Happy Freedom Day!

[tracilicious]

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.

[Disneyphile]

Happy Free Thought Birthday, Traci.

[katiesue]

Congratulations Traci!

[Morrigoon]

Happy rebirthday Traci!

[alphabassettgrrl]

So how is it, looking back after a year? What do you think?

[Snowflake]

A very merry un-birthday to you Traci!

May your freedom train roll long and far, no matter which direction life takes you.

[blueerica]

A merry un-birthday Traci.

I'm with AB, I'm curious about any reflections you may have made during that time. I've found that with major changes I've faced, once I've hit a dated milestone, reflection is imminent.

I'm happy that you've done what was right for you - it can be the hardest thing to do.

[€uroMeinke]

I love personal holidays like this - I happen to have a similar one coming up in two weeks. I definitely recommend celebrating in grand fashion.

[tracilicious]

Originally Posted by €uroMeinke

I love personal holidays like this - I happen to have a similar one coming up in two weeks. I definitely recommend celebrating in grand fashion.

I posted this morning and then sort of forgot about it. I haven't sinned at all today. Good thing there's still time. Actually, I don't have to go far to sin. JW's forbid oral (I think this might be a "conscience matter" now, meaning they won't kick you out for doing it, but they'll label you as "weak" and no one will hang out with you) and anal sex, and sex on your period.

I think I'll salute the flag before dinner, then sing Christmas carols, then worship a pagan goddess, then have oral and anal sex, then get drunk (maybe I should move this one up a bit), then go trick or treating, then commit apostasy (actually I think I did this in my last post), then take God's name in vain, then go steal something, then go to bed angry.

[BarTopDancer]

Originally Posted by tracilicious

I think I'll salute the flag before dinner, then sing Christmas carols, then worship a pagan goddess, then have oral and anal sex, then get drunk (maybe I should move this one up a bit), then go trick or treating, then commit apostasy (actually I think I did this in my last post), then take God's name in vain, then go steal something, then go to bed angry.

That's a lot to do in a few hours!