No remnants of my catholic upbringing remain. Although sometimes I think it's funny to place a slice of pepperoni on my tongue like the eucharist. I even say "the body of Christ."

But that's probably blasphemy so it's okay.

Well it is all ingrained in us and hard to get rid of, but then why would one. It doesn't hurt anyone if you cross yourself or do some other things that you have been doing for years. No use of beating yourself up about it. It is all old habit. Welcome to this site.

When you attend church services, simply pretend you are a cultural anthropologist observing the religious rites of a primitive tribe.

Welcome to the asylum. Enjoy your stay.

I've never had an ounce of doubt.
Even as a child, I always knew all gods were myths and all religion is an evil scam.

Welcome to Agnostic! Glad you came out of the closet, and had a good encounter with your children.

Result of lifetime indoctrination and brainwashing.

I still love singing the old church hymns. I think it's like when I was an older kid I still enjoyed the Santa Claus songs at Christmas because they put me back in touch with my past.

Welcome, wordlady.

I also have leftovers. I don't see any problem with adult play-acting. It can be fun.

Because rituals are comforting, that's how they become rituals. There are lots of things we do to comfort ourselves when stressed, toe tapping, finger fidgeting, hair twisting it's just that these are not myth based things like crossing ones self or mumbling praise jesus. It takes a concentrated effort to give up long term habits. Sometimes it's easier to swap it for something else.

Many years ago when I quit smoking I would catch myself looking for my cigs, I decided to reprogram myself about the oral addiction. Every time I wanted a cig I would say "pickles" and then go get a pickle to eat. I loved pickles and they have almost no calories so win win. As the cravings subsided it just became me saying "pickles" was enough to refocus on something else. Then finally after I beat the habit I found I wasn't even saying pickles anymore.

Religion is an emotional addiction, you can work to reprogram your comfort signals. Good luck!
Damn, now I need a pickle.

Welcome!

I put out "good thoughts" to the universe regardless of its effectiveness, or the ability to gauge it in any meaningful way. Works for me.

:-----:

"I see a pattern where the randomness of human actions can be directed through probability for an overall cumulative and positive effect. All throughout our society there is a butterfly effect that we are most always oblivious to… I guess my message is to go boldly forth and increase the peace and love and know you are not alone. You may not always be aware of the others choosing to follow this same path as you, but they’re out there, and they’re making a difference.”

~ LanceThruster

[from Debbie Mitchell's book "Growing Up Godless" - Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.]

Welcome, yes, sometimes i find myself singing hymns and changing the words. The song, Deep Peace, when i sing it, has life where Christ used to be. All Things Bright and Beautiful becomes more blatantly about maintaining an old fashioned status quo. It’s fun to update things as your understanding changes

Welcome

I say what ever feels good do it. As humans we need happiness

I'm so happy for you, that your "coming out" was received well!

Yes, I also have some leftover habits from my Christian upbringing, even though that was a long time ago. I just accept it as normal and natural. I acknowledge these habits with mild amusement, and then go about my business.

Some sense of humor about the whole thing can really help!

Speak aloud your thoughts, desires, fears etc is a known mechanism to organize and focus.
While inside our minds the thoughts are more concepts and feelings, but when you turn it into words you solidify them. So yes you can use a pray-like talk to talk to yourself and investigate your own thoughts.

It's surprising how many people admit to being agnostic or at least questioning, when you are honest and come out yourself. I was surprised anyway, to find I had more people who thought like me than I would have imagined.

As far as praying or formulating your thoughts and plans outloud or on paper, I think of it more as a meditation and pep talk for myself, to inspire me to go forth and make it happen.

I think that some quiet reflection is good (with or without the hymns and such) to center yourself with what you can and can't do, and leave alone or to others the things you can't do. It's good to check in with yourself for your emotional / spiritual well-being.

Welcome aboard. Sounds like old habits that just haven't gone away. Nothing wrong with practicing rituals that give some sense of comfort as long as you remember what is reality and what isn't.

Welcome!
That's great there is no pretending between yourself and kids.
Myself I accept reality and my kids won't accept reality, they can't seem to let go of the comfort props.
I think it's fine to put your desires and gratitude out there or express it, its showing your grateful...
Well that's just my opinion anyway.
Hope you enjoy yourself here

I'd like to warn you now, like I warn everybody who is new. Don't look where you step. If you look where you stepped, don't touch it. If you touch it, don't taste it.

Welcome! Hope you find a lot of support, info, and comfort here. Although I can not say I had as much of indroctrination, or habits formed I am sure in time you will just abandon them. Or at least suspect you will. I am confident that time is what helps rid us of the habits and left over thoughts. I find listening to shows like AXP, Talk Heathen, Shannon Q, Seth Andrews and others, seeing and hearing about their journeys will let you know you re not alone.

Welcome. I don't think about it. I don't pray. If I go to a church or other religious event, I'll behave with respect and not disturb.

Well hello there welcome to the site take a look around enjoy yourself.

Welcome. Hope you find some community here.

I was raised catholic and even though I've been an atheist for many years I still say "jesus, mary, and joseph" when something bad happens. Welcome, the more the merrier.