If you're an Atheist, what comforts you?

[Brian37]

I'm someone in transition who's pretty close to being an atheist, so I would not suggest that atheists have nothing to live for or some of the other ignorant ideas people have about atheists. Just wanted to get that out of the way. 

That said, I am having a lot of depression and anxiety that, back when I was a believer, I'd be coping with by praying. Now prayer is out, so I wanted to ask a general question: 

What brings you comfort when life is hard? I'm especially interested in any book recommendations or videos that I can turn to repeatedly when times are tough. They don't have to be by atheists or about atheism. Any secular source will do. 

thanks

Regardless if you are a theist or an atheist, EVERYONE has ups and downs in life, even atheists. The only thing "off" means is that you don't assign good or bad happening to fictional characters. 

There is only one reason you reject any claim, and that is lack of evidence.

FYI even lifetime atheists can have mental health issues. It is common in our species. It doesn't make you evil. 

I'd say knowing how your brain works, and knowing everything about your particular condition can help you cope. 

I know that merely taking time to do things I like doing, like debating, and writing poetry and watching football help. Having like minded friends helps. 

But as far as books. If you want two really good explanations as to why god belief happens, and the reality of where our species morality is really coming from.

Richard Dawkins, "The God Delusion" explains in an evolutionary context why god claims happen.

Victor Stenger, " The New Atheism" not only says science does have something to say about god claims. In later chapters it gives many examples of the similarities of religions claims that lead them to claim to be good, as well as do bad. It says to the author, as well as me, that our morality isn't in the writings fo antiquity, but have always been in us. 

But in daily life, think of it this way. My late mother had a famous saying she printed out for me, "Don't cry because it is over, smile because it happened". You go to a movie knowing it ends, but you still go and enjoy it. You go to a music concert knowing it ends, but you still go and enjoy it. You go to a sporting event knowing it ends, but you still go and enjoy it. You don't need a forever to do good, and be good and enjoy life with the finite time you have.