Changes
Some changes happen so gradually, the differences--no matter how drastic--are indistinguishable. This is what can be so scary about slow changes...you wouldn't know it happened until something terrible happens and you're lost in another world.
It's the frog in hot water scenario.
It's what is happening to me. I am in a religious community which engulfs me with kindness and inclusion, inviting me to events and game nights. The caveat? Each one emphasizes the importance of their religion, peppered with lessons and testimonials of the greatness of their god and son. I know that I have no defense against brainwashing or hypnotism--especially when it comes to slowly changing my mind, my memories. I don't want to believe their religion, I don't want to pay the time and tithe, I don't want to stray from my own journey...Stubbornness is generally looked upon as a negative personality trait but I now look to it as my shield! I refuse to be a sheep!
The alternative is to quit my job and leave but I love my job. It's the only one I've loved of the five prior I've hated or disliked. The alternative is to live in isolation, by myself as a hermit but I found I am unhappy this way. My compromise is to rely on my stubbornness, enjoy spending time with the community members and their activities and deflect a belief in the Mormon religion.
It's the frog in hot water scenario.
It's what is happening to me. I am in a religious community which engulfs me with kindness and inclusion, inviting me to events and game nights. The caveat? Each one emphasizes the importance of their religion, peppered with lessons and testimonials of the greatness of their god and son. I know that I have no defense against brainwashing or hypnotism--especially when it comes to slowly changing my mind, my memories. I don't want to believe their religion, I don't want to pay the time and tithe, I don't want to stray from my own journey...Stubbornness is generally looked upon as a negative personality trait but I now look to it as my shield! I refuse to be a sheep!
The alternative is to quit my job and leave but I love my job. It's the only one I've loved of the five prior I've hated or disliked. The alternative is to live in isolation, by myself as a hermit but I found I am unhappy this way. My compromise is to rely on my stubbornness, enjoy spending time with the community members and their activities and deflect a belief in the Mormon religion.