Welcome to this board 'troubled mind'.... Yes there are some whacky ones here, but to be honest you get a sense of belonging somewhere on here!! and when you are down and troubled you can pour it out on here and be sure to get good vibes from everyone!! Look forward to hearing more from you!
Seeking some normalcy maybe alittle joy....is that so wrong
by troubled mind 32 Replies latest members private
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Lady Lee
Another welcome from Canada
Sadly I think more and more JWs are feeling tired and discouraged in an organization that pushes constant devotion to meetings, studies and service. It drains the person of joy and life and love.
You will find a wide range of posters here but we all have one common theme in our lives - the WTS. Some people are still in, others have left, some are married to or dating a JW and many have family who are JWs.
The constant is the pain we feel from the WTS's "happy" family. Being told to be happy when you aren't just doesn't work too well to becoming happy. Those of us who have left have often paid a huge price for the freedom from WT slavery. But we find a peace of mind despite the losses. And I find having a clear and happy conscience far more worthwhile than the intense sadness and depression I felt as a JW for 22 years.
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AK - Jeff
TM - Welcome.
I have been there - afraid to read certain books where anyone might see them, afraid to look to the internet with an open mind. The whole nine yards. Most on this board went thru that.
I began to 'investigate and think on my own' at the young age of 47. By 48 I had become aware of things that made my cry, laugh, hate, get depressed, and the full range of emotions regarding the Watchtower organization that had been my life for all my life. The best thing I ever did in my entire life was to read Franz' books. That opened the curtain and let me see not only what was wrong, but started me down the road to how to react to that information, at least to begin reacting to that information.
JWD and the resourceful people here have done much to help me readjust post-watchtower.
Just a simple suggestion - you have family in still, right? Can you develop a 'strategy' that will begin to educate them to the wrongs without turning them against you - this is not as easy as it might sound of course - then perhaps you could leave together and intact. That would be the best possible outcome, and that plan will not be easy to do with the witness mindset. Just a thought. I was fortunate that in my case, wifey and I are truly 'one flesh', we made the journey entirely together and boy am I glad we did.
Welcome -
Jeff
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Billygoat
Welcome from Texas! I've been in the exact same spot as you. This site has really helped me keep my sanity. You'll read a lot and learn a lot and make some new friends in the meantime. I wish you well and hope to hear more of your story!
Andi
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nicolaou
All the best Troubled Mind. We all know how you feel and are here for you. I'm a similar age, 41, and am still terrified at the prospect of losing my mother and siblings if I'm ever finally disfellowshipped....
Still, gotta think positive eh!
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delilah
Welcome to the board, Troubled mind. You certainly are not alone. I have successfully faded, although I do know what it's like to have been DF'd years ago. Was not fun....I was reinstated, and things went ok for a few years, but i always knew there was something that was missing in my life. It was a sense of normalcy...the joy, of living life for oneself and family for a change, not just the society. I just quit going to meetings regularly, and in a very short time, I wasn't going at all. Nobody in my old congregation even missed me, and my family does not live close by, so I had few troubles. It's been over 7 and a half years now, and my life is "as normal as you can expect", and we are finding joy in all things....my leaving the "truth" was the best thing I ever decided to do. My kids are also "out" with my husband and I, so we are not a religiously divided family, thank goodness. I hope all goes well for you, in the meantime, you will find lots of good people here,( not those "dastardly apostates" we've all been warned about)....hahaha.
Best of wishes to you, post often...
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freedomlover
Many have already said it, but I'll just tell you I've been there also. I'm new to all this also. I also have felt crazy, have tons of family who don't know how I really feel about the JW's, and have to sneak around just to get info. You are on the right path because you are being true to yourself. Even on my worst days, I'm glad I've been true to myself in the end. This is a great place to vent and find out you're not alone. Keep up your research and I promise - it does get better! You will have rough periods but that's what a place like this is for.
Welcome!
Freedomlover
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Goldminer
Welcome TM. I hope you stick around and share your thoughts and feelings.There are lots of intelligent and interesting people here,it's amazing that we were sucked into the jw religion at one time.
And yes,the religion(WTS) that did the most for freedom of conscience is now the one that does the most to suppress it.
Goldminer
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GoingGoingGone
Welcome to the board, troubledmind!!
I'm fading, too... My family is still in, my husband makes my 2 teenage kids go to the meetings and in service still.
It was really hard at first, and in fact it took me many years of doubting before I dared access sites like this one. But once I did, it was all over.. the freedom to think for yourself is wonderful. But it does take some getting used to! It's very scary at first, I found. You have no idea what you believe, how to act in the 'normal' world, and typical JW thinking stays with you for a long time. But as others have said, it gets better. The feeling of freedom is wonderful. By the way, have you read Crisis of Conscience by Raymond Franz? It's a must-read!!
Stick around, read lots, post lots.... the people here are great, and they know what you are going through.
GGG
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Cellist
Welcome, Troubled Mind. Go right ahead and vent when you need. You're amongst people who understand where you're coming from.
Cellist