Life After Jehovah's Witnesses Documentary

The Jehovah's Witnesses teach their members that their life will fall apart and they will only find unhappiness if they leave the organization. In this documentary, several former Jehovah's Witnesses tell their stories of why they left the Watchtower and how their life has changed since gaining their freedom.
Contact Joe & Fran: 315-221-0130 ([e-mail])
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*This channel is purely for discussing JW and EXJW culture. This channel will not be used to promote Atheism, Christianity or any other belief systems.

[@Ell5589]

I am honestly, completely blown away by this! As a 4th generation witness, newly awake and out, I’m just in awe. At 73, I’m in tears and awe over this documentary. My husband resigned as an elder, we both resigned as pioneers and just walked after Tony’s hate speech regarding his homophobia. My husband woke up and left at 82. Our son and daughter in law woke up shortly before us, and we knew it was inconceivable that we would ever consider shunning them. Thank you for this! ❤

[@exjwdiaries]

Thank you so much! I’m actually just beginning the concept stages for my next big video project which will be centered around people that leave the organization in their 60s, 70s, and 80s (and even 90s). You are more than welcome to join in if you’d like.

[@fenix-rv7tp]

Mad respect for your courage!

[@Ell5589]

@@exjwdiaries is there a way to contact you? I think we’d both be ready for something like this. We are not DF’d, nor did we disassociate, because I have one son still in, but he’s been shunning us anyway.

[@exjwdiaries]

My email is at the very end of most videos. There should also be a contact button on my profile page.

[@alicedowntherabbithole6456]

It inspires me who left at 49 😊there’s more of us than we realise xx

[@eliapp]

I was born into JW and excelled at everything a JW should do - a baptized publisher, auxiliary pioneering, among others. I left about 10 years ago and I've never regretted it even once after leaving the organization. I hope many others in the organization really open up to learn why others like us left and stop this brainwashing idea of apostates trying to bring them to the devil. I always throw the challenge at them: "Once you learn some secret things about the organization, you'll definitely run away from it."

[@dv6509]

Thank you for this amazing documentary! I was born in and left 30 years ago. My family shuns me, but I have a good chosen family now, and my kids are free of being indoctrinated

[@exjwdiaries]

That’s wonderful! Glad you and your kids are out and free!

[@kjean8605]

Not “why is this happening to me” but “what can this teach me.” 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Beautiful.

[@exjwdiaries]

I love that part too!

[@johnc6051]

I left this cult behind when I was 16 and it is one of the main reasons I am still here.

[@laymanphil8513]

Many thanks for this excellent documentary. It should be broadcast on every television channel in the world.

[@exjwdiaries]

Aww thank you!

[@theresefournier3269]

They'd give the sheep the strictest of warnings to not watch that apostate stuff, wherever it may come from, they are not to watch it!! 🤢 And like obedient and happy slaves, acquiesce 😢

[@Joeandfran]

@@laymanphil8513 We agree!

[@virtualcolditz]

Excellent. No hype, no condemnation, just a plain and straightforward presentation of truth. Well done :D

[@exjwdiaries]

Thank you!

[@Joeandfran]

Thank you so much for such a beautiful expression of unfolding love. Breaking free from the Jehovah’s Witness organization allows the individual to discover the beauty and the value of our lives and everyone we meet. Courage and living truthfully is required. Your very life is the reward.

[@exjwdiaries]

Thank you for being part of it!

[@heatherwillson4862]

Beautifully said, Joe & Fran! Thank you for participating in this beautiful documentary. You are really appreciated! I hand it to you for your courage, integrity & heart. Would give anything for my 88 yr old mother to follow your example & heal her 3 kids before its too late.

[@Joeandfran]

@@heatherwillson4862 there is still time❤️

[@thehannahregina]

What a great documentary. I'm almost 50... born in... left in 2020 and disassociated in 2023. Thank you so much. Love from Canada

[@exjwdiaries]

Thank you! Glad you woke up!

[@Joeandfran]

@@thehannahregina Hi to our adopted daughter ❤️

[@alicedowntherabbithole6456]

I was nearly 50 too. Never looked back xx

[@marie-clairedelongchamp1330]

Left in 2018, celebrated my 55th birthday after 33 years in, themed it « Freedom 55 » 😉. Love from 🇨🇦 as well!

[@stasacab]

After leaving the Borg in USA, I have been to Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, Ireland, Czechia, France, Peru and India.

[@exjwdiaries]

Wow now that’s living! No waiting for a new system to see the world. I definitely have India, Peru and Sweden on my list too. I’ll have to do some research on the other places you mentioned.

[@Beautyrest575]

@@exjwdiarieshey Justin go to my home country Germany😀,but in late spring or summer! I loved this docu will forward it to my friend who is in the process of waking up! The house is absolutely gorgeous!!!!

[@exjwdiaries]

Had to re-upload to fix some audio issues. Thanks for watching! Share with anyone who may benefit.

[@JOHN-mr3qf]

As always, brilliantly put together. Well DONE.

[@Wisedupwoman]

The strings are still too loud especially when the interviewee is not up close to the mic

[@dianesicgala4310]

God bless you both. I left the Catholic Church and joined this evil organization for about 19 yrs. I am very blessed to be back in the Catholic Church.

[@brendabeefresh]

Amén ❤

[@labigizmo]

Why the Catholic Church? Its not biblical

[@dianesicgala4310]

The Bible is a Catholic Book. Put together long before the Reformation.

[@amydurga8448]

I love the line about being mad at a blindfolded person bumping into you. Sums up the apostate empathy for JW’s very well.

[@richardcuadra5824]

I am not an ex-JW, but I am an ex-Catholic. I was Christian for 28 years until I woke up and realized it was bullshit. There were many occasions over the years when I was treated badly and made to feel as though I had done something wrong. When people were abusive to me, Christians often made me feel that I deserved it and owed the abusive person an apology. Although I am not an ex-JW myself, I love the ex-JW community because I struggle with PTSD and anger on a daily basis, but the ex-JW community is my support group. I love every single one of you. Thanks

[@Jade_7_7]

You are more than welcome in the ExJW community. It's a safe space for anyone who has been through and still struggling with religious trauma. I was a born in JW. I'm 23 years old and recently left. The hardest decision of my life. Ive decided that I still identify as Christian, I still believe in God. But I do not belong to any religious organization. I do not judge anyone anymore....we all have different beliefs. I have friends who are atheists, Muslims, agnostic etc. We're all different! And that's what keeps life interesting 😊 Thank you for your contribution to the ExJW community, your experience can help so many people. ❤️

[@richardcuadra5824]

@@Jade_7_7 Christianity is poison; the truth is that Christianity at face value is every bit as destructive as the JW cult.

[@Seeklip196T]

​@@Jade_7_7Jesus is coming back. Religion is all man. Relationship is all Jesus. Sorry about that! God can still use you to rescue others! Be encouraged! Time is winding up and History is winding down! God bless you!

[@emostorm7]

Jesus is certainly returning. I'm not affiliated with JW, I'm a Christian....I believe The Bible.

[@Seeklip196T]

@emostorm7 the only faith that matters.

[@upstream0564]

OMG this was the best documentary I’ve ever watched. I’ve been out of the organization for two years now. Been PIMO for over 5 years. Always had doubts. Im 34 years old and was a former elder, ministerial servant, pioneer and husband. I left it all. It’s the hardest sacrifice I had to make to preserve my mental health, peace and happiness.

[@delphinawhiles6235]

Wow I have so much respect for elders that wake up. My husband is still in. I'm nearly 64 n my husband is still in (says he believes in the bible. Only the gb if they use the scriptures). I know your laughing. He was a min servant n on his way to becoming an elder. I met him as a pioneer when i auxiliarie d. Then he got ill n stood down. But I did witness much of the behind scenes btw elders n min servants n even the direction of the co back then not being listened to. His bro is an elder with a full grown santaclause beard n told me that I could wear pants to the meetings if I wish. I said yer but sis can't wear them on stage. He said nothing. Then blow me down, within a few weeks my prediction came true. My husband is always when he sees something was wrong (when I was in)....leave it to jah. So I was the one ringing bethel or approaching the elders. But as u know, sisters r never listened to. But I'm proud of myself that b4 I faded (the elders in my previous cong won't come near me. I think they r scared of me) bc I threatened legal action to one, if theyvdid to me what I saw them do in a shunning talk to another. My pimo friend said to me, what u actually said legal action. I said yep. I said well u have been through hell n back with them n u taught me that. He was wow but I never thought you'd say that. U realize now he's gone back n told them all now u said that. My reply. Good bring it on. I never did anything wrong. I was firm but also polite. I wasn't breaking any biblical law. My husband knew I was right. It was the elders who did the wrong thing giving the marking talk n then COMING TO OUR HOUSE N TRYING TO GET OUT OF US WHO THEY WERE TALKING ABOUT. As a previous elder u know that it wrong. This elder to this day still conducts the wt. I can't be bothered anymore, but I'd love to ring him n say wow no more marking talks from the platform now. If I was going to the hall (but I'm not) .....I'd say to him, well I've decided to mark u n your wife, so if your sitting on the left of the kh I'll sit on the right. N if elder so n so is sitting in the front then I'll sit at the back. Believe me, id love to ring them all individually n say that But Nar I won't. Not worth my breath. I've known nice elders over the yrs (as people). I realize now none r your true friends if u dont comply with the company rules or have a different opinion but these older elders in my last 2 congs, no joke they ruled like the Gestapo. I don't even like associating with my husbands elder bro anymore. His Santa clause beard is a disgrace. I said to my husband your bro has wanted a beard all his witness life. N now that mummy n daddy has said he's allowed he grows one. Pls hubby ca I tell him that. My husband replies pls don't, it's my bro n my family. Pls keep the peace. Can I pls tell him then not to kiss me goodbye. It's itchy n scratchy. At least that makes him laugh. I csnt look at those 2 clown gb members n there's. I'm being totally honest. I can't, it's a joke. I saw the witnesses in my street a few wks ago. I came home n said to my husband that I did not recognise them as jws. Sis in pants, bros in pants. Again totally honest, I never would have taken them as a jw. A beard is like a good hair cut. It needs maintenance n I've just learnt needs oiling. Maybe I should take some beard oil as a present for my bro in law n say b4 u kiss me goodbye, applie this so I don't get scratched. I think he'd laugh n be ok with that as long as I didn't say, new light from the bible...oops gb.

[@christinesotelo7655]

This was beautiful. Thank you so much. My most freeing moments when I was no longer a JW, was to say: “I don’t know” to a question I really didn’t know the answer to! No more scrambling through thin pages of Scriptures, or having to pull answers out of thin air because we HAD to give a recruit the “Truth” according to the WT Org.

[@exjwdiaries]

Love that!

[@leadanon127]

I was JW for twenty years. Finally Jesus set me free! I agree with many things I learnt as JW but I think I understand bible better than Governing body.

[@damonrandall9844]

I loved this documentary so much. You struck so many chords in me that I just about cried. I was so happy to see and hear from Joe and Fran and Jeron Benton. I could see your heart pouring into this huge undertaking. It was so professionally made with great attention to detail. Your interviewee’s were inspirational and had my heart in my throat for their experiences. Thank you for all the hard work you put into this project and I look forward to seeing more in the future! Love always brother!

[@exjwdiaries]

Wow, thank you!

[@itsjustme6315]

I feel the same way! Awesome!

[@Joeandfran]

Thank you Damon, have we spoken to you?

[@damonrandall9844]

@@Joeandfran No. but I enjoy watching you sharing your experiences. I’ve watched you on Fixing My Faith and it was really cool recognizing you in a documentary.

[@Toke11784]

Born and raised currently PIMO. I am reteaching myself everyday, so grateful for this content. Watched till the end❤

[@exjwdiaries]

Thank you! Stay strong! PIMO life can be tough but once you get through it, it’s all worth it!

[@alicedowntherabbithole6456]

I can’t imagine what that must be like. I knew I didn’t believe for the last 10 years but my full waking up came when I faded. Remember you are not alone x

[@kevinmoyer6224]

Great job to everyone involved 👏 hopefully we'll see the end of this cult in our lifetimes.

[@exjwdiaries]

I certainly hope so! Although I sometimes worry about new splinter groups getting formed.

[@mattmurdock2868]

Watching it now. Watchtower is in collapse.

[@dagmarpilotti3884]

This was my experience as well as to waking up. I went through so much emotional pain, trying to come to grips with it not being the truth!.That I had been mislead for decades of my young life!.So much trauma involved. In my 60's now and I still feel I lost so much of my life to this religion.I was born into it and completely indoctrinated.

[@exjwdiaries]

That feeling of being so misled definitely hits you hard. I think thats why it’s so tough for some people to wake up. They just can’t come to grips with the fact that they have been fooled.

[@christinesotelo7655]

It’s definitely more difficult for Seniors and elderly I think, because you’ve invested so much into free service. And now that we are older, the WT vies for assets if a person has any. Widows without money or assets, for example, are pretty much left on their own without JW Assistance for the grieving process, or to be independent again, or helped with resources in the County Community. Also, I think it is more difficult to leave at an older age if children or other loved ones are still in since the shunning separates.

[@Insight-DrivenDisruptor]

Well developed documentary!!! This would surely help many stocked inside the high control religious cult, to take back their power and life from the JW GB demigods.

[@exjwdiaries]

Thank you!

[@muma6559]

from 18 minutes, that's how I reasoned, no normal person would feel the urge to control others, and masses at that, it means things are very wrong with those leaders

[@cultytalk]

Wow - what the lady in pink said about loving yourself hit me very deeply. I want to get there. ❤ Thank you for this video. Great job!!

[@exjwdiaries]

Self love is such a powerful and important thing. It’s sad the JWs don’t teach it. For me, it changed everything. It’s a great feeling to look in the mirror every morning and truly love the person looking back. Not in an arrogant way but in a healthy and positive way.

[@mandyrusso3160]

This was an amazing explanation of what it's like ! I've been disfellowshipped for 20 years now born into it and all my family is still involved heavily. It has been a lonely struggle. Thank you to everyone involved in this, for sharing their intimate feelings that was very brave , as it's still hard for myself to talk about . Ex JWs need to hear this . Much love to everyone ❤

[@Kristy_not_Kristine]

The blindfold analogy is excellent. We can and should have compassion for people still "blindfolded"❤ in all cults.

[@Wisedupwoman]

“Rent a friend” is such a great way to describe what happens when you leave. “They get repossessed by the renters when you leave” - great analogy

[@debraalexander9535]

It's a wonderful video. Unpacking those deeply set doctrines takes time & work like this is invaluable in resetting .❤❤❤❤

[@exjwdiaries]

Well said!

[@writinghappyhour6945]

I can't express how much good this documentary will do. Thank you. ❤

[@exjwdiaries]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@grammargoddessNYC]

Excellent documentary. Truly great for showing those that are afraid to question why they SHOULD question everything! Thank you Justin! I'm so happy to be on the other side of this madness!

[@exjwdiaries]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bobbiefritz2525]

The “rent a friend” description really hit hard. Describes how I feel about what happened with my parents. They are my rent mom and dad. Rented for 44 years and now they are done being my parents. 💔

[@exjwdiaries]

The way they tear apart relationships is so sad.

[@Joeandfran]

@@bobbiefritz2525 We lost our children and looking for more children to adopt!

[@bobbiefritz2525]

⁠@@Joeandfran so sweet! I know I could never replace your children and you could never replace my parents but we can find some joy in cultivating new relationships ❤ we know each other’s pain.

[@alicedowntherabbithole6456]

Thank you. For many years I struggled with the belief everyone who didn’t believe would die. I faded. I started therapy in April and I’m doing good, and I’m finding where I fit in with the world. These testimonials are further confirmation that I made the right decision xx and if I get disfellowshipped I don’t care now.

[@lorenmartinez7613]

Once you're out you will immediately start to feel better.getting out was the best thing i did for my whole family.

[@womanofcharacter]

I didn't wake up until after I left and went back several times. I left because I was exhausted of never being able to measure up so the feelings of rejection, defeat, self-doubt and anxiety were huge for me. My daughter discovered ex-JW channels on KZbin and shared them with me. The anger I felt towards my mum who joined when we were babies and bullied and blackmailed us to conform was so immense. Finally after support from people on the outside, I have been able to build a life. My little brother is now out and going through the same I went through. At least I now have 1 sibling, but the others are all still in.

[@MartinHentges]

Thank you 😊 very good documentary. Been out 24 years. Still shunned. It’s very sad. It’s sad, very same thing with sexual abuse happened with our family. No police investigation… no recourse due to the 2 witness rule. He went on to sexually abuse in a different KH. More kids had to suffer. To my knowledge the authorities were never told. The JW didn’t want to bring reproach to Jehovahs name. - best decision I ever made to be out.

[@exjwdiaries]

That’s so sad. This issue is far too widespread. Something really needs to be done. At the very least, we can keep spreading awareness.

[@eabay2102]

Amazing work 👏🏾 It's so nice to see how the ones that left are happy and just living life. That Puyallup assembly hall brought back some memories of bad memories. I wasn't even a single mom at the time, just the dad didn't attend. The judgemental looks I got and one sister who doesn't even know me making assumptions and some hurtful things that brought me to tears. I'm so glad to be out and literally living my happiest life ❤

[@exjwdiaries]

Yeah they can definitely be judgmental against anyone who isn’t coming from a full family unit. I definitely experienced some of that myself.

[@theresefournier3269]

All these poor witnesses ever get to truly witness, are the lies and horror stories they are brainwashed to be-lie-ve 😢

[@judepamment1106]

This is a raw and authentic ex JW doco. Left at 22yo and at 50yo I'm so grateful I made my choice.

[@gabrielkoncowski1403]

Hi shocking testimonials.heartbreaking.such beautiful people on here thanks for sharing. Much love from England ❤

[@robotaholic]

I'm so tired of bad luck in life. Being born into this, being gay, passing 18 kidney stones...I could keep listing things but it's too personal. You are so good at making content like this. Thank you

[@davidhumphries1146]

I hear ya man.

[@London_miss234]

If you’re still into religion, look into The Episcopal Church.

[@paulbonanno1442]

Thanks and well done. I can relate and understand what you all went through as an ex-JWs (Special Pioneer & Elder) - disassociated myself 30 years ago.

[@exjwdiaries]

Thank you!

[@theresefournier3269]

Sorry i never knew you then❤

[@CharlesClinton-bt6nl]

What must be an incredible feeling to be free from this bondage.

[@theresefournier3269]

@@CharlesClinton-bt6nl That's however when the real work begins. From deep within. ❤️🔥💯

[@immanuel.isaiah7.14]

Paul so glad you got out . But have you since discovered the real Jesus?

[@michelejashinsky8409]

Rent a friend I loved that it’s so true!

[@rebuildingrebelyn]

Oooh. Former raised in. Can't watch atm but gonna watch tonight. ❤❤😊

[@exjwdiaries]

Hope you enjoy

[@juliepeat4402]

I watched this documentary through twice and I seemed to gain strength and inspiration from it. I’m still discovering who I am, what I want from my life. I am discovering new hobbies and creative talents. I feel a wonderful sense of freedom now. JWs give the impression that if one leaves the org. then you’re likely to turn to drink drugs and hopeless despair as Satan’s world sucks you in . Well we are all responsible for the choices we make and that is not a way of life that appeals to the vast majority of people.

[@exjwdiaries]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it. Discovering yourself can be a challenge at first especially after years of being told who you are but the more you step into your individuality, the more life rewards you. We all as individuals have something special and unique to add to the collective. Being forced into sameness like the JWs try to do is really unnatural. I know you will find yourself and I know when you do, you will be amazed at who you TRULY are.

[@delphinawhiles6235]

I loved this so much. I love listening to ex witness personal stories. Id like to add as a close to 64yr old who has faded n HAPPILY LEFT that u have nothing to fear. Life is short, its your journey n noones eleses. If your a teenager or young person, anyone with much family in n u need to be pimo, i dont judge u n completely understand. The govt is wakingbupnto this cruel disfellowshipping (now called removed) same thing n same consequences. But if your esp a child or teenager (speaking from experience here; i was a few days off 13 n had no idea of the conquences of what babtism to the organisation meant if u decide to leave. I just was a child who loved God Jesus bc thatvwas my previous life as a catholic child instilled in me by my parents but mainly my mother. The transition besides no christmas n birthdays was the hardest n the isolation that caused at school n work wasnt easy. But your taught your pleasing Jah. I would encourage as i said especially any young person living at home with their jw family NOT to letbany parents, extended family members, your babtized so called friends in the organisation parts u listen to in the meetings, assemby, videos or talks by the gb themselves. I rem listening to Geoffery Jackson coming down on young ones who had not yet taken that step. (N where is he now?). Religion or your personal beliefs is your business n yours alone. True family n friends accept u for who u r, not your religion. If u n only u decide that the JW religion is for u, that is your choice. But i encourage u to put off babtism in your teenage yrs n do a thorough research on the consequences of getting babtized as a jw means if u decide to leave or break the rules. I never knew ny of this as a child n so many have paid such consequences from this one act of babtism as kids being cut off from family. I only had one son n he never took to the religion (as a witness i was heart broken). But now so grateful that he n my grankids can life a normal n happy life. But the pain i still feel to this day that i did to his brain trying to raise him as a witness, it does haunt me. He gives his kids christmas n birthday presents but bc he was deprived of this himself by us as parents, it doesnt have the same meaning n i get that if someone gives me a christmas present or wishes me happy birthday. Some things drilled into us takes a lifetime to undo. Ive sent this with so much love for u n I hope something ive said resonattes with u to make up your own mind as to the life n future u choose.

[@pearlytiger564]

This was so well put together. Hello from Renton. My best friend is so mentally trapped and brainwashed. It kills me every time he talks about the org knowing they have fed him so much bull$hit. I try and talk about it, but he shuts down the conversation and the walls go up. I was never a JW. He has himself convinced that because I never was a Jw, then I don’t know what I’m talking about and I just don’t understand how things work in the org. Without even bringing it up, he talks about disfellowshipping and it only happens for unrepentant sin. I held my tongue. Wanted to mention shunning and how inhumane it is, but he would have shut it down. I told him on Saturday that, “it’s not fair that you can talk about it, but I cannot.” He kept reiterating that I could speak my mind but I would tell him, “no, I can’t, and you know it. You stop the conversation every time.” WT has him trained to shut down anytime that cognitive dissonance hits. I wish he would wake up!

[@exjwdiaries]

Small world! I know a bunch of JWs in Renton! I hope your friend is able to wake up. I’m sure at least some of the things you have said to him have weighed on his mind even if he won’t admit it.

[@pearlytiger564]

@@exjwdiaries I really hope that’s true. I share scripture with him, since he’s accepting of it. I’m a nondenominational Christian. One in particular (over text) was the passage that talks about “do not put your trust in princes, in men who cannot save,” and he replied thinking it was about worldly government. I made a point to say that it’s with any men, whether it’s from government or religion. This is just one example. He often doesn’t react to them but I really hope it gives him something to think about. I’m also going to take it another step and post on insta since I know he would see it there too. I’m trying to be strategic without being obvious with what I’m doing.

[@MSSHARIII]

​@@pearlytiger564You're a great friend!

[@pearlytiger564]

@@MSSHARIII I try 😉 thank you 😊

[@nicolejames5317]

This is a Great Overall video explaining the aftermath ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@exjwdiaries]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@theresefournier3269]

I am happy seeing most of the elders i met across Canada, are also leaving this incredible cult of the true Pharisees and apostates on eart-h.

[@rebella5769]

Ohhhhh, how I enjoyed this documentary. Fantastic work, amazing job. Huge Thank You. I loved your analogy about friendships that are actually just leased wirh conditions. I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL, Justin. Cant wait for future videos.

[@exjwdiaries]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@doctor.chioma]

This is the real field service. Well done. Great job.

[@awest005]

This is so well done. I have been out for over 20 years and found this thought provoking and comforting at the same time. Excellent work!

[@josephnyirongo1990]

This is one of the best exjw documentaries I have seen on KZbin. Thanks for the effort you put in. Much love ❤️ from Zambia.

[@planeclassic7129]

Justin, this is a very powerful documentary. I’m sharing this, and in particular with a young person that I know, who no longer believes the witness doctrines, although they have to still deal with the witness CULTure.

[@exjwdiaries]

Thank you! Hopefully it helps that person. The PIMO life can be tough.

[@planeclassic7129]

@@exjwdiaries You are very welcome. I’ll explain that situation to you tomorrow.

[@REChronic54]

I’ve been struggling with the teachings for awhile. I went through a horrible time in Covid due to career paths not working out. And people got a wind of that and began pressuring me to give up focus on secular goals and instead dedicate my life to the organization’s many needs. I went through a horrible depression because I was conflicted; I knew I didn’t want to do any of it but still felt as if I had to give up my personal life because I didn’t know how to function outside of it. I’m a 26 year old PIMO now, slowly preparing myself for life outside of the religion but I feel like I’m so behind in life.

[@exjwdiaries]

I can definitely relate. I was also 26 when I left and I also felt like I was so behind my non JW peers. 6 years later, I can promise you that leaving the JWs will require some growth but as long as you stay focused on your healing you will rapidly grow and before you know it you will be someone you never even dreamed of being. I have created the EXJW recovery workbook which you can get for free and there’s a ton of other great resources out there to help you with your recovery and healing.

[@teleshacrump5641]

“Don’t just exist. LIVE!!!” Thank you so very much for your content. And thank you to everyone for sharing parts of your story. I could relate to so much of what was said. After 50 years in and almost 9 out, I love that I can make my life how I want it. Personal development is so key, I think, after leaving. I’m learning to fail forward and not get stuck. Here’s to the journey. Thank you for being.

[@theresefournier3269]

YAHsome ❤in-DEED. Welcome home and in the true church, deep in your own h-eart.

[@exjwdiaries]

Wow 50 years in! I’m glad you were able to get out and start recovering.

[@christinesotelo7655]

Such a wonderful comment!❤

[@teleshacrump5641]

@@exjwdiariesYep, born and raised. Survivor of spousal domestic abuse and ‘witness’ to the egregious way they handle serious situations. My PIMO children helped me wake up and all three of us are out. The ex is still in last I heard. It’s sad because to me he is like the poster child of everything that’s wrong with the JWborg. I’m in therapy and pursuing personal development modalities that resonate with me. My young adults are finding their own way as well. Self-sabotage and money blocks are issues I look forward to overcoming on a more consistent basis. But overall I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I look forward to your next video.

[@lmb1962]

Hi, y'all. Please pray for my friends, who joined 40 years ago, to get out. Their names are Laurie, Chris and Debbie. Since I didn't join and I tried to get them out, they have shunned me ever since. That was 40 years I never fogot them. Thank you.

[@jessicacaldwell6262]

When the WT GB’s talk about “New Light” it can also mean WT organization is being “Exposed” to CSA cases and finally the victims are getting justice !!! 👍🏼😊👍🏼

[@exjwdiaries]

Yeah they need to get some “new light” about their 2 witness rule. I’m surprised they haven’t already considering it’s costing them millions.

[@jessicacaldwell6262]

@@exjwdiariesI totally agree… the Two Witness rule will be the rule that will Bite the WT GB’s Ass… a rule that makes no sense in the CSA cases !!!

[@latinabruja4955]

Thank you. This was an informative and very powerful documentary. Sending lots of Aloha

[@exjwdiaries]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@pilarmartinez4298]

This was so well done! Truth!

[@exjwdiaries]

Thank you!

[@JustDeannaJune]

Absolutely amazing work Justin! I've watched it 3x now. I'm good friends with Joe and Fran. And I know you know Valissia as well, you interviewed her a while back. She's my newer friend and an amazing one at that! You have done such an unbelievable job at presenting exactly what so many of us want to say! As a fellow ExJW and content creator, I can't thank you enough for all the hard work and efforts you obviously went through to put this art piece together! Much love to you and your family! I hope so many benefit from this awesome documentary! I've already shared it with several ppl! 💗

[@exjwdiaries]

Wow 3 times!! Thank you so much! It’s definitely been nice working with all of these fellow EXJWs. I can’t wait to do more videos like this in the future. I think it’s very important for people to see us working together and uniting our voices.

[@theresefournier3269]

The beautiful people in this video, are the reasons i was made to fall in love with this people. One i had just begged the true God to send me. Guess who heard that prayer?

[@jaywood1978]

Wow I’m from seattle and u brought back alotta memories for me when u showed the Tacoma dome I remember asking my mom who those people were with the signs and megaphones and she told me to just ignore them and something about they are mad because of something it’s been so long I can’t remember verbatim … I had to have been lik 5 or 6yrs old that convention weekend. And that was my first time seeing some apostates too..

[@writinghappyhour6945]

What she said about suddenly being alone with your thoughts...damn... You're taught not to trust yourself, your perception, your logic. Because YOU are flawed, you can't lean on your own understanding. When you start to let your own thoughts and feelings happen it throws you into crisis mode because you realize you dont know yourself. Your own mind is a stranger thats been a prisoner in the back of your head.

[@manny1709]

Wow. Simply wow. What a fantastic documentary.🎉❤

[@cosmiclove2795]

Thank you so much for this ❤

[@exjwdiaries]

You're so welcome!

[@karenraymond9572]

Listening to this is a must if you’re ex JW. So very helpful to have a discussion about the impact of the teachings. Break the chains… keys to success after leaving… validating advice. Thank you so so much! 💜

[@exjwdiaries]

Thank you 🙏

[@barbaraglover4451]

Thank you my bro and GOD bless you

[@simona_ab]

Audio far better, re listening

[@Rooke75]

Wow...I grew up going to the Redondo Congregation and my family sold our nice house and lived in the trailer court across the street with a lot of other JW's who were living there, so that we could be ready for the tribulation. Walked to meetings, pioneered as a kid, I even went to Bethel while attending that Hall. Seeing all those places was pretty triggering but I'll get over it. The biggest thing to me was not only that they took away all of my choices in life and opportunities but I lost my Dad to the "blood issue" and he was only studying. A couple years after he died a horrible death in a modern hospital that was prepared to save him, they had "new light" and Jehovah suddenly told them that it was ok to take blood fractions. Those fractions would have saved my Dad. Trouble is...as far as JW's are concerned no one wants to hear about what happened to us...there has to be another side to the story because Jehovah would never let that happen. The truth is, no one even cares, we don't exist, it never happened.

[@exjwdiaries]

Wow very small world! I’d love to hear more of your story if you ever want to share.

[@Rooke75]

​@@exjwdiaries Yeah...I'd probably be open to that.

[@sophiasirena5226]

Great job!

[@exjwdiaries]

Thank you!

[@IvanCastillo-gb9vp]

Being born a Methodist and the mistake they made with my Mom as me at age 13 or 14 with my Sister age 12 and Brother age 10, was at the Passover Service the first time and our Mother couldn't partake of the Bread 🍞 and Wine.🍷 That was it for our Mother, as she wanted nothing to do with the Jehovah's Witnesses ever again. "This do in Remembrance of me". That was fundamental to our Mother as a family growing up a Methodist and to our Grandparents also.

[@scoremat]

Jeron... thank you for putting words to my experience as well. Painful but so true

[@infinitelight007]

Thank you!🕊️

[@exjwdiaries]

You are so welcome

[@MSSHARIII]

This was put together excellently!💖 I've got many stories of my brush with this organisation. This organisation is so much worse than I originally thought. "The truth" does not need to convince anyone of being the truth. I'm in disbelief at the inhumane procedures this organisation implements. Love, light and healing to all who have been traumatised by this sect (to put it nicely).

[@tackforallt4408]

Great video!! 1006 perpetrators in Australia, over 1800 cases never reported...

[@exjwdiaries]

Truly tragic numbers… and that’s just the ones we know about. Imagine how many of these people were able to reach children outside of the religion.

[@xjwfurious]

@@exjwdiaries And how many kids were too scared to say what happened to them?

[@AnnekeWoodhouse]

This Australian Royal Commission discovery a little over 14 months ago was a major factor in my waking up ( once I had picked up my Jaw from the floor - one of many explosive jaw dropping discoveries thereafter) as a pomi person who had plans of returning after attending Memorial 2023. What a disgusting revelation - literally felt sick, along with the pathetic excuses the wt representatives & elders gave - simply totally pathetic. Certainly not an organisation inspired nor directed by God. Like Joe and Fran in my 70s,babtised in 1972, still figuring out where to from here. So enjoy your and other like-minded ex JWs videos - a huge thank you Justin, from NZ

[@lucalucas7116]

Well done !! Thanks Justin ✅✅ I just sent it to Dave here in Canada 🇨🇦 And also others here too And El Salvador and some in Africa too Dave say he already saw it ✅✅ Thx bro !! It’s true waking up our first year ✅ we trying find our way ✅and what should we do ? Where should we go in life trying to escape the cult ✅ See you one day soon take care dear friend … thx for your big help in exjw Comunity it helps bro

[@exjwdiaries]

Thanks for sharing it! Hope to see you soon!

[@96t5wagon]

Awesome job Justin and Guests! I fully echo your sentiment to LIVE and ENJOY the human experience!!

[@exjwdiaries]

Absolutely! Life shouldn’t be wasted waiting to be happy.

[@BelindaJulia]

Well done Justin! And thanks to you all for your stories. I am proud to be one of you❤

[@exjwdiaries]

Thank you so much!

[@willyb933]

Outstanding! Thank you for your efforts all involved.

[@exjwdiaries]

I’m so thankful for everyone who shared their story on this. I definitely could not have done this alone. It’s so powerful seeing us all unite our voices.

[@wesleyteal2297]

That’s for breaking it down and all your hard work you put into this project ❤❤❤

[@exjwdiaries]

Thank you 🙏

[@ExjwEmancipation]

This is so so amazing and well put together. I hope that someday you will go international to see how widespread watchtower destroys lives. I just wish I was part of this. Amazing amazing amazing. Sending African love your way

[@exjwdiaries]

I would love to do an international project one day. It would be very powerful to see how people of all cultures and lands have been impacted. It would also be interesting to explore some of the challenges of leaving that are unique to each culture.

[@debbieforsyth2015]

❤❤❤ waking up is finally realizing that you were created with free will , the ability to think and express yourself and not according to others standards. Stay awake by keeping an open mind . You will learn so much more . 🙏

[@exjwdiaries]

Love that!

[@user-sq7vx4xk5w]

Thankyou so much have so enjoyed this documentary can so relate to all of you. You have shared your feelings, emotions, your love, your strengths.. just wonderful.

[@exjwdiaries]

Our pleasure!

[@joonhee1]

Bravo! So well done. So many gems here. Thank you.

[@exjwdiaries]

Many thanks!

[@kestrlfalc]

I was baptized there too!!!

[@exjwdiaries]

Wow!! We really need to do more PNW EXJW gatherings. There seems to be a lot of us around here 😂

[@cherylhennessy57]

Thank you so must for this documentary, loved it!

[@exjwdiaries]

So glad!

[@cheryleclay9120]

Thank you Justin. I really enjoyed the variety of ex witnesses that you gathered. Common yet unique experiences. I woke up six years ago and have no regrets about leaving. But the struggle continues. It’s good to know there’s a community that understands. Keep up the excellent work.

[@exjwdiaries]

Thank you!

[@heatherwillson4862]

Wow! Beautiful job, Justin. Your talent shines thru!

[@exjwdiaries]

Thank you!! Definitely couldn’t have done it alone! I’m so grateful for everyone that did interviews and sent in video.

[@thatobaleni6055]

Wow!! Thank you sir so much for the documentary 🙏 ❤️. I highly appreciate it. You are really positively impacting people and making a change in their lives. Now this is what I call spiritual love ❤️.

[@JonnyHalfhead]

Brilliant video, well done. Very polished

[@exjwdiaries]

Much appreciated!

[@iqdog]

Awesome You should ask witness underground how you can get your Documentary on some media services

[@exjwdiaries]

That would be awesome!

[@jayarchives3453]

Very encouraging documents guys thanks for the hard work you guys put in 👏🏿

[@exjwdiaries]

Thank you!

[@MoureeneTaylor]

My mom was baptised at the Tacoma Dome

[@exjwdiaries]

Wow!

[@christinesotelo7655]

“Fail forward!” I truly like that. Because when I was ds’fd and shunned, oh I failed and fell so much, but learned to get up and keep moving forward. I made a Life.

[@exjwdiaries]

Exactly! There’s something to gain from every experience. You just have to find it.

[@shulamitefadin6268]

super good- thank you

[@Lifecoachinggoddess]

This is an amazing video!

[@222alexa]

lately I’ve been having a hard time thinking about my childhood best friend, her birthday just passed. I met her on my 13th bday. I moved when I was 18, but We were friends for 16 years. She was disfellowshipped because she had a bf. she only returned so she can talk to her mom again, she felt so alone. When I told her I was leaving the organization and that my beliefs changed, she NEVER judged me. For years she would always tell me she loved me unconditionally and was so happy for my accomplishments. Unfortunately in 2020 she passed away because she was sick. I never got to say goodbye. I was only told she passed, her JW family hated me and never told me anything about her funeral. that brought so much anger from all the religious trauma, it took me a long time to get through it. The part about friendships reminded me of my friendship with her, she was a true best friend, I’m so lucky I met her💞 this documentary also helped me feel proud of myself, It was so difficult. i hope we all heal and enjoy finding ourselves in this lifetime. I hope we all heal our inner child/teenager💞 We all deserved better. We can finally be ourselves 💞💞💞

[@exjwdiaries]

Wow sounds like you definitely had a true friend. Very rare in the organization.

[@gracegarcia3927]

Great documentary♥️thank you ♥️♥️

[@exjwdiaries]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@evaarnold5838]

Such a beautiful compilation of diverse situations and beautiful humans!! You all did a wonderful job explaining your ‘whys’ and the entire video was so well done, very informative and insightful on the of us loving, caring and open minded ExJws that successfully come out of the cult..and its videos like this that keep helping others to wake up…it’s not scary on the outside, it’s freedom 🥰♥️🥰 And we can be ourselves 🙌♥️🙌

[@exjwdiaries]

You are so kind! Thank you

[@carolyncasey8960]

This was such a high-quality video! You covered just about every aspect of being an ex-witness. I have never been in the JW organization but I inwardly rejoiced with all the ones you interviewed as they expressed how their lives were set free when they left this high control group behind.

[@exjwdiaries]

Thanks for watching!

[@itsPavii7]

this is great!

[@exjwdiaries]

Thank you!

[@jenniferm6141]

Beautifully done!

[@exjwdiaries]

Glad you like it!

[@salt7pepper1964]

Very well done!

[@exjwdiaries]

Thank you very much!

[@bobbiefritz2525]

This was so lovely ❤

[@exjwdiaries]

Thank you 🙏