Why My Life Is Better After Leaving Jehovah's Witnesses

[@EfrainRiveraJunior]

The first thing my wife noticed was the amount of time we now had after we left the cult.

[@danhaverland4140]

Life is soo much better once you leave. You realize how good real friends are. The constant guilt and judgment is gone.

[@EfrainRiveraJunior]

Life is 1,000,000 times better after leaving the cult.

[@CP-xj7kz]

I am so grateful for your channel. We are conditioned to believe our lives are NOTHING without the JW organization. I am planning for exciting things in my life after I leave and I cant wait to actually start enjoying my life 🥰

[@aletheia2023]

When we left, I remember feeling guilty for not preaching on a Saturday morning or going to a meeting. Now my wife and sit out in the garden on the weekend and think how happy we are to be alive. Zero regrets.

[@scottnadrie]

We left as a family and we have been the happiest we've ever been. I wish more families would leave together. .

[@ramrod576]

Thank God I was never an elder. Truly a colossal waste of time.

[@Jonsk111]

I love your positivity!

[@Bravedog2017]

I cannot say how much you are right. My parents where JWs since the 1970s and myself since 30 years. We left the cult altogether. I’m in local evangelical christian community now. From professional life to health to marriage to friendship- everything became so wonderful. This is the best year of my life. The biggest problem for the JWs who know us is to see that we are a happy christian family and stick to the same biblical principles but now being relaxed and free in Christ and not slaves to the Governing Popes. They don’t understand how that can be. NEVER believe the lies of the JW organization and their worshippers. It’s in your own best interest.

[@Jwcovenantfellowship]

Current JW leadership has changed important doctrines of Jehovah's people and the result is just this. Someone is not inspired by the message any more to stay a Jehovah's Witness. The doctrinal contradiction along with the hypocrisy make many reject not only these people but unfortunately Jehovah's message too. We try to stop that by forming an online FREE from men Christian fellowship of brothers and sisters who still love God and Christ but reject the false shepherds who have altered the message. Search for us in JWBibleStudents

[@itaintobeezy]

What church is that?

[@sunnie8067]

One of the best parts about leaving for me was finally feeling that weight of guilt fall off my shoulders. I didn’t realize how heavy it was until it was gone. I’ve been really enjoying your videos, thank you for telling your story! 🙏

[@robertniemski9411]

I haven't been at the meeting for nearly two years. I have now more time for my pursuits, without being restricted.

[@JWMemeStation-b2j]

Amazing video, well done 👍

[@carmengabriel4]

I am sorry that my 20 year old daughter is going to get baptized this month, I've been out of the org for 3 years but most of my family stayed, I'm happy for those families who make it out together.

[@michaellinden-p4d]

The honesty you and your family can now share without the guilt and fear about wrong thoughts/getting disfellowshipped for thinking/ asking a question, must be fantastic!!!!!

[@Sendit-ttatt]

Thanks for sharing brother 🙏🏼 Yes, life is so much better after leaving the cult. I feel much closer to God and myself now

[@CoralQuintyne]

You are absolutely right. Having purpose, making a difference, looking back with ego integrity, leaving this world better than you left it are all wonderful pursuits. But for JWs, if you are not preparing and running to the meetings, knocking down doors, etc, you are wasting your life.

[@jenniferrancourt8729]

So glad you and your family can enjoy life and really be in the NOW together ❤

[@louiskucinski5016]

Thanks Caleb I appreciate your expressions as I was once on of Jehovah's witnesses so I know what you are saying is accurate . And since I left I was able to express love to my community . Now I live in Vietnam as a ESL English teacher meaning like you said can express love to the children as well as the Adults in that community . It is very great to be able to do that without condemnation . You also make a big difference with your videos as I can enjoy them from the other side of the world . Thanks . This encourages me to continue to live my life with love and not the way cults try to control this .

[@simplifiedlife8607]

This video brings back memories, not all of them good lol. I was never an elder, just a MS, quite glad I never was an elder. I came in as a teen in the 70's and a typical week was tuesday book study, wednesday family study, thursday school and service meeting, saturday service, sunday meeting. once a month or so hall cleaning on friday night or saturday after service. it was brutal especially when my kids were young. then add in 2 two day circuit assemblies a year and at one time a 4 day district convention. What a ridiculous cult.

[@janmarie63]

Your story reminded me of how I felt when I left the WTS nearly 37 years ago. I was in for 15 years and left after a revelation I had of who Jesus really is. I had so much joy at the time, realising that God gave us Jesus Christ not an organisation. I also felt a lot of those feelings you are having Caleb. It was/is so wonderful to be free of that dreadful cult. You don’t really appreciate how bad it is until you leave. I’ve only recently encountered the ex JW Activists on uTube as I’ve been trying to help someone leave who is desperately unhappy but too afraid to leave. The organisation has certainly changed a lot since I left. I’m glad to see many people waking up and leaving. Thank you very much for your sharing your experience.

[@MamaAng323]

You have such a great way with your words, expressing the feelings and experiences that many of us can relate with. Thanks for another wonderful video!

[@joshuaarnold1895]

“Not much you can do”? You’re already helping hundreds of viewers and subscribers. Keep up the good work 😊

[@CdnPIMO]

I’m happier and I have more time now that I am PIMO and fading slowly

[@justinporter458]

I dissociated 6 years ago Caleb and I agree with all your benefits from leaving Watchtower Caleb ,one thing you didn't mention is it,s nice to be free to believe in what makes more sense to you ,and not the GB beliefs. I,m now a Agnostic Atheist and I really love studying the Bible, I've checked out alot of Atheists and Agnostics channels and all they talk about is what they really feel about the Bible God and the Bible even though they no longer believe in it ,eg. in 325 CE at the Council of Nicea the Catholic Church choose only 4 Gospels and rejected over 60 gospels they thought weren't inspired by God ,I never knew that when I was a Jw for 30 years .Great Video Caleb, I love being a Agnostic Atheist because it takes up so little of my time ❤

[@srich7503]

Hello Justin, i keep hearing fringe reports of the council Nicaea 325 making canon decorations similar to what you state above but i cant find it, specifically the rejecting of “over 60 gospels”. I only find in the councils documents of Hippo, Rome, and Carthage which come later. I dont see anything in the Nicaea documents that have anything to do with the canon at all. Can you direct me to such evidence please? Peace!!!

[@justinporter458]

​@srich7503 My mistake they decided the 27 books of the Bible in 367 CE at the council of Appalachia

[@srich7503]

@@justinporter458 never heard of that council. Cant find it on my map either. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@wildbill6366]

Caleb that's great to hear.. yes the real estate investment corporation or Jehovah's witnesses they always tell you you're going to be miserable away from them.. you're going to fall apart and you'll be a horrible person without them.. actually the opposite is true. Nice to have freedom. There are many people leaving. The numbers of baptisms are way down. People are just burned out of it.. Life goes on.

[@arlenefisher4868]

@@wildbill6366 all that they claimed would happen outside of the cult, unfortunately, was what was happening inside the cult. You guys were once bound, trapped in a box, but now you’re no longer slaves to the Watchtower/JW cult, but liberated. I’m so happy for you. 👍🏽

[@BeautyrestBlackMattressReviews]

After watching these videos I’ve realized how little effort I’ve put into the cult lol didn’t realize until I was out. I feel for the ex witnesses who had such a hard time disassociating with their past as they literally loose family over this. I can see the resentment and I would be so upset if I was in that situation too. I always did what I wanted to do regardless of what the religion said ( wasn’t a good witness ) when I didn’t want to go to meetings I just said” I don’t feel like going. “ and simply stopped going. My parents are still witnesses but even though I’m df”fed now they will still speak to me as if nothing happened ( that’s how it should be imo) and I’m very grateful for that situation. My friends from the cult still talk to me too, and I spoke to my friends when they were df’ed and I was in a the cult I know others have it very different and it took me leaving the cult to see these videos and read the comments to see how difficult people have it. Stay strong my friends of freedom

[@SameOleTee2]

Totally agree. I became a JW as an adult but woke up close to 8 years ago. Much happier now, if interested in hearing my story I have videos on my channel 💜

[@NewSkiwi]

I love having time too. I don't procrastinate so much to do one thing because I feel guilty about not doing a scheduled "theocratic activity".

[@serafin1352]

I actually find myself cleaning house more, doing quality bible research more with just using bibles. Enjoying nature. Volunteering with different ways in community

[@kauox7]

Thx for sharing your experience.

[@superfreakinzoomedin]

Hey Thanks For you videos, I just wanted to say I love and see you and appreciate very much what your doing for others. Thanks Brother 🫶🏽🐣🙂

[@TJS7124]

This is great to hear Caleb. So pleased you're finding freedom and life. Enjoy your insights. I have friends in the cult. I attend their meetings and ask questions to plant seeds. It's slow, but im getting there. Any tips or advice would be welcome.

[@Xoxo-mh9zr]

We all know now, why the caged bird SINGED!!😂 WE ARE FREE!!!

[@paulthomas281]

What a super articulate exposition. Bravo! If anything is the very opposite of Buddhism, it's the cults of Sunni Islam and Jehovah's Witnesses.

[@MamaAng323]

Caleb- would love to hear your thoughts on the financials…super quick search shows about 120,000 Kingdom Halls/Congregations…multiplied by $50,000 annual donation to organization (online data) each hall….that would bring in approx 6 BILLION each year for the group 🧐🤯

[@DY2784]

👋Thanks.❤👍

[@iwonaiwona3772]

OMG... couldn't agree more!!!

[@DY2784]

Will You and your family now celebrate the holidays? Please do a video on it.

[@ZeUberflip]

After leaving this faith I was able to stop all of the vices I had as a witness and I am a better Christian now by my acts despite not even believing in the bible anymore. I had my regular cup of coffee in the morning last week and it was the best cup of coffee I have ever tasted, and it was just because for once I did not have any JW trauma ruining it. I can actually enjoy all of my hobbies now.

[@Antlil2023]

I was a mess I had so much anxiety that seemed to be getting worse, after we left it took about two 2️⃣ weeks that I noticed my anxiety went down and then only when they would text it would shoot up so I started to block 😂 . Now around 2 years out my anxiety is gone of course anxiety does come up every once in a while but nothing I mean nothing like I had been when we were in. Thank you for sharing awesome video ❤

[@michaellinden-p4d]

You are correct, Sir!

[@staceyb5053]

Jehovah knew you were the PERFECT vessel to get this message across wow! This was worded so beautifully especially the point about now being able to fulfill and find your purpose.

[@jacquesvanderbergh9918]

Caleb you a legend brother... I Watched your first you tube video....and I can honestly see how much happier you are since. We are so proud of you. And yes you hit the nail on the head... The guilt part for me was the worst,I could never meet up to the "truths" expectations. Keep on doing what you doing and keep us updated throughout your journey...

[@serafin1352]

Spot on

[@SpiritAnointed-k8r]

I was a Service Overseer, and Anointed in 2015. Very soon afterwards Jesus opened my eyes to the Apostate Condition in the WT organization. 2 Elder Bodies and 2 COs hunted me down for apostasy, why? Because I was anointed. Satan chased my and my family out of his org

[@teffc]

Hey Caleb, I love the positive outlook you have and I hope everyone in your family is making the best of the new gound freedom, and slowly shedding the constraints of the new personality. I'm a never dub specialising in the dynamics of high control groups and I simply love the way you are documenting your mental exit. Thank you for the eloquent videos and all the best to you and your family

[@krism5575]

Life is so much bettee when you leave that cult. 💯💯💯🍻

[@Maxime-uo2iv]

Thank you again for making your videos. And I just want to say, you kinda look like GOOD GUY GREG (that is a compliment)

[@HaNguyen-dy6xq]

Love your contents. Thank you

[@anamaldonado6194]

The GUILT is what I always hated as a JW. You always have to do more and kore and more which means that nothing is ever enough. Leaving is the most loving thing you can do as a parent. The unconditional love that you get to provide your family is freeing.

[@yogi19581]

How very true, awesome. It's so sad people living in fear, this is it enjoy,

[@simplyandoime7344]

❤❤❤❤

[@yvonnebuckland4856]

I found some used to look down at people in the so called world some thought they were better and the ones in the world most had better hearts

[@seanrathmakedisciples1508]

When the Son sets you free then you are free indeed. John 8:32. For freedom Christ Jesus has set you free Galatians 5:1.

[@arlenefisher4868]

So, in other words, you’re learning how to live normal lives; the way human beings ought to live. Good for you.

[@Xoxo-mh9zr]

Happy for him!! That cult is brutal

[@dl0712-z7h]

Kisses from Brazil ❤❤

[@jylmg3858]

Caleb, thanks a lot for your content. Wow. I know this might sound crazy but I would love to ask you a personal question. I have this situationship with a JW (I am not a JW myself) and I don’t have anyone I can talk with about this. If you have the time, I would highly appreciate to share. Thanks!

[@ramrod576]

That low self-esteem is real, like arrogant and worthless simultaneously

[@latishabennett702]

SO TRUE SPOT ON ❤❤❤❤❤

[@steveandsherilyn7543]

Loving your neighbour and doing good things for people is very commendable and as you say Witnesses will say they do those things, and maybe they do, but I suppose, looking back to when I was a JW I, like you, would have said the same. But there is a difference. For example, if you walk a couple of miles into town for groceries because you want to enjoy the walk, take in the scenery, admire nature, breathe in the fresh air etc it will be an enjoyable exercise and you will feel good about doing it. On the other hand, if you do the same walk because your car won’t start and you have no choice, that same walk will feel different, sure, you will be glad you’ve done it and may even be pleased with yourself that you did, but the reason you did it is very different. And I think that doing good things as a Witness can be likened to doing that walk out of necessity or compulsion, you can still say you did it, and you can still feel good that you did, but mentally you felt like it was an inconvenience, you didn’t enjoy nature en-route, you kept looking at your watch, you wanted it to be over so you could carry on with what you wanted to do that day etc. And I think that most things you do as a JW are done in that way, out of necessity and compulsion which is ironic because Jesus taught his followers to do things out of your heart, because you want to, not begrudgingly. I’m sure JW apologists will argue this point, but I’m saying it as an ex JW, reflecting on my previous motives and being honest with myself. When going from door-to-door are they really doing it out of love for others? Or, is it out of compulsion, because that’s what is expected etc? I think some really do do it out of love, there are some genuine people there, but I think that is the exception and that generally speaking it’s done out of compulsion and when it’s done they do feel genuinely good about having done it, but it’s the motive that’s important, not the good feeling after it’s been done. 🇬🇧

[@paleonard1979]

I'm curious, do you celebrate Christmas and your birthdays now as a family? Or because you've never done it, it might feel weird.

[@goldenryan2277]

The main thing i took away from leaving was I was forced to make new friends. Not one JW non-family friend reached out. I took it as conformation I was wasting my time there.

[@MyBizz-xb5hp]

Have you overcome holiday and voter suppression yet? Or is there still lingering avoidance. Asking for a friend 😊

[@mikekent1490]

I think our time and feeling less stress and guilt are huge plusses.I used to feel like a "rat on a wheel" going nowhere. Always told I could do more and never enough. Even after being a special pioneer and diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue, the societys answer? Do more. All that is gone now. I am so happy with my life. I have also discovered that what JW's call "worldly people are better than JW's who are always judging. I don't miss it one bit. Was it ever the truth? Did the gb become apostate themselves like the priesthood did in Israel? I don't know. Who knows? Were we always "false prophets" I think so.

[@ckelly5141]

7:17 The purpose of this life is but one: Eccl.12:12-14. Everlasting life became a possibility for all mankind because of Christ. That life begins when one is reborn in the Spirit in this life. The flesh really can do nothing.(Joh.6:63,67-68)

[@MichaelSmith-lm5sl]

**Where'd They Learn Hypnosis** Where’d they learn hypnosis, the trick they play, To pull me in and lead me astray? A whisper here, a lingering stare, And suddenly, I’m nowhere but there. They circle close, but never touch, Just close enough to feel too much. Their words wrap tight, like silken thread, A gentle pull into what they’ve said. Who taught them to bind with nothing but talk, To guide my steps, control my walk? They never push, just softly steer- A quiet spell that draws me near. Their laughter hides a shadowed scheme, Keeping me lost in someone’s dream. With every smile, a spark of control, And I’m slipping again, losing my hold. Where’d they learn to play me so fine, To make their will feel just like mine? They pull the strings I didn’t see, But tonight, I’ll cut them and set me free.

[@user-vo4wc2jz8g]

I wasted 30+ years of my life on that junk and lost my entire family - but so much happier now I've got out

[@bobbiefritz2525]

Yes ! Freedom to say what you want!!! So true. No more judging, guilt trips. So my husband is still technically a witness but I think he is in the way out, secretly is happy Trump won the election. Before I would have been oh don’t. Even say that!!! “We” (JWs) can’t even think about politics or even privately in our hearts support any politicians!!!!! Let me show you all the articles saying it’s wrong. Let me police your opinion and your mind!!! That was the old me! Now I’m like cool, you do you hunny. I’m pro Kamala. But it’s so nice to just be. Now we allow each other to think what we individually want to. Like a normal human being. lol

[@nivlek3234]

Life is 100% better but I still get annoyed as I wasted so much time in the kingDUMB hall.

[@sharongilbert7040]

So can I ask have you also left god and his son Jesus behind

[@michaellinden-p4d]

God and his son are NOT with the Jehovah's Witnesses, so...................

[@sharongilbert7040]

@ I never said that maybe you need to look at it again I only asked him if they were still in his life or had he left them behind with the witnesses

[@yvonnebuckland4856]

Anyone can turn to God and jesus it’s not about Religion anyway

[@Xoxo-mh9zr]

Religion is not a relationship. Leaving a religion is not leaving GOD. My elder father said the same thing, and I had to break it down. SMH.

[@sharongilbert7040]

@ not everyone feels like that they feel as if they can not trust anyone in a religion for the lies they tell … everybody addresses situations differently nobody is the same

[@LePedantSemantique]

My bethelite days were under a former GB regime. Not a single one of those “heavies”, as we used to call them, is still alive today. Years later, I revisited the old Columbia Heights buildings before the move upstate. It was a cruel slap in the face by reality to see a couple of the remaining GB members as emaciated & feeble old codgers, waning away in wheelchairs in some obscure corner of the bethel infirmary. These new guys are obviously destined for the same. Fifty years from now all of today’s “new light” BS will be meaningless, just like the now downgraded apostate fodder crap they told us fifty years ago. Life is precious! Time waits for none of us! Don’t let christ’s anointed swindlers waste more of your time working for OR against them! Enjoy this dear life to the fullest! 🤷‍♂️ IJS

[@Ballykeith]

A great advert for apostasy.

[@Flashheartwoof]

“Talking to ones”? You mean “talking to people”?

[@rockebynametowndowell]

"Ones" is JW language for people or human beings. "Ones in the territory". I guess it MAY of started from describing "dead loved ones". It de-personalises and generalises people. It will take Caleb years to deprogram. It has me.

[@rockebynametowndowell]

I've watched again! He describes "weak ones". It is a lazy generalisation JW's use for weak baptised OR unbaptised publishers in a congregation; or inactive members who don't preach anymore.

[@eyeswideopen8570]

You just made me understand why JW's don't help others during natural disasters, and don't pray for them. Because the end is coming and they are going to die at Armageddon anyway, so why waste time and financial aid on them.

[@TLSYoutube]

My real question how have you replaced bible teachings then ? You can’t tell me learning how to be a good person and how to act in general from bible truths isn’t beneficial. Those are things I think people forget about being a JW there’s tons of practical stuff you get from the articles and magazines Also don’t blanket statement all Jws I know Tons of elders and JW families that will travel and actually spend a good 2 months on vacation with their family and no one judges them everyone needs a holiday so to make it seem like you never get time off is false you can but you didn’t So I get the impression that some people who leave just want an excuse to not have to study the Bible cause it’s hard to study the Bible on your own.

[@Xoxo-mh9zr]

"Articles and magazines"..nothing about the Bible (by itself). That's pure jw lingo right there! Say it out loud to yourself and you will get the point he was trying to make. JWs always gotta go on and on to prove, what? Cognitive dissonance is a MF😢 I know of "some" families that do the same but not all. He's speaking in general.

[@truthseeker12523]

They teach good things but they also teach bad things (although they dont realize its bad) . For instance, they may teach not to steal (Good) but they also tell jws that only jws are good association, so theres religious discrimination (bad). They teach you not to lie (Good) but they tell elders to not alert police about accused and admitted pedophiles (bad) etc. Lots of religions teach you not to lie and steal, not just jws. Also, japan is considered an atheist country yet it is the most honest and safest countries to visit. Believing in a God does not guarantee good conduct.

[@truthseeker12523]

You do not know what the jws in Calebs congregation and community felt about vacations where he felt like he couldnt do it. I myself did go on vacation alot because i didnt give a fuck what the elders or other thought of it but, i WAS reprimanded for it on a couple of occasions. I belonged to many congregations and some were more leniant than others in regards to how many vacation one should take, but always it was empahsized that one should not miss too many meetings so as to be spiritually upbuiding to the rest of the congregation etc.

[@truthseeker12523]

I have NEVER heard of a family going on vacation for two months though. Wow! How rich were your congregation members??😂

[@truthseeker12523]

People dont leave because they cant study the bible on their own lol moron. Thats all we did as jws😂

[@yvonnebuckland4856]

It’s not true friends there anyway all false

[@1KEVX]

It almost seems like you no longer believe in the Bible as well as you gave no insight as to how you feel about the Bible itself after departing JW’s. It does sound like you just want to do as you please with no restraints to any given principle that is governed by a higher power.

[@vusimngomezulu2500]

Isaiah 8:10, 2thimoty 3:7-9, 2Peter 2:1-3.

[@yvonnebuckland4856]

He does just not under those courrpt men

[@Xoxo-mh9zr]

​@@yvonnebuckland4856EXACTLY!! Those leaders think for them. Let this man find his way..if it works for them so be it, right? The judgemental aspect from the cult members proves him right 😂

[@giddygiddy5619]

Did he say he doesn't believe in the Bible? He's talking about how free or freedom he has from the evil cult you are still inside. It hurts to see people free, it's a shame. You don't see or experience the real life. You are wasting your life to an evil cult. Don't put words into his mouth. That's what the 11 evil men teach you, - everyone who leaves abandon God, which isn't true. They really abandon the cult. You are still inside,You envy his freedom from slavery/cult. Ask, and you'll be helped to detox from your indoctrination.

[@truthseeker12523]

The Bible is a man made book used to control and mentally enslave people. Thats not an opinion by the way. Its a fact. It has close to 500,000 contradictions so clearly not inspired by God

[@catrionamcgee8685]

Thank You Caleb,for your refreshing honesty, you speak from your heart,which is joyful to listen to. You "voice" how many,many people feel. And ,yes,each one of us individually are a small voice in trying to "improve" life, but it is our duty to try and do "good" and I think this quote speaks volumes "But what can I do , said 8 Billion people "? 😊❤