Thank you for your kind words and well wishes. I still read StayLDS and will contribute wherever I can. Even now that we’ve decided on a course, I still find myself second-guessing our decision. It’s very hard to find your own way and feel confident going forward when you’ve been taught your whole life that there is only one way to happiness.
I know that we’ll always have some measure of association with the church through family, friends, and neighbors. I think that is a good thing. There are some things that the people in the church do very well and, as a whole, they are really great people and truly want to serve others.
I wouldn’t be afraid to stay connected, but on your own terms, quietly lived but not overtly expressed. That is what I’m doing now — after a while it gets comfortable.