- Avoid ritual aspects like the plague. You can reject/avoid things that remind you of a previous religion.
- Work towards feeling “not panicky about Hell” some days instead of “good about yourself™”. Sometimes there’s not enough water to chug in the world or enough positive thoughts than can undo Sunday School Reflexes. A lot of conversion advice is trite and ableist. You’re not doing something wrong if you have doubt or negative feelings.
- Doubt some more. Members of the clergy of many paths are required to take a period of discernment, and so can you. (Quickie Discernment Checklist)
- Slip up and use your former religion’s lingo.
- Stop and start. You don’t have to convert all at once.
- Not be initiated. There are religions that require it, and religions that don’t.
- Doubt again and seek multiple sources. This is just good research. It will help counteract the influence of bias. Get a second, or even hundredth opinion. Chances are, you’ll find someone who went through something or is going through something similar.
- Chuckle at bad advice. I’ve seen and received a lot from people who wouldn’t know Catholicism if it danced in front of them wearing nothing but Jesus’ folded burial napkin.
- Message me to vent.