Hi Stinkypantz (I like your name too)
Great question btw! I was born and raised a witness, and left about 3+ years ago with my then husband. First thing for me was to get rid of all JW literature, although now I wish I'd kept it in storage somewhere. Then I was so confused and angry that I'd been misled for 30 years, that I didn't want any part of religion, especially if it used the bible as proof.
The next stage for me was finding a New Thought Unity church with my then husband, and loving it! It was a great place for me to heal and realize that although I will probably never be a member of organized religion, that there are places of worship that preach love, unity, and being non-judgmental towards everyone--no matter race, religion, sexuality. They truly accepted anyone, no matter their place in life, and they did not ever use the bible to condemn ANYONE.
After going there on and off for about 8 months, I moved away and started going inside ME. I moved in with my boyfriend Jonathan, and he is a combination Taoist, Buddhist, and Hindu, with a background of Christianity from his childhood. I started learning how to meditate by his example, and reading more about Eastern ways of thought. I finally started realizing that I did not have to look elsewhere for my spirituality--that it comes from INSIDE of ME. I have the choice of how I want to treat myself first, and all others around me. I do not need any preacher, pastor, minister, priest, or elder to tell me how I'm supposed to live.
I do enjoy visiting other places of worship now, so I can connect even to a greater degree to people of all backgrounds. I now live on the East Coast, and have met a wide variety of people. I hope that I will be able to feel connected to anyone I meet, instead of instantly condemning them because they aren't a witness. It's great to be at this place now--I was exhausted from all the pre-judjement. I like LIKING PEOPLE, and enjoying their company--not worrying about whether or not they're going to study.
I now believe that while the bible is an amazing book, and has some great words of wisdom and guidance, it is by no means any more important than other great works written by man. I do not feel like there is a person-like being sitting in heaven waiting to choose who's going to live or die and then kill off all the "bad" people--because I truly haven't met many "bad" people upon leaving the jw's. And I guess that's what has changed my mind. I have met so many wonderful, giving, loving people that aren't witnesses! Do they sometimes drive me nuts, because I don't agree with everything they do, of course, that's human nature. But I love them anyway.
I now feel like things here on earth will change for the better when we as humans decide we're tired of it's condition, and do it. I do kind of think there's something out there willing to help us, but I'm not sure what it is. Anyway, I've ranted long enough, thanks for the great question--it's great to put my thoughts into words and to read what place other's are in too.
Becky