Welcome, Aimless. I too was DA'd while a teenager. I was 15 and didn't agree with at teaching after asking some probing questions. And I couldn't readily agree with the elders explanation/admonition, which was that I simply didn't understand, and I need to be loyal to Jah's org.
Anyway, I know it is a weird place to be. I was in a similar situation to you, but my mom had been a LOOONG time study and finally baptised a couple years before I left. I was the good little JW, tried to do everything I was supposed to, always felt at the edge of things, wondered why. . .
First thing. There is no one true right religion. There may be followers (of whomever)but they all have their own take on what the best 'way of life' is. Don't do what I did and dig yourself into other cult-like or off the grid religions.
Second thing, if your parents reject you simply because you were a normal teenager, then they should be ashamed. The elders should be ashamed for what they put you through, and your ex-boyfriend owes you an apology. NOT a gentleman at all.
Force yourself to build a life outside of the org. Ask your BF to help 'force' you out of the house and to be involved in your community in things you are interested in-you don't have to be good at anything, anytime there is a group of people, they need volunteers to do things-simple things. Reading? Cooking? Gardening? Video gaming? Try to find social groups and just be available. I invited myself to a book club recently, and met great people who I really click with. Put yourself out-just a little. Even at work-if you are inclined to the field you are in-see if you can get further training, or take appropriate classes at a local college. Find ways to excel and grow in what you are already doing if you like it. Or start over, go back to college--find an AIM, find a purpose.Simple easy to achieve ones-then work your way up to bigger, long term goals.
Good luck! It will all work out, but don't let the time in the org weigh you down, and don't let anyone in your life make you feel bad. They can be good for you or bad for you. But most of us don't eat a steady diet of things that are bad for us, because it breaks down your body, physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually. If it is hurting you-cut it out/off from your life.
Anyway, I know it is a weird place to be. I was in a similar situation to you, but my mom had been a LOOONG time study and finally baptised a couple years before I left. I was the good little JW, tried to do everything I was supposed to, always felt at the edge of things, wondered why. . .
First thing. There is no one true right religion. There may be followers (of whomever)but they all have their own take on what the best 'way of life' is. Don't do what I did and dig yourself into other cult-like or off the grid religions.
Second thing, if your parents reject you simply because you were a normal teenager, then they should be ashamed. The elders should be ashamed for what they put you through, and your ex-boyfriend owes you an apology. NOT a gentleman at all.
Force yourself to build a life outside of the org. Ask your BF to help 'force' you out of the house and to be involved in your community in things you are interested in-you don't have to be good at anything, anytime there is a group of people, they need volunteers to do things-simple things. Reading? Cooking? Gardening? Video gaming? Try to find social groups and just be available. I invited myself to a book club recently, and met great people who I really click with. Put yourself out-just a little. Even at work-if you are inclined to the field you are in-see if you can get further training, or take appropriate classes at a local college. Find ways to excel and grow in what you are already doing if you like it. Or start over, go back to college--find an AIM, find a purpose.Simple easy to achieve ones-then work your way up to bigger, long term goals.
Good luck! It will all work out, but don't let the time in the org weigh you down, and don't let anyone in your life make you feel bad. They can be good for you or bad for you. But most of us don't eat a steady diet of things that are bad for us, because it breaks down your body, physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually. If it is hurting you-cut it out/off from your life.
I was raised as a witness and know those feelings you've had. I have been going to therapy in this past year to help me keep my confidence and self worth up. Its hard when you're told over and over how sinful you are or how disappointed everyone is with what wrong you did. It can creep up on you even when your present life is going well. I get so angry thinking of how humiliating it is being questioned and counseled over personal things that were done. Telling three men crap that is none of their damned business so that you can be in a "better relationship with Jehovah and keep the congregation clean" and whatever else you want to throw in there. That stuff does a number on us, that is for sure. I hate the manipulative ways that some people use to make your life hell. That witness kid could care less about what you guys did. His conscience didn't bother him. He wanted to make you miserable and try to break up your new relationship. That is so twisted but I've seen it happen.