List of good feelings after leaving religion:
- finally figuring a problem out after spending ages on it and knowing you did it on your ownÂ
- connecting with people on a human level and learning from them now that you’re not trying to convert them
- finally being proud of yourself for accomplishing things
- actually noticing and enjoying the little things the world has to offer without feeling separate from everything
- planning your future the way you want it and without worrying about the world ending
- no longer trying to force or suppress emotions
- making decisions based on the facts in front of you and what you want, without asking god or church leaders or thinking about what they would want
- actually being an authentic person
- little things like how you wear your hair and what clothes you choose to wear reflect who you are now
- your choices reflect your character and morals now, not god’s
- learning about evolution and realizing you are connected to every living thing after spending your life feeling isolated
- “I don’t know” isn’t terrifying anymore and it follows with “well let’s find out”
- challenging your views without fear and guilt
- realizing the world isn’t this terrible, scary, corrupting place and knowing your actions can make it better
- your smiles are genuine now and not just a way to let others see the “truth” through you
- feeling connected to and caring about others much more now that you no longer judge everyone you meet
- the feeling you get from helping people is so much more rewarding then the feeling you got from praying for them
- knowing if you choose to have a family at some point, it will be because you genuinely love them and wanted them
- trying your best because this life is all you have, it isn’t just a trivial test
- your dating life and sex life are entirely your choice now and no one is watching you unless you want them to
- pursuing your passions regardless of whether they follow gender norms or what your church thinks
- standing up for yourself and feeling pride after, not guilt
- swearing is very satisfying
- feeling compassion for people now in place of condescensionÂ
- you don’t have to worry about being someone else’s idea of perfect