On my “wouldn’t that be rad sometime” wishlist: I’d really like a professionally designed logo for GodlessGirl.com; some help brainstorming other features for this site and fiddling with the template; and a matching re-do of my twitter background and avatar internet-wide.
Speaking of my avatar: I have a soft spot for my faceless cartoon girl. She’s anonymous like me, rather cute, and easily recognizable. I’m just not sure if I should stick with her. I threw her together last-minute when I needed an image for twitter back in ’09. Is she really a part of the Godlessgirl image? I’ve used the same avatar everywhere since I started this persona? I’m not sure how important she is to recognition and all that whatnot. Anyway, why am I harping on a stupid image?
The logo actually means something to me. I’d like to build a cohesive “look” to my site, but since I love changing the template once in a while, I’d like something that will grow with me and fit a few different looks.
If you’re interested in helping me, I’d like the text in Comic Sans with a Papyrus font change on mouseover. Also, if it could glitter like this and maybe make a sort of “glass crashing” noise when you click on it, that’d be soooooo cool. My goal is to gain exposure on this site.
Toodles!
photo by hipposrunsuperfast.com
It’s really not.
When I began this blog, I had this sense of being part of a great discovery, a wondrous evolution of mind. I felt exhilarated and puffed up. In some ways, I felt like a new convert. My ferocity and passion about my new journey away from religion seemed so important, so radical.
But being an atheist isn’t a big deal. Not believing in one deity or a thousand deities doesn’t make me a revolutionary or unique individual. It’s actually kinda bland. My life isn’t packed with people flocking to hear what I have to say. It’s more or less packed with my everyday activities: I sleep, eat, goof around, work at my job, hang out with friends, talk to my boyfriend, daydream, read, enjoy entertainment and the internet, and sleep some more. Somewhere in there I might have a thought about someone else’s religion or a question about some philosophical idea, but more or less I’m just your average person living life.
Being an atheist isn’t a big deal. There are heaps of us … everywhere. I’m sure I see more atheists every day than I could ever guess, and these people aren’t any more cool or outstanding than I am. We’re just experiencing life in somewhat unremarkable ways, just like everyone else. We walk right past religious people all the time and no one explodes or runs away in panic. The world doesn’t end because we don’t believe in the supernatural.
Being an atheist isn’t a big deal. In fact, we’re all born this way. I’m not sure why we make such a fuss about it, especially here in the USA. In fact, atheism is so “ok yeah, whatever” that I’m not sure I should even need to blog about it. It’s just your average state of being. Atheism is just another ordinary trait. It’s a shame not everyone sees it that way. That’s why people think we need awareness campaigns and books and slogans and symbols and media icons and organizations and blogs and public speakers and rock stars.
But being an atheist isn’t a big deal. It’s actually quite… normal.
photo by sarahephoto
Happy one year “outiversary” to me!
It was exactly one year ago that I came out godless to my mother. Declaring myself to her is the biggest step I’ve taken in my transition out of Christianity into atheism. It was scary! I can happily relate that she and I are slowly repairing the broken emotional divide between us, and I see a life of acceptance and respect ahead. At least, that’s what I dearly hope for every day. Love you, Mom!
I just wanted to spread heaps of love today and give out virtual hugs to all of you who have been with me through this long, complicated process. Revealing such a deep, personal secret to one’s family is difficult, but I have all of you to thank for the courage you give me to be myself and be proud of it. It’s not over yet, but I’m on my way!
Read more about coming out atheist and share your own stories 
photo by mr lynch
Being around open-minded young people has caused me to forget just how jarring it must be for some older folks to meet a self-assured, public atheist. This happened at choir practice:
* * *
While waiting for warm-ups to begin, an older woman and I gathered our music from a table. Generic small talk ensued.
“What company do you work for?” she inquired, sitting down at the music table and smiling up at me as I stood across from her.
With trepidation I said, “[Company Name Here].” I hate answering this question… When you work for a Christian business, people tend to assume you’re Christian. It’s totally understandable, but a bit of a headache for me.
Her eyebrows climbed up her face in interest, and I knew what was coming next. ”So, you’re a good Christian girl, eh? That’s nice. I used to sing at mass every Sunday. Love the Latin …. ” She trailed off a bit at the end, nodding her approval.
Looking her full in the face, I smiled back and declared, “No, actually I’m an atheist.”
Her jaw nearly clattered to the table in visible shock. ”Don’t say that. Say that you’re not sure or that you’re figuring things out. You’re not an atheist.” She crossed her hands and clutched her music folder tightly.
“Oh, but I am an atheist. I do not believe in God.” I returned, still smiling. “And I was a Christian my whole life.”
“Well …” She searched for something to say for a moment. She finally settled on, “You’re young.” And with that comeback she looked away as if begging for someone else to make her feel more comfortable.
Lamely, I murmured, “I just wait for the evidence.” Not the smartest retort, I admitted. But our small exchange had ended. Swiftly, I took three steps back from her and made my exit.
* * *
I’m not used to shocking people with that news. I am so used to being atheist now and having it be normal and unremarkable. These types of encounters tend to make other people feel discomfort, and I admit I enjoy the confidence and feeling of, “Yeah, that’s right! I’m a scary atheist. And your problem is…?”
Apparently my certainty was the most horrifying trait. If I’d been an agnostic, she probably would have thought God was still working in my life or that I was just a Catholic-in-the-making. But no, being an atheist just about tipped her canoe.
I wonder how much longer it will be before saying one is an atheist in the United States will not send someone into a tizzy.
Meghan on 
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