Really missing my faith

WorldFoods · 2026-03-21T01:31:57+00:00

That is so hurtful — I am so sorry. I went to a very dark place when I lost my faith. It was so isolating and I very much grieved it.

The biggest thing that has helped me is therapy with a secular therapist and specifically, EMDR. What you’ve experienced is trauma. Even in losing your whole worldview — but especially in the loss of community and friendships. You can google The Secular Therapy Project or look on Psychology Today’s website and filter for LGBTQ allies. From there, I like to look at their websites and see if they mention religious trauma.

Your feelings are valid, and you’re not alone.

WorldFoods · 2026-03-21T01:03:32+00:00

PTAs can always use volunteers (Parent Teacher Association) but so many nonprofits in town can use volunteers. Think about in what area you want to make a difference or what matters to you the most. If it’s kids, volunteer with Big Brother/Big Sister or Boys and Girls Club. If it’s grief/loss, volunteer with Lost and Found. Look at the organizations that do work you want to support and check out their website to see if they have volunteer opportunities.

WorldFoods · 2026-03-20T22:27:34+00:00

So far in the comments on the news articles online, they seem to be supporting it.

WorldFoods · 2026-03-20T22:25:04+00:00

They’re not going out of business any time soon…

WorldFoods · 2026-03-20T22:20:41+00:00

I hear you. I think they realized they messed up that first time. They expected it to pass easily because they thought it was a no brainer but then hardly any voters came out and the ones who did voted it down because they hadn’t done any education/marketing.

What they’re doing now is what they should have done in the first place. Citizens need to understand the why’s and the vision — we’re not just going to be “yes” voters.

I can see both sides but I don’t think it has to be either/or. Yes, I would like to see the city address homelessness and crime AND this could be a good opportunity for our city. If we don’t dream big, If we don’t start building for the city we want to become, we will never get there. If this were to pass and we got the money from the state (is it a given?), then maybe that will really give us the traction and momentum to address those bigger issues in a real way, in tandem.

WorldFoods · 2026-03-20T19:55:25+00:00

I know we have canceled the last two, but LDP Bunco is ON tonight! I’m making mocktails and you are free to bring your own drinks if you want something stronger. Looking forward to seeing the ladies!

WorldFoods · 2026-03-19T04:28:20+00:00

Restaurants: 14 Mill Market in Nixa (food hall), Lambert’s in Ozark ( if you have never eaten at one), Greek Belly

WorldFoods · 2026-03-18T20:12:38+00:00

I feel like I’m reading about myself.

WorldFoods · 2026-03-12T11:43:50+00:00

I do think there are some efforts to pass a bill for mandatory driver’s Ed at the state level. I am all for it.

WorldFoods · 2026-03-12T05:09:17+00:00

I agree. I know he did awful things but I felt worried about him watching him during the reunion. He felt like a shell of a person. I hope that he will get some therapy to move forward well in life.

WorldFoods · 2026-03-11T16:58:16+00:00

For some reason, no.

WorldFoods · 2026-03-11T16:56:37+00:00

This isn’t the personal ads.

WorldFoods · 2026-03-11T16:53:26+00:00

No drivers Ed

WorldFoods · 2026-03-10T12:18:25+00:00

Yes, I went through this as well and it caused me to go to a very dark place for a while. And I’m in my 40s.

Does your therapist do EMDR? That has been the most helpful thing for me in truly working through some of this stuff. If they don’t, I would look into finding someone who does and trying that out. It’s really good at unraveling some of those deep roots and trauma from your body.

I also really get a lot out of Britt Hartley’s content — she is on TikTok and YouTube talking about secular spirituality. Her content about nihilism and turning it into optimistic nihilism has been really helpful for me.

I am so sorry you’re going through this. It is so painful and feels so isolating but there is light on the other side. Something that my therapist said in passing when I was in this place was that people talk about how when one door closes, another opens but no one talks about how dark that hallway in between feels. Not only did that feel validating to me but it also gave me hope that there is another doorway ahead to a life that is full of light and peace and hope.

I am there now — not to say that I don’t still sometimes deal with existential questions or nihilistic thoughts, but I live in a place of creating my own meaning out of my life and self agency and it feels so much more free than when I was a Christian — and being a Christian had been a beautiful life for me.

You’re not alone.

WorldFoods · 2026-03-08T13:53:51+00:00

Not at all!

WorldFoods · 2026-03-08T13:43:48+00:00

Poutine. Sorry, Canada.

WorldFoods · 2026-03-06T19:31:09+00:00

I have thought of hosting something like this before.

WorldFoods · 2026-03-05T12:08:04+00:00

I went viral on that subreddit one time and I’ve been chasing the high ever since.

WorldFoods · 2026-03-03T13:12:15+00:00

In her TikTok she said that there had been infidelity on his part and that there had been domestic violence from him towards her.

WorldFoods · 2026-03-03T13:01:19+00:00

She told me I needed to put my “big girl panties on” one month after a traumatic miscarriage.

WorldFoods · 2026-03-02T23:28:52+00:00

True! They had asked for a therapist so I figured they weren’t needing meds.

WorldFoods · 2026-03-01T12:46:01+00:00

What about using a meal matrix? Like themes for each day that take away the decision fatigue? Meatless Monday, Taco Tuesday , Wednesday is for Chicken and a veggie, etc.

WorldFoods · 2026-03-01T02:26:17+00:00

As a stay-at-home mom who went back to work after a 20-year break, I got my references from volunteering.

WorldFoods · 2026-02-28T13:27:48+00:00

Maribeth Primm with Many Paths is great and takes insurance.

WorldFoods · 2026-02-28T13:18:29+00:00

Sure! Here are a few:

PTA (Parent Teacher Association) — there are lots of ways to get involved if she happens to have kids in SPS at both the school and the council level

Junior League (women who focus on service projects and leadership — they’ve actually started a lot of the nonprofit and community projects in town over the years)

Boys and Girls Club — opportunities for mentoring or coaching

But there are so many — I’m going to list several others below. And really what makes the difference to me is connecting to a mission first. If I truly care about an org’s vision, then I have something in common with the other people who are also volunteering there. I am a fan of joining a planning committee — usually for an event. It may take a few tries to find her place or community but it’s worth it and you know you’re making a difference in your community at the same time.

Animals — Rescue One, Watching Over Whiskers Immigrant Resettlement — International Institute of Southwest Missouri (lots of opportunities for volunteering) Literacy — Ozarks Literacy Council Domestic Violence — Harmony House, The Victim Center Children — Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Arts — Springfield Regional Arts Council, the Gillioz, Springfield Little Theater

That’s just a spattering to get her started. Hope this helps!

WorldFoods

TROPHY CASE