J2BF--Thank you for your kind words. My life has definitely been drastic--believe me I left out a lot! But life always goes on, and I finally decided I was going to be happy in it. Thankfully, I have had a wonderful network of friends who have always been there through thick and thin. And I hope too that my story will help others--because so many have helped me.((((((JOY)))))
((((((Matty)))))--The funny thing is about it taking me so long to write is that I LOVE to talk, but for some reason writing it out was difficult for me. And although being positive has been a struggle, the difference in how I feel inside now is tremendous. For me, it just boils down to liking people.
((((Maverick))))--It's my pleasure to share my story. And I hope to meet many of you someday from the board!
((((Wednesday))))--Thanks for reading it despite the length. Although many times I doubt how "good of a head" I have, when I look at the friends I have in my life I'm very grateful for what I DO have.
((((Naru))))--Thank you! My life has definitely been interesting--at least to me.
((((Irreverent))))--Thank you for your words! I can only hope that what we ALL go through can some day help someone else.
((((((Out of the Org)))))--I guess somewhere along the way I realized all I want is for people to love me for whoever I am--and I had to do it for others FIRST. It's interesting you said that about "following my own feelings of right and wrong". You hit the nail on the head with that one! Whenever I fight my true feelings, I always pay a huge price. Thank you for somehow recognizing that!
((((((Rayzor Blade)))))))))--I'm glad to have made your night--because when I got on here today and read all of the kind and uplifting words that everyone wrote, tears of joy just poured down my face! Thanks for telling me how it made you feel.
((((((((Jesika))))))))))--By the time I finished writing it, I thought there was no way anyone would read it all! Thanks so much for reading and sharing how it made you feel. I've not always been the best at replying when something moves me, but I'm getting better. I hope your life is going well--I have read several of your posts with some of the trials you were going through with your job and child. Thanks for the hugs and kisses!
(((((((Gopher)))))))--I always feel like I have a hard time expressing myself when I'm writing, but I guess I got my point across anyway! Thank you for reading it though! And I agree, I will not let them control my life any longer. I love my family, and they ALL know how much happier I am. I lost a lot of weight, so they can even see physical changes. (And whenver I run into jw "friends"--I let them know how happy I am, and none of them EVER are happy themselves, unfortunately.) It just really shows who's misled...
Thanks to all of you have have read and responded to my story. For whatever reasons, it took me a while to let it out. I'm so glad I did--because knowing that my trials could possibly help someone else makes it all worth it. I look forward to getting to know you all better, and hope to someday meet you in person.
Love,
Becky