To the OP
Like your thoughts ........ I've never believed in a G*d, so have always been an atheist. For me, part of that way of being, means I have an open mind.
Do we have a consciousness that will continue as energy? I dunno, but I'm open to the possibility. Or maybe not even a consciousness - maybe there ARE alternate universes, and we merely end life in *this* one, while we continue on in another.
That is the beauty of non-belief - the possibilities are limitless, and science has yet to explain a lot ........ so keep wondering, be open to the universe's potential, and most of all, I would say...........
BE your own self, enjoy life, and let others choose their OWN path. Who cares? If people need to believe in a G*d, let them ... maybe it is their 'coping mechanism' for life. *shrugs*
xo
tal