Being an atheist has made me a better person in so many ways. Particularly in not believing that there is a far better world waiting for me in the afterlife. Most religious people are waiting for that better world and have given up on this one and I am not. Instead of waiting for heaven I am trying to create a "heaven" here on earth, a material heaven. I cherish my family and loved ones because I know this is the only time that I get to spend with them. I also take care of the environment and donate to charities that I know will help good cause. I also feel responsible for my own actions and I know that there will be real material consequences and that going to church or repenting will not change anything. Only through my own doing will I better any wrong that I have done. I have been atheist since I was 10 years old and my whole family is atheist as well. We all have a great relationship with each other, our spouses, and our loved ones and I believe that being atheist is the reason. We all strive to create a "heaven" on earth.