How Can You Be A Happy Atheist?!?!
See this post in video format here.
Sometimes when people find out I'm an atheist, their response is usually negative. To them, being an atheist is looked at as a sad thing.
Speaking from personal experience, I'd like to say that my life is much better without religion, I'll explain why.
To some people, this might sound insane, “But Sarah, how could you possibly live a happy, meaningful life with purpose, without a god?” Here's how... I'll start with the definition.
Happiness: “1. Delighted, pleased, or glad as over a particular thing. 2. Characterized by or indicative of pleasure, contentment, or joy.” -Oxford Dictionary
What makes me happy in life, I think are the same things that make others happy in their lives as well. Relationships; friendships, family, helping people. Hobbies; writing, art, crafts, creativity, reading, learning. Good food, beverages; how many people enjoy coffee or tea in the mornings and maybe a glass of wine at the end of a long day? Laughing - I think anyone finds pleasure in these things.
Happiness, like any other emotion, comes and it goes – I realize this more from meditating. I don't need a belief in a god to feel emotions. Because of meditation, I've noticed I'm more aware of moments and I'd rather acknowledge and appreciate those happier moments than to allow myself to sit in negative ones. And I'm not saying I never allow myself to feel sadness, anger, etc. Just notice those negative emotions and let them go.
Meaningful: Full of meaning, significance, purpose or value.
Purpose: The reason for which something is done or for which something exists.
As an atheist, I'm not turning to a god for meaning or purpose. Deciding your own purpose is a way to give meaning to everything that happens.
Now to get morbid... I personally think that when a person dies, they cease to exist. I don't believe in an afterlife. I think when the human brain dies, their consciousness is gone. This is just what I think happens. Because I don't believe in an afterlife, I appreciate this life so much more than I did when I was religious. I'm even more grateful for the people in my life I love and care about. Realizing how special those moments are with your friends, family I think is important to pay attention to, because I think we all realize, life moves fast. In the words of Ferris Bueller, "If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
I grew up in the Pentecostal faith and realized I was an atheist only a few years ago. Since then, my life has only gotten better without religion, without believing in a god. It's honestly taken time to deconvert and not feel guilt for just being human. I struggled with the fear of hell for most of my life growing up.
When I realized, I should live in the present and not for some after life, I began to and still do, each day, appreciate this life and these moments.
-Sarah
