Exactly a year ago, I posted
this.
It's hard for me to believe that just over a year ago, I was still somewhat firmly entrenched in what I now believe to be a very harmful cult. The past year has been tumultuous to say the least. It's been almost a year since I've spoken to my sister, whom I was close with. Same with my grandfather, but we weren't close. I haven't seen my father since just before xmas, but we maintain a casual relationship with infrequent phone calls in which he's sarcastic about me not being JW and I'm sarcastic about his cult involvement. My mom has been amazingly supportive, but honestly I'm a bit pissed that she remains involved in a religion that has been so harmful to so many of her offspring (and herself), but it really is a cult, and the mind control is powerful. Michael's parents finally found out a few months ago and haven't spoken to him since. I think they'll come around though.
Even though the loss of certain people because of something as stupid as religion was hard, it opened doors to connections with people that now feel closer to me than blood relatives ever did. It's an amazing thing to be able to accept people for who they are and be accepted in return. My mind is so much wider open than it was a year ago. Freedom of thought is truly a wonderful thing.
So here's to empowerment, a life without judgement, and the freedom to follow your own path.
I need to find some sins to commit today.
