Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Nelson on March 6, 2012 at 11:24pm

Hey Stephen, welcome! Glad to have you with us. You'll find a quite supportive community here.

Is there any particular insights you're looking for? Is there some question in particular that plagues you that maybe we can help hash out for you in a meaningful and helpful way?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Stephen Meadows on March 6, 2012 at 11:33pm

Thanks Nelson! I'm glad to be here.

I guess I am looking for insight from people who have been in my shoes. I feel like I'm on a cliff and ready to jump off (with a parachute of course). I know it will be a rush, but I am afraid for some reason. It's not that I am concerned for my soul or anything. I can't really explain the feeling but I am certain I am not the only one to ever feel it.

How do former religious types get over that feeling of loss? I know for certain that my Evangelical beliefs are all bunk. However, I feel like I am ending a relationship, even though it's for my own sanity.

It's those general feelings I have that have plagued me lately. Overall, I feel liberated and excited about my new journey.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Nelson on March 6, 2012 at 11:38pm

I think it's helpful to compare it to a personal relationship that you know is over but find it hard to leave. Many of us have been in a situation where you've been in a relationship with a significant other, we know that it's not going anywhere and that we are perhaps fundamentally incompatible with the other person, but we can't quite leave. The relationship feels safe. We're still friends with that person, there's no animosity really. Things are just different now. It's time to move on but moving on means moving out into unknown spaces whereas what we have right now, though obviously not working anymore, is known to us. And this is true even while the thought of moving on into new spaces is exhilarating.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Stephen Meadows on March 6, 2012 at 11:43pm

Good point! I will process it under that premise and see if that helps some. I'm excited about all I can learn and share on this site!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Nelson on March 6, 2012 at 11:51pm

Hope to see you around soon and often! :)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Dylan Martin on March 6, 2012 at 11:50pm

Hi Stephen!!!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Stephen Meadows on March 7, 2012 at 8:26am

Hey Dylan, How's it going?

• ▶ Reply