On of the good things about religion was the community. Loved the Potluck dinner at the church once a month. Plenty of good food. Did like to sing some of the hymns, but not the ones about the blood of the lamb. As I didn't buy the whole "god" thing, not much to keep me there. Have done a lot of exploration into what do I actually believe, and am real happy with where I am. Like being free to find what brings truth and meaning to me. Did find the community I wanted in a UU church that is full of atheist, humanists, etc. Also have a large family with is very supportive.

I am more at peace with myself as this feels much more authentic. I'm more active at creating (or trying to create) the life I want rather than passively hoping / praying for change. I'm also often feel more insecure in my relationships as I no longer have those ready-made relationships that come with being in a religious community. (Being single for the first time in 28 years doesn't help that either.)

P.S. - nice to see someone else from New Mexico on here!

I do not live in fear that some god knows my every thought. I am happy knowing that I do not want to live for ever because i'd probably lose my mind in less than another one hundred years. In short, I'm a very happy person who is not bothered with guilt from religious teachings.

I never had religion in the first place. I was force-fed Protestant Christianity from the earliest age, but never bought any of it. I grew up during the space race, and I remember speculating out loud to my parents about the possibility of life on other planets. "Don't be ridiculous!" was the reply. Yet, I thought to myself, I'm supposed to believe in arks and people who get swallowed by whales and survive and immaculate conceptions. I never once thought religion was anything but complete BS, and church and Sunday School were merely boring times to be suffered through.

Yes - it's as though a huge anchor - or was it a cross? - was lifted from my back.
But that was a long time ago. I now can't believe I ever believed such nonsense!

It gives me the freedom to explore thoughts and actions which religion discourages.

Although I was very open-minded as a Christian, I feel like I've really changed my way of thinking since I deconverted. I'm not afraid of hell anymore, I'm not worried about pleasing any god, and since I know my own life is very temporary and there's no heaven or hell to get to once it's over, I can see that my time here is precious.

Quality life improved immediately, exponentially

Its amazing how clear my head is now. I Show respect for people and i listen to what people have to say. Its not complicated now. A lot of fear has been removed. Its pretty cool.

No. I never had religion to begin with.