Why not just take "belief" and put it in the closet for a year?
Deal only with the reality around you.
Take what you see and hear literally. Ask yourself what you are seeing and hearing and feeling and how you might categorize it without resorting to policy statements about good and evil as sacred pronouncements.
Let's face it. There are only talking heads giving opinions when it comes to religious matters. Some are more polished and forceful when they opine. But then, salesmen use the same sort of persuasive strategies that hit your "hot buttons" and get you to seize some fleeting opportunity based on your emotions rather than your good sense.
Walk to the other side of the street for awhile and avoid "going out of business sales" such as Jehovah's Witnesses have been conducting since the mid 1800's without ever giving up their lease.
Look at people in terms of how they value others. JW's don't see the good in others, for example; they see what is wrong in others. They focus on your weakness and keep you down and fearful and then prey upon your insecurity.
Why spend time with people like that?
Seek out people who are making something out of their lives on a real level of accomplishment. Successful people come in all shapes, sizes and attitudes, but; they share one thing in common: they are positive people acting to improve their lot in life.
See negativism as an illness. Talk about what's right with people who see the bright side rather than wallowing in what's wrong and feeling powerless.
Don't give up your autonomy to a person or group or affiliation. They'll use you, abuse you and when you stand up to them, they'll condemn and abandon you labeling you a troublemaker.
Be willing to be wrong about things. Seek the company and adviCe of others who are willing to listen and change their mind when the facts call for adjustment.
Absolute thinking is dangerous thinking, usually, and certitude can be a neurosis when it holds you back from doing what is going to improve your conditions.
Don't get caught up in either/or. Just make thinking a feeling out discovery and an adventure. If you don't TRY you don't FAIL, but; you don't experience growth either. Growth is essential to the joy of being alive.
My favorite saying is this. PEOPLE DON'T WANT TO KNOW THE MEANING OF LIFE. PEOPLE WANT TO FEEL THE JOY OF BEING ALIVE.
