An Elaboration on my Atheism

I posted a link to my blog on Cafemom, to answer the question on why I am now an atheist. I noticed at the bottom of the original post that I said I would elaborate on my conversion at a later date, but failed to follow through on that. So I will do that now.

The funny thing about theism, is once you let go, it's like a veil has been lifted from over your eyes. It's not unlike the revelation that the Great and Powerful Oz was really just a man behind a curtain pulling levers.

God was ingrained in me from birth. I never once doubted his existence. What I lacked faith in, if anything, was organized religion. I suppose that was inevitable having two parents feeding me conflicting messages through my childhood.

How ironic that in my quest for the true religion, I came to reject all. Actually, I've come to known that that is how many atheists become atheists. I've known many Christians who have told me to read the Bible to find the truth. I agreed with them, only my version of the truth was the total opposite of theirs. The Bible is an amazing book, in that the reader may find in it, exactly what she is looking for, even if she is unaware of what that it.

So now that I've let go of God, I can't imagine how I could ever make myself believe again. I may as well make an attempt at belief in Zeus. Afterall, I've got just as much evidence for him.

I don't think about being an atheist very much in my day to day life. I only think about it, when someone else mentions atheists or atheism. This happens a lot more online, as people talk more freely behind computer screens. It's the subject of much debate. I don't think I'm really all that different than most Americans. We all do what we feel is right for ourselves. I just take accountability for it.

Well, that's all on this topic for now. If more comes to me, I will share it with you.

Gosh I haven't written here for so long. What is wrong with me? So what shall I talk about? I guess I could share a life lesson I've learned with you all. Why not? I've got plenty of them. Please excuse the awkwardness of this post. I'm a bit rusty.

A life lesson-save the excuses.

Excuses might make you feel better, but really, they don't make anyone else feel better. Excuses can sometimes serve the purpose of explanations, but really, that only works if the person on the receiving end is looking for an explanation.

Shit happens. People get sick, hurt. The car breaks down. The person who was supposed to be there for you fell through. But the bottom line is something didn't get done, that you were supposed to do, or something got done that wasn't supposed to, and it's your fault. No point in defending yourself; that only makes the party you're making excuses to more annoyed.

So what do you do? Try this simple phrase, "I'm sorry I disappointed you. I understand how you are upset? What can I do to make it better? Or, "I'll be more aware of that in the future".

Owning up to your failings, even when they are beyond your control shows the other person that you are accountable for yourself, that you own your failings, and that you want to work with them. Excuses show weakness, lack of accountability, and an incessant need for self-preservation.

So, try it sometime. Don't make excuses. Stand up and show someone that you are a dependable person, even when you fall short of expectations.