Better to dwell on the good things from the past. If any harm was caused, I was complicit, and I take responsibility. Either way, the past is gone—the present moment is beautiful and miraculous.

My sister and I used to be incredibly close....then, when she was away at Vet School, the JWs got her during a vulnerable time in her life....and ever since then, she has chosen all her JW friends over hanging with her own sister. Even her little bit of leisure time is spent with all her JW friends. If she's not at work as Vet Surgeon, she is out knocking on doors...no time or effort into being a sister. And, of course, holidays are now off-limits as are birthdays or any form of presents/gift giving.

I miss her. It's like she died.

I never have since I wasn't brought up in a religious household, I've always been a non-believer.
But over the years I've had some friends that were brought up religious, and I've heard some real horror stories from them.
Especially when they told their friend, and family that they no longer believed.
Some were disowned by their families, some lost their friends, shunned by their community etc.
I couldn't imagine what that must have been like.

I was angry all the time at the injustice of my life , angry at God, until the morning I woke up to realize that there is no god. Now I live in peace knowing its all happenstance. No one is directing the traffic here on Earth.

You can see the harm it causes all over this site by reading what the church taught some about sex. Very harmful. Shame and guilt.

I practice animism.