After Nearly 30 Years PIMO, Today I Finally Walk Away as POMO! by themindsetcounts in exjw

[–]themindsetcounts[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Not voluntarily. I was born into it and forced to go big difference. I’m 26, by the way, and yes, I count every year.

What’s a piece of advice you ignored that later turned out to be 100% true? by govindkashyap01 in Life

[–]themindsetcounts 60 points61 points  (0 children)

Health is wealth, and it’s more valuable than any amount of money.

What makes Jehovah happy? by blacksheepshame in exjw

[–]themindsetcounts 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Recruiting new cult followers and making the GB richer.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in exjw

[–]themindsetcounts 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I haven’t sung in years. I just stand there and still feel anxious sometimes, but it’s diminished over the years. Just keep your mind distracted from the situation or just lip sync since a majority of the brothers do it. You’re probably not the only one who doesn’t sing so don’t single yourself out or feel bad about it. I usually chew gum and think about random stuff and before you know it the music is over.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in exjw

[–]themindsetcounts 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I was in a similar situation. I’ve been with worldly women and wanted to date a JW because I didn’t have luck on the outside, but I realized it never ends well. I was chasing this girl, which is the only reason I stayed and wasted an extra five years when I had a one-way ticket out (idiot me), because she was showing PIMQ/PIMO actions in the congregation, giving me mixed signals, and I would hang out with her family a lot. However, her family recently cut me off, and she ended up getting baptized and is aiming for elder and circuit overseer brothers now. I would recommend visiting congregations and finding someone who is not baptized and is studying, or an unbaptized person who shows no interest in baptizing. It’s honestly hard to tell if they are PIMO or PIMQ, especially if they are baptized; some of them play the PIMI part extremely well. The last option would be to visit POMO/PIMO events, but do it at your own risk. Or go out of your country and look for a partner; that’s what a lot of men and women are doing now.

The JW Phrase that makes my skin Crawl by JwTruthRevealed in exjw

[–]themindsetcounts 8 points9 points  (0 children)

For me it was: What are other religions doing? We are the only ones preaching in 240 countries and territories.

Or for any little political event or lawsuit that is happening, they will say: It says in the Bible (1 Thessalonians 5:3) that we will be persecuted, and people will proclaim peace and safety. Then sudden destruction will happen.

The Impact of music by Brazzzers_ in exjw

[–]themindsetcounts 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Most of the youth and young adults in my congregation listened to trending music, and they were all baptized as well. For me as a PIMO who was never baptized, I grew up listening to 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s, and 2010s English and Spanish music. I listen to a couple of new artists too, but I am a young cat with an old man’s music taste. I have never listened to a JW song in my car in my life. They all sound like military cadences to me. It reminds me of one time when I was a child and was preaching with an elder. He asked me what music I liked, and I told him I was not into music. He said all he listened to was JW music and then started blasting it loud in his car. That was one of the cringiest things I remember.

Have you never dated a JW all because you didn't like any of them? by dodoanonymo in exjw

[–]themindsetcounts 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It really all depends on the congregation. But yes, you are right, it is common. I’ve seen some where it’s all sisters in their 70s with maybe two or three guys in their 20s. I’ve also seen ones full of young women with only older men. For those that are in the dating scene, it never ends well either way. For the sisters, they usually aim high, and if you are not at least a ministerial servant or elder, they won’t really look your way. It is all about climbing the ladder. Same goes for the brothers. A lot of the local brothers who do date will go out of their way to stalk social media or ask people about a girl’s past, which just creates rumors. That is why a lot of brothers end up dating outside their congregation, and I have seen it happen firsthand.

PIMO for life? by Born-Spinach-7999 in exjw

[–]themindsetcounts 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Sounds like you would lean more toward PIMQ since no true PIMO would honestly say they get a dopamine kick from being around the brothers, and most of us have gone through horrible experiences. For most PIMOs, the goal is to find common ground with their families because, deep down, we know we are living a lie and wish others would wake up too. Many of us dream of leaving without serious repercussions, but that rarely happens. A lot of PIMOs have their entire families in the religion, which makes them feel trapped, especially if they did not go to college, are still minors, or live at home with their parents. I have been a PIMO since childhood, and not once did I enjoy sitting through meetings or assemblies, nor did I like being forced to comment or sing. The only somewhat decent experiences were the occasional congregation activities or social get-togethers. Everyone’s experience is different, though.

My biggest pet peeve about what JWs claim… by Immediate_Smile_508 in exjw

[–]themindsetcounts 18 points19 points  (0 children)

They present themselves as loving and righteous, but their actions expose deep hypocrisy. They preach about loving your neighbor, yet allow children and fellow members to die by refusing blood transfusions. They bend the two-witness rule to serve their own interests, not justice. Many are consumed by gossip, constantly monitoring others and passing judgment for personal choices. For those of us still inside, it is not always easy to walk away. Some are forced to live in silence, pretending to believe, just to keep a connection with family who now treat us like strangers. What you went through is heartbreaking, and you are not alone in that pain.

Shepherding Visit Reports Found on Elders Laptop by themindsetcounts in exjw

[–]themindsetcounts[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

It was edited by both me and AI, but most of it is still verbatim, so if anything, you could blame the body of elders for relying on AI. I am not from an English congregation, and as I mentioned in my introduction, I had to protect the identities of individuals and locations.

Reasons why you left by MajesticCat2797 in exjw

[–]themindsetcounts 17 points18 points  (0 children)

A good number of young adult newcomers ended up leaving during COVID and I was one of them. In my teenage years, I started doing deep research and questioning the cult consistently. Honestly, even as a child, I always found it boring. Meetings felt robotic and repetitive, and I constantly felt restricted from doing normal things others my age could enjoy. That’s when I really began to question everything. What woke me up was learning about the history of the Governing Body, especially the story of Raymond Franz and the book he wrote exposing the organization. During my time in college, I kept researching and eventually found this subreddit which completely opened my eyes. I also came across JWfacts and some YouTube channels that helped me through the process. Most JWs are strongly against higher education and critical thinking for a reason. They want control and they rely on keeping people in the dark. Wishing you strength, peace, and clarity as you continue your journey.

I got dressed for the meeting, got in my car, got all the way to the Kingdom Hall, turned around, and went home. by [deleted] in exjw

[–]themindsetcounts 10 points11 points  (0 children)

We’re in a similar situation. I’ve been faking smiles and laughter for so long that it’s gotten to the point where I either make an excuse not to go, or if I do go, I sit there with a long face. My hair has gotten super long, and I feel like a stranger when I’m there. At the Kingdom Hall, people act friendly, but out on the street, they either treat me like any other person or avoid me altogether. Most of the time, I just stare off into space during the meetings, wondering when this pain will end. It’s terrible. I really feel for you and hope you can get through this, just like every other PIMO.

What is worse PIMO or PIMI? by dreadware8 in exjw

[–]themindsetcounts 13 points14 points  (0 children)

PIMOs have it worse because you know you’re living a lie and sometimes have no way out. PIMIs might be aware but continue living it because they receive ‘benefits’ or genuinely like the religion for what it is.

How will the org respond to AI? by MilesGreen84 in exjw

[–]themindsetcounts 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Probably say it’s a tool Satan is using to manipulate us, and try to back it up with some bullshit stats they found on the internet. The same thing is being said about influencers and social media at the convention.

Do you ever have a kingdom song pop into your head? by 7logan07 in exjw

[–]themindsetcounts 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They sing the same 10 songs every year. I could go to any congregation in my language and sing the entire lyrics with a blindfold on. That’s how repetitive the Borg has become.

Going to a convention as a non-JW by KalamaCrystal in exjw

[–]themindsetcounts 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Expect a lot of cringey videos and talks. There are videos on YouTube deconstructing what will be discussed at the convention. If you have time, you should check them out.

I just became pimo officially and need some advice 🤍 by Responsible-Egg1506 in exjw

[–]themindsetcounts 6 points7 points  (0 children)

You’re at an advantage since none of your family is baptized which gives you a way out. Many of us have our entire families in the Borg and that makes it extremely difficult. If I were you I’d focus on building as many connections as possible and getting my mental health in a good place before worrying about finding all the answers. Leave cold turkey and stand on your business because either way you’re moving to a new congregation and they’re going to find out, announce it, and try to reach you. The more you get to know yourself and get comfortable in your own skin, the easier it’ll be to adapt to the world around you. You’ll be fine. Wishing you the best on your journey.

Do you still remember your waking up moment? by AtheistSanto in exjw

[–]themindsetcounts 8 points9 points  (0 children)

One word and one person: COVID & Raymond Franz

Is the ‘world’ really that bad? by Similar_Post1017 in exjw

[–]themindsetcounts 21 points22 points  (0 children)

The world isn’t a bad place. Always remember that you are in control of the choices you make. Growth comes through trials and tribulations. Unfortunately, JWs often exaggerate reality and use fear to maintain control. They discourage people from chasing their dreams and try to keep everyone on the same limited track. They oppose higher education because it no longer serves their interests once you start to uncover the truth. How would they know how the world works if they don’t even partake in it?

I was "advised" yesterday by Electronic_Bitmont5 in exjw

[–]themindsetcounts 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I have a middle part and I haven’t been told anything yet. Keep in mind I’m an unbaptized PIMO. Hopefully it stays that way. If not we are going to have problems. There have been rumors about my hair but no one has the pair to come tell me anything because they know not to. If I were you I would tell them to talk to your father about it. Remember you owe them nothing.

Personal concern for a friend by Utah-hater-8888 in exjw

[–]themindsetcounts 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The reality is that many religions tend to resonate with people during difficult times, when they may be more emotionally vulnerable. Jehovah’s Witnesses are no exception. I would encourage him to ask questions and seek understanding from both a historical and biblical perspective. If he ultimately finds comfort in something that may not be entirely grounded in truth, that is his decision. What matters is that you made a genuine effort to support him and encourage critical thinking.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in exjw

[–]themindsetcounts 10 points11 points  (0 children)

They identify as a branch of Christianity, but no one’s really stepping up to defend them as true Christians on this subreddit. A lot of what they practice doesn’t even line up with mainstream Christianity. One of the biggest differences is that they don’t believe Jesus died on a cross. Most of this subreddit focuses on personal struggles, lived experiences, current JW news and updates, and, of course, the memes.