, still don't know how to link, but it's an easy Google search.)

I don't know how accurate that is but at least it's an indicator.

When I left around a year ago I actually thought it was a very small number. Of course that was based on yet another lie from the WTS. They frequently claim that most who leave come back. Ha! I know that some do, but hmm, no, far from most. 😒

Does anyone have any information about this?

6

YouTube video that you may find of interest.

by longgone in

i came across a youtube video published on august 11th of this year called "watchtower threw out 130 years of bad "spiritual food" with one talk" by leonard east.

(sorry, i still haven't learned how to put up a link.).

as i read the introduction from the publisher, i remembered that very talk and how i felt when i heard it.

longgone

I came across a YouTube video published on August 11th of this year called "Watchtower Threw Out 130 Years of Bad "Spiritual Food" with One Talk" by Leonard East. (Sorry, I still haven't learned how to put up a link.)

As I read the introduction from the publisher, I remembered that very talk and how I felt when I heard it. Betrayed, deceived and incredulous!

All those years struggling to figure out the meaning of all that type/anti-type stuff. Just to find out it was completely wrong. Another waste of time for all who were supposedly "diligently searching the scriptures." 😫

It was only about a year and a half before their whole house of cards collapsed for me. I only wish it had been sooner. I really hope it led many others to do the same. If that wasn't a wake up call, I don't know what is.

Does anyone else remember being in attendance for that talk? What did you think, did you discuss it with anyone else at the time? I know I didn't dare. Governing Body, and Holy Spirit you know, apostasy to think for yourself and even worse to openly say so. Crazy cult!

33

What Simple Pleasures Do You Enjoy Since Leaving Watchtower?

by pale.emperor in

what simple pleasures do you enjoy since leaving watchtower?

here's some of mine, in no particular order:.

a cigar: i dont smoke cigarettes at all, but i do enjoy a good cigar from time to time.

longgone

Enjoying the day instead of counting how many hours until the meeting starts. 😊

34

Really struggling to go on

by Isambard Crater in

jw
friends

so, so much has happened in my life over the years and continues to happen, but i won't go into the details as it would take a long time.. i don't really know why, but i returned to "the truth" 15 years ago.

in 2012 when the tv broadcasting station launched, i started to develop doubts.

the australian royal commission and other scandals made me angrier, and i now don't believe most of the core teachings.. the only reason i show up at 5 or 6 meetings each month is to keep in contact with my parents and a few other family members.. but it's killing me, literally.

longgone

Hello IC, I hope your feeling better today! There has been so much good advice here. Maybe you could find a little time to carefully reread the replies for the second or even third time. That has helped me when I've asked for help here.

Also like so many others, I've been where you are. Be strong! Use your mind rather than your emotions in this situation. The cliche that says to take a few deep breaths has gotten me through many very difficult moments.

Take them slowly, and relax your your shoulders, pause, then go on to you arms, back and so on. I've learned many coping skills from meditation apps.

One in particular is called Insight Timer. It may seem like a big undertaking if you haven't done this before. It isn't and you will be on your way becoming more in control of your emotions! It even has meditation selections for beginners. I highly recommend them. I hope this helps, and remember we're here for you. 💙💜

9

Child Custody/Visitation questions? JW Parent and me as the non JW parent

by Gokumonkey in

hello everyone, this is my fellow up from my first post, feel free to check that out if your unsure of the whole situation.

i have two twin babies that are now two months old.

i already to my ex to court, yes i took her to court and now im established as the father and ill be paying child support next week.

longgone

Please don't willingly let them get baptized before 18.

9

A disturbing reaction.

by longgone in

earlier today i was listening to a you tube video about brain plasticity, how our minds aren't hardwired, and that by changing the way we think it can make actual physical changes in the brain.

which is cool for many reasons.

one in particular for me and likely any ex jw is that the way the wts has programmed us, especially those born in, can eventually get past it.

longgone

Thanks very much for your thoughts and suggestions!

There's a lot to think about from them. It really helps to have others who understand where I'm coming from. I wouldn't consider mentioning this sort of thing with anyone other than here. Thanks again. 😊

9

A disturbing reaction.

by longgone in

earlier today i was listening to a you tube video about brain plasticity, how our minds aren't hardwired, and that by changing the way we think it can make actual physical changes in the brain.

which is cool for many reasons.

one in particular for me and likely any ex jw is that the way the wts has programmed us, especially those born in, can eventually get past it.

longgone

Earlier today I was listening to a You Tube video about brain plasticity, how our minds aren't hardwired, and that by changing the way we think it can make actual physical changes in the brain.

Which is cool for many reasons. One in particular for me and likely any ex JW is that the way the WTS has programmed us, especially those born in, can eventually get past it.

Then the lecture went further about how meditation and mindfulness can work along with that, and so on. I've been practicing this for well over a year, but none that are connected with religious themes.

He spoke quite forcefully and without straight up saying anything clearly religious he started blending in references to the Bible indirectly. Such as you can have a "new personality" and think about forgiveness and how one can "serve.' He could have just said give back to the community. Then he said a few other key words/phrases from scripture. Religion or spirituality wasn't mentioned in the description. I checked the links to his other lectures, books seminars etc. All that it said was about abundance and attracting wealth.

When he started in on this subtle religious line I immediately thought well forget this and turned it off. I didn't realize it right away but within less than a minute my stomach tightened and I started feeling sick. My earlier good mood turned into something like dread.

When I recognized what was happening and why, I tried to drop the thoughts and continued on. Before long I was back to feeling good again.

This same feeling has come up when I overhear people talking about their church activities. Christan music is always on in my doctor's office and I get the same feeling. Again in a thrift store, the Christan music made me feel ill. I actually had to leave before long.

Is this just me? I don't like these reactions and hope one day I'll be indifferent to religious comments, music etc. Has anyone had something like this happen? Did it go away with time? Thank you for your input in advance.😊

9

Remember Your First Taste of Freedom?

by Funchback in

it's around 10am here in the northeast of brazil.

i have just finished having coffee and a light breakfast.

i am reflecting on my saturdays of jw past, where i would be just about ready to leave the morning field service group and go door-knocking.. honestly, i hated every second of field service, always keeping one eye on the clock, counting down the minutes until service would be over.. 12 years later since i last "preached", i am also reflecting on the sense of freedom i experienced (and still experience) when i definitively said "no more!

longgone

I was also thinking about Saturday field service this morning. How up until about a year ago that meant either going out and hating it, or feeling guilty for not going!

It's a warm and sunny day here in the Midwest USA. I'm looking forward to spending time with my never were, or ex-jw family. Wishing a great Saturday to everyone! 😎

21

its saturday morning and its pouring down rain...

by nowwhat? in

how many jdubs are going out in service anyway because "they have to get their time in.

" that's some "best life ever!

" you guys got going on!

longgone

Oh here's a good one. During the circuit overseers final talk on Sunday, he said that going in FS even though they are so many not-at-homes was still important.

That way the group could "encourage one another" and of course the ever present Jehoover would be pleased.

Yes, it's soo encouraging to be have three people packed in the back seat while driving in circles for two and a half hours. (Deduct that 30 minute doughnut break unless you leave a tract in the restroom.)😄