I thought I would like to post something nice after the heaviness of the Sharone S. ban threads... whew!
When I was a child growing up in Scientology, up until I was twenty one, I had always been taught that the so called "Wog" world was a place that needed Clearing, and that we were the people to do it. That they needed saving in effect, and that it was not a good place to be. This meant that when I was thinking of leaving, I was absolutely terrified. It was David Gaiman who taught me to write a cheque at aged about 20, but until that point I hadn't a clue. I didn't know what it meant to own a bank account, deposit money, earn money, buy new clothes (when we were in the S.O. all our clothes came from jumble sales), drive or own my own car. So I started to reflect on all the plus points I found since leaving, and I have had an absolute blast:-
I have had real jobs that pay real money
: I have learned to drive and own my own cars
: I have been to many countries, far and wide
: I have eaten in wonderful restaurants and tasted exotic and fabulous foods
: I have swum in oceans around the world, and tasted Arctic air and come close to Polar bears
: I have swum with dolphins and eaten lobster and oysters
: I have skiied in the Alps and eaten ripe French cheeses
: I have had Fondue in Austria
: I have had a Turkish massage in a Turkish bath (even though it nearly killed me)!
: I have met people from all walks of life from all around the globe and made some amazing friends
: I have had headaches and been allowed to take pain killers !!
: I have been drunk or giddy or tipsy and loved it and not felt guilty
: I have taken coffee breaks at work and not been scared about who is watching the clock behind me
: I have been able to lie in on a Saturday or Sunday morning and have breakfast in bed
: I have been to see Shakespeare in Stratford, and Anthony Hopkins at The National
: I have been to concerts and not had to worry about what time I got home
: I have been able to voice my opinion without fear of retribution
: I have had (and still do) been able to own my own pets/
What have your experiences been?