To those who were once believers and are now atheists, some advice?

[The Valkyrie]

I haven't actually lost any friends because of it, at least that I'm aware of, anyway. My mother and her sisters have been somewhat distant, however.

I've always viewed it this way: If they were truly your friends they would accept you for who you are. It may be hard at first, but it's their loss, not yours, and they're not worthy of you attention or thoughts.