It's So Incredibly Hard To Break Free...Or Is It?

onacruse

I was raised as a JW. My mind was formed by, and inexorably conformed to, WTS doctrine. I lived 38 (baptized) years in that mindset: right/wrong, prove this/disprove that, old light/new light.

Several times over the last 25 years I really thought I'd broken free...now I was a new man, brave, open, speak my mind and help change the world. Study the Bible ever more keenly, make deep comments at the Watchtower Study, share with the elders, write to the Society, discuss my concerns with circuit overseers. To no avail; I was still unhappy, either in love or in life.

Now, simply, I learn each day, I share each day, I go to bed each day with peace in my heart...knowing that I've lived this one day as best I could...no explanations required to God or anybody else.

Bottom line: my own peace is no more and no less than...my OWN! Nobody else gives me that peace (not even Katie ). I give it to myself.

And this is a choice that any of us can make.

Craig

RAYZORBLADE

RIGHT ON!

Any room on the cruiseship? This is a trip we all need to take.

Thanx, onacruse

searcher

Now, simply, I learn each day, I share each day, I go to bed each day with peace in my heart...knowing that I've lived this one day as best I could...no explanations required to God or anybody else.

This should apply to everyone, not just ex-jw's.

We all have preconcieved ideas that can get in our way and we should constantly re-evaluate ourselves to see if we need to change something.

searcher.

Guest 77

Yes, now your cooking with gas! Why waste our time on negative thoughts as it accomplishes NOTHING!

Guest 77

blondie

onacruse, I asked that same question about my child abuse experiences. I knew I could never totally forget them. But I found I can remember them without the pain now. It has taken 30 years of conscious effort. Not necessarily every day, but on a forward path. Give it time. No whine before its time (or is that wine) as my husband says. We are fading ourselves and we already are feeling better. Anger is not a daily experience.

Blondie

onacruse

Razor: Finally! Somebody figured out what my handle means..."on-a-cruise" through life, not onacruse for chics LOL. But I had no idea what a wonderful trip the last 6 months would prove to be. btw, welcome to the forum! This community has opened my eyes beyond imagining.

searcher: Yep, it does apply to everybody. And that's one thing that gets me...this was staring me in the face all my life, like a gnat buzzing right in front of my eyes, and I couldn't see it. Finding peace of mind like this is so simple, yet so hard. All we have to do is put out our hand.

Guest: I like that, cooking with gas Yeah, let's turn those burners on full high!

blondie: It's people like you, putting out a piece of your heart, that open the doors for people like me. "Anger is not a daily experience" is not something just anyone would say...usually someone who knows what it was like to have anger every day, has moved beyond that stage, and then is willing to share the experience. Even if it did take us decades to get here. High-5 to you and hubby!

Craig

bikerchic

((((((((((((((Craig))))))))))))))

Awwww sweetie!

Now, simply, I learn each day, I share each day, I go to bed each day with peace in my heart...knowing that I've lived this one day as best I could...no explanations required to God or anybody else.

Simple! Simply put you're the best!

I love you!

Katie

AlanF

Great thoughts, Craig!

Blondie, as usual your insight is running on a full tank.

AlanF

Mac

Not that hard Ona, I just kick you in the shins and run like hell when you loosen yer grip as usual!

P.S. Excellent post, Craig!!!

mac

Big Tex

"Proving to yourselves the ... will of God." -- Paul to the Romans.

I'm coming to the same conclusion as you Craig. This is my life. I'm responsible for my decisions and actions. The things I cannot control, I let go. Or try to.

I believe God gave us a world and everything in it. He gave us two laws to follow and told us to shine our light through that prism. I believe the point of life is not in how many rules and laws we follow correctly, rather it is the manner and affect in which we live this life. How we treat ourselves is at least as important as how we touch others. At the end of the day we understand what we're here for and if we stayed true to that ideal. And there is peace in that knowledge. And what better epithat is there than to say I did my best by my best ideals?

Finally! Somebody figured out what my handle means

I didn't know it was a mystery! Do you mean I could have won some serious brownie points months ago?! Recount!!

It's So Incredibly Hard To Break Free...Or Is It?

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