i didnt take this. its alex, and its awesome.
David
-
CIC flurry
- Amazingly Sexy Man-Beast
- Posts: 3426
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For the past 4.5 or 5 years (whatever it is) footbag is the one thing that defined me. It's funny, my friend the other day said everytime she hears my name brought up the first thing is "oh dude hes soooo good at hacky sack". And in some ways, that's cool, but in others it sucks. It sucks when the thing you do becomes what you are, and it sucks when people don't look beyond that. Its even worse perhaps when you let that one thing become what you are all about, because when you lose that you don't have much left.
Perhaps the above paragraph is a bit ambigious, but perhaps what follows will help understand it. For the past month my back has hurt. Lower to be exact. I went to the doctor twice, both times her advice doing nothing until she finally referred me to a sports medicine doctor. I went there today.
I told him about my pain, when it started, what I've been doing. How I've tried to stretch it and play lightly and even taking like 10 days off when I sprained my ankle. I wondered if me switching from the cushiony units to the lavers had any effect, but didn't mention it. He put his fingers all over me asking me where shit hurt. He touched the area where my pain is, but it doesn't get worse when you touch it. He said if it did it would be muscular (which could be solved by stretching). After some talking he decided I should get an M.R.I, which is a kind of scan. He said I might have a fractured disk or something. I go in monday for that. He said the worst case scenario is that I won't be able to play for 2 months. This means I will be sidelined at worlds.
I sat in that doctor's office and I felt confused and lost. I didn't really beleive him. I thought he was going to say "turn like this" and my world would be pain free. But he didn't say that. The scan is $1000, but of course insurance will pay for it, but it still is a lot more serious than physical therapy I feel.
I wonder why me you know? I have good form, I take care of myself, I don't play on concrete all the time. I use the mats, I stop when pain starts, etc. I don't think I'm a very heavy on my feet player. I don't know why this happened to me of all people.
As I left the office I kind of hated myself. Not really myself, but just footbag. I hated that for all the pain and effort I put into this game I never got anything that I can hold. I'm not Shaun White on an American Express commercial. I'm not on ESPN. I'm a sideshow act that people at school think is cool for 2 minutes. As I walked across that parking lot I just hated how things are. How my life is so wrapped up in this stupid game and how even though I say I hate it a lot, at the end of the day I love it. I really do.
I think out of all the people who play this game I have the most self-detrimental view. I rarely am happy with my game, I'm always critiquing, I never sit down and pat myself on the back. And on one hand that's what made me good, but on the other its why I hate playing a lot of the time. I feel like I'm always competing against people. Every video of a player on my level is just more stuff I can't do. And then I'll write down everything that person hit and kill myself until I do it too. And that works if you want to be good, but it doesn't work if you want to be happy.
I laid down in the back seat and my mom drove me home. I was at that weird cross roads between breaking something and feeling hopless. Its a weird state I'm in a lot.
I don't know what's next for me in this game. I know that the doctor said I can play this weekend, because playing doesn't make this injury worse (or at least, this weekend won't), so that's cool. I'll probably play well, because I have been the past few days. But not being able to play my best and watching people having fun just isn't what a footbag tournament is ya know? I've been constantly improving every year and now I feel like I've made a turn. Like my career is over or something. I'm 18 and I may have peaked. What a thought.
I don't know why I'm writing this but I know someone can learn something from it. The first thing is that you shouldn't let this game eat your life. You should become good through the right way, not through the cut throat mentality that I live by. And I guess you should always get problems with your body looked into, because if I didn't do this now the guy said I could've messed up my back for a long time.
I sit here on the floor with my computer in my lap and I move my left ankle and it still hurts. My back is sore. My knee doesn't feel right. And I'm not really happy. I'm pretty much a mess, and that sucks.
It's not just footbag though. I mean, footbag is a lot of it and having this injury is something but its just life in general. I don't have a very like, great life. I mean I'm lucky as shit don't get me wrong. I have a nice house and loving parents and I can eat and everything, and I'm living like, middle class America. But I just don't feel like I'm doing anything besides taking up space sometimes, and that bothers me. I feel like everyone is just going through the motions of their days and no one really cares.
I used to be really religious and right now I'm doubting God and all. It doesn't help when the vast majority of people think it's all a sham. And that sucks man, because I put a lot of myself into my religion and I really like, wanted it to be real ya know? Just some direction, some purpose. When you give that up and you start thinking that we are all just random people and there's no big plan, well, that shit just makes you want to give up. It really does. Like what's the reason? I wish I could have the faith that my parents do, because even if it's not right it still makes you a happier person. It gives you a reason to wake up. And I know just being a good person should be reason enough but shit, if your just going to rot in the ground after 80 years then that doesn't give you much reason to care about anyone but yourself, and that's probably why the world is so messed up.
Part of me didn't want to go to East Coasts anymore, but Mike is so excited about it and he reminds me of me when I was younger so much. Like just really into hack for the right reasons and stuff. And I know that what footbag gave me it will give him. A better outlook on stuff, and realizing your world is not just what you can see. It makes you humble and it teaches you that after every drop you have to pick up and keep going, and no one is going to pick it up for you.
I'm praying that the M.R.I comes back in a good way and all I have to do is get physical therapy. If this happened mid winter I wouldnt care because I could just take the 2 months off and it would be ok, but I don't want to miss worlds because I don't know when I'll go again.
Anyway, if you read this thanks. If you got something out of it, cool. If you can go outside right now and play pain free and enjoy footbag and everything about it, awesome. If infinity and shit is still a blast for you, hold on to that for a while, cuz it's really a great thing to have.
Lastly, my birthday is tommorow. I will be 19 years old.
Off to east coasts in a few hours. Wish me luck.
dc
Perhaps the above paragraph is a bit ambigious, but perhaps what follows will help understand it. For the past month my back has hurt. Lower to be exact. I went to the doctor twice, both times her advice doing nothing until she finally referred me to a sports medicine doctor. I went there today.
I told him about my pain, when it started, what I've been doing. How I've tried to stretch it and play lightly and even taking like 10 days off when I sprained my ankle. I wondered if me switching from the cushiony units to the lavers had any effect, but didn't mention it. He put his fingers all over me asking me where shit hurt. He touched the area where my pain is, but it doesn't get worse when you touch it. He said if it did it would be muscular (which could be solved by stretching). After some talking he decided I should get an M.R.I, which is a kind of scan. He said I might have a fractured disk or something. I go in monday for that. He said the worst case scenario is that I won't be able to play for 2 months. This means I will be sidelined at worlds.
I sat in that doctor's office and I felt confused and lost. I didn't really beleive him. I thought he was going to say "turn like this" and my world would be pain free. But he didn't say that. The scan is $1000, but of course insurance will pay for it, but it still is a lot more serious than physical therapy I feel.
I wonder why me you know? I have good form, I take care of myself, I don't play on concrete all the time. I use the mats, I stop when pain starts, etc. I don't think I'm a very heavy on my feet player. I don't know why this happened to me of all people.
As I left the office I kind of hated myself. Not really myself, but just footbag. I hated that for all the pain and effort I put into this game I never got anything that I can hold. I'm not Shaun White on an American Express commercial. I'm not on ESPN. I'm a sideshow act that people at school think is cool for 2 minutes. As I walked across that parking lot I just hated how things are. How my life is so wrapped up in this stupid game and how even though I say I hate it a lot, at the end of the day I love it. I really do.
I think out of all the people who play this game I have the most self-detrimental view. I rarely am happy with my game, I'm always critiquing, I never sit down and pat myself on the back. And on one hand that's what made me good, but on the other its why I hate playing a lot of the time. I feel like I'm always competing against people. Every video of a player on my level is just more stuff I can't do. And then I'll write down everything that person hit and kill myself until I do it too. And that works if you want to be good, but it doesn't work if you want to be happy.
I laid down in the back seat and my mom drove me home. I was at that weird cross roads between breaking something and feeling hopless. Its a weird state I'm in a lot.
I don't know what's next for me in this game. I know that the doctor said I can play this weekend, because playing doesn't make this injury worse (or at least, this weekend won't), so that's cool. I'll probably play well, because I have been the past few days. But not being able to play my best and watching people having fun just isn't what a footbag tournament is ya know? I've been constantly improving every year and now I feel like I've made a turn. Like my career is over or something. I'm 18 and I may have peaked. What a thought.
I don't know why I'm writing this but I know someone can learn something from it. The first thing is that you shouldn't let this game eat your life. You should become good through the right way, not through the cut throat mentality that I live by. And I guess you should always get problems with your body looked into, because if I didn't do this now the guy said I could've messed up my back for a long time.
I sit here on the floor with my computer in my lap and I move my left ankle and it still hurts. My back is sore. My knee doesn't feel right. And I'm not really happy. I'm pretty much a mess, and that sucks.
It's not just footbag though. I mean, footbag is a lot of it and having this injury is something but its just life in general. I don't have a very like, great life. I mean I'm lucky as shit don't get me wrong. I have a nice house and loving parents and I can eat and everything, and I'm living like, middle class America. But I just don't feel like I'm doing anything besides taking up space sometimes, and that bothers me. I feel like everyone is just going through the motions of their days and no one really cares.
I used to be really religious and right now I'm doubting God and all. It doesn't help when the vast majority of people think it's all a sham. And that sucks man, because I put a lot of myself into my religion and I really like, wanted it to be real ya know? Just some direction, some purpose. When you give that up and you start thinking that we are all just random people and there's no big plan, well, that shit just makes you want to give up. It really does. Like what's the reason? I wish I could have the faith that my parents do, because even if it's not right it still makes you a happier person. It gives you a reason to wake up. And I know just being a good person should be reason enough but shit, if your just going to rot in the ground after 80 years then that doesn't give you much reason to care about anyone but yourself, and that's probably why the world is so messed up.
Part of me didn't want to go to East Coasts anymore, but Mike is so excited about it and he reminds me of me when I was younger so much. Like just really into hack for the right reasons and stuff. And I know that what footbag gave me it will give him. A better outlook on stuff, and realizing your world is not just what you can see. It makes you humble and it teaches you that after every drop you have to pick up and keep going, and no one is going to pick it up for you.
I'm praying that the M.R.I comes back in a good way and all I have to do is get physical therapy. If this happened mid winter I wouldnt care because I could just take the 2 months off and it would be ok, but I don't want to miss worlds because I don't know when I'll go again.
Anyway, if you read this thanks. If you got something out of it, cool. If you can go outside right now and play pain free and enjoy footbag and everything about it, awesome. If infinity and shit is still a blast for you, hold on to that for a while, cuz it's really a great thing to have.
Lastly, my birthday is tommorow. I will be 19 years old.
Off to east coasts in a few hours. Wish me luck.
dc
david
Gee, I don't know what to say.
I feel your frustration. I was actually thinking about the faith thing in the same light just last night... like comparably back to when I was really young and was forced to be religious. It also makes me question if "having a purpose" is really better if "reglion" is just a means of pacification... do you know what I mean? Like an easy way out... surely for most people, I think, that is not the case, but for me at this point in my life, it feels so, and that is why I am currently not really religious. It just doesn't feel right, and so I guess I have also unconsciously been waiting for many years to see if something happens in my life to spark something... That was kind of just ramble, but I was trying to relate.
Part of me wishes that I could just hang out with you all of the time and make you happy and smile and chill out.
I don't accomplish much, and I don't think I've even left my house except to play footbag (and work) for over a month, but I am happy. Footbag makes me happy. I guess I also have another major hobby/interest, though... maybe that is important. I guess I kind of categorize people into two groups... social people and interest people -- those who spend most of their time with other people, and that is most important to them, and those who have interests and hobbies and that is what's most important to them... Not sure where I was going with this again...
I hope you figure out your back pain (and other problems), David, and I hope that whatever happens that you can be happy and do what you want to do (maybe they are not the same thing?) Maybe you should go do something that makes you happy that isn't footbag. ...Well, update us on Monday. Take care
HUG
I feel your frustration. I was actually thinking about the faith thing in the same light just last night... like comparably back to when I was really young and was forced to be religious. It also makes me question if "having a purpose" is really better if "reglion" is just a means of pacification... do you know what I mean? Like an easy way out... surely for most people, I think, that is not the case, but for me at this point in my life, it feels so, and that is why I am currently not really religious. It just doesn't feel right, and so I guess I have also unconsciously been waiting for many years to see if something happens in my life to spark something... That was kind of just ramble, but I was trying to relate.
Part of me wishes that I could just hang out with you all of the time and make you happy and smile and chill out.
I don't accomplish much, and I don't think I've even left my house except to play footbag (and work) for over a month, but I am happy. Footbag makes me happy. I guess I also have another major hobby/interest, though... maybe that is important. I guess I kind of categorize people into two groups... social people and interest people -- those who spend most of their time with other people, and that is most important to them, and those who have interests and hobbies and that is what's most important to them... Not sure where I was going with this again...
I hope you figure out your back pain (and other problems), David, and I hope that whatever happens that you can be happy and do what you want to do (maybe they are not the same thing?) Maybe you should go do something that makes you happy that isn't footbag. ...Well, update us on Monday. Take care
HUG
-
Iron Clad Ben
- Superior Precision Bionics
- Posts: 2522
- Joined: 08 Jan 2006 19:11
- Location: La Habra, CA
- Contact:
Sorry to hear about your back situation. You may want to get a second opinion. I would highly recommend a chiropractor, they are the ones who are going to have a natural solution for your situation without using surgery or harsh medicines that could have crappy side effects.
You should never feel like any of the time you put into footbag has been a waste. Few people have passions that they devote their lives to so strongly. How many people do you know who are only good at smoking pot or playing XBOX? The grass may always seem greener, but few people can say they've put the hardwork into something like you have. It is who you are and you should be proud of it. Fuck Shaun White the guy is a fucking douchebag who cares if he is on TV doing myspace commercials or whatever, fuck him. I think you are finally getting to the point where you are realizing that it matters much more what you think of yourself than what other people think of you (if that matters at all).
So you are injured for a little while... you are realizing your own mortality. Look at Kenny, he's been injured numerous times and he always comes back and he is well into his 40s now. And the Chan-man above, he basically came back from the dead, listen to what he has to say. It's not over until you say it is.
I just don't want to think all you've done in footbag was for naught. You have inspired many many people within the sport and lots of people look up to you. The hard work you've put into the game can be put into whatever else you decide to do later and that does not mean you have to leave footbag behind. Since you're only 18 (or 19 soon right?) you still have plenty of time to figure out what that is, it's natural to feel frustrated if you haven't figured it out, everyone does.
Things will be ok. Hugz.
You should never feel like any of the time you put into footbag has been a waste. Few people have passions that they devote their lives to so strongly. How many people do you know who are only good at smoking pot or playing XBOX? The grass may always seem greener, but few people can say they've put the hardwork into something like you have. It is who you are and you should be proud of it. Fuck Shaun White the guy is a fucking douchebag who cares if he is on TV doing myspace commercials or whatever, fuck him. I think you are finally getting to the point where you are realizing that it matters much more what you think of yourself than what other people think of you (if that matters at all).
So you are injured for a little while... you are realizing your own mortality. Look at Kenny, he's been injured numerous times and he always comes back and he is well into his 40s now. And the Chan-man above, he basically came back from the dead, listen to what he has to say. It's not over until you say it is.
I just don't want to think all you've done in footbag was for naught. You have inspired many many people within the sport and lots of people look up to you. The hard work you've put into the game can be put into whatever else you decide to do later and that does not mean you have to leave footbag behind. Since you're only 18 (or 19 soon right?) you still have plenty of time to figure out what that is, it's natural to feel frustrated if you haven't figured it out, everyone does.
Things will be ok. Hugz.
Sorry to hear about that shit man. I hope the MRI does bring back good results. I'll be sad to hear if you can't play at worlds because I've been wanting to get in another circle with you like I did at the US Open last year. So don't worry Lemonbear because things will get better.
hugz
hugz
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hey dave,
watching your game develop from the very beginning (back when you were Sand) has been incredible. you might not know it, but you've done a lot for all footbaggers, just by playing. you give us an inspiration, you show us what hard work and dedication can really do. you never compromise your beliefs, and you are always honest, even when it's not what someone wants to hear, and those are hard things to be. I remember you sending me video of your first mobius, you were so psyched!!
There's more to this game than busting big. There is teaching it, and spreading it, and there are people who are absolutely worth knowing and loving and spending time with.
I hope your back is feeling all right and you're able to play this weekend. I hope if it hurts, you lay off. I'd love to see you play at worlds, but even if you have to take some time off, there is next year, and look how far you've come this year! If you have to hang back some this year, I KNOW you'll be killing it next year.
We all have setbacks, I had to stop playing guitar for quite some time just because of a practice related injury, and it SUCKS!! it sucks so bad, because then all you want to do is play, and you can't, and such a big part of you is taken away. but, I know there's more to you than this game. You're a smart, dedicated, funny guy. I hope we'll have you on the scene for a long time.
Matt in london
watching your game develop from the very beginning (back when you were Sand) has been incredible. you might not know it, but you've done a lot for all footbaggers, just by playing. you give us an inspiration, you show us what hard work and dedication can really do. you never compromise your beliefs, and you are always honest, even when it's not what someone wants to hear, and those are hard things to be. I remember you sending me video of your first mobius, you were so psyched!!
There's more to this game than busting big. There is teaching it, and spreading it, and there are people who are absolutely worth knowing and loving and spending time with.
I hope your back is feeling all right and you're able to play this weekend. I hope if it hurts, you lay off. I'd love to see you play at worlds, but even if you have to take some time off, there is next year, and look how far you've come this year! If you have to hang back some this year, I KNOW you'll be killing it next year.
We all have setbacks, I had to stop playing guitar for quite some time just because of a practice related injury, and it SUCKS!! it sucks so bad, because then all you want to do is play, and you can't, and such a big part of you is taken away. but, I know there's more to you than this game. You're a smart, dedicated, funny guy. I hope we'll have you on the scene for a long time.
Matt in london
BRICK!
rfa::never give up::
nyfa
rfa::never give up::
nyfa
Happy Birhtday!!
If it is any consolation I feel you are doing just fine. Yes, you are a talented footbagger, but it does not define your existence. It is evident from your posts that you are an intelligent person, and have an inner drive to succeed, which you will no doubt do in all your walks of life.
Will we all rot in the ground one day? Yes. It is said there are only two certainties in life "taxes and death." Thankfully that leaves the majority of our life open for living. Your definition of living is up to you. "The world is messed up." What are you going to do about that? I know you won't give up on it. You're 19 years old so you have 61 years(if "80" is the golden #) to figure things out. Keep up the good work of being David Clavens.
If it is any consolation I feel you are doing just fine. Yes, you are a talented footbagger, but it does not define your existence. It is evident from your posts that you are an intelligent person, and have an inner drive to succeed, which you will no doubt do in all your walks of life.
Will we all rot in the ground one day? Yes. It is said there are only two certainties in life "taxes and death." Thankfully that leaves the majority of our life open for living. Your definition of living is up to you. "The world is messed up." What are you going to do about that? I know you won't give up on it. You're 19 years old so you have 61 years(if "80" is the golden #) to figure things out. Keep up the good work of being David Clavens.
"...You have to get, really, practice, like eight hours every day. Then you get good level and then you can compete....There is no money, so players are like big family and that is what I -like" -Vasek-
Reid Strellner
Reid Strellner
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PegLegHolly
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QuantumBalance
- 100-Watt Warlock
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I wish I were 19. I would take on messed up back, knee, and ankle to be 19. I wish I had started site reading music at 19. I wish I had stopped smoking at 19. I wish I had started taking 4-square seriously (lol) at 19. I wish I were going to college at 19.
I still fondly remember our 4-square game in Miami. If your back is messed up and you do go to worlds, I hope you help us all beat Steve Goldberg (isn't it a little wierd that he is the champ???)
If I were 19 I would write poetry, wear funny clothes and charm girls. If I were 19 I would eat very well and make music and art. If I were 19 I would read dictionaries and wikipedias and www.deoxy.org and figure out how to change the world. If I were 19 I would learn a new language, or two. If I were 19 I would learn to dance, hip hop, and also ballroom! If I were 19 I would explore.
When I was 19, I barily thought of that stuff, some of it, and I tried, a little. Now, I'm 24 and I strive to do all that. I put my being into that. It took me 5 years from where you are to realize it. I might not be able to go to worlds, so that Ashley can go, So even though its an hour away, I would be working to pay the bills. That's life. We do the best we can do, and try and roll with the punches. I would pay 134 dollars to be 19. If I were 19, I would be happy.
I'm 24, and I am happy to be alive. Maybe I was actually like 30 and I just wished to be 24!! SWEET! Dude david, you're not even 19, you were like 79 already and sad that you only had 1 year left to life, and you found a magic lamp and got only 1 wish, and wished to be 19. Maybe this will be one of your best years yet!!! Maybe this year you will figure things out. It will be a fine year. a Vintage 07, aged 19, fine grapes and stinky cheese.
Who gets a magic lamp as a present?? Happy 79th birthday!!!
You lucky 19 year old.
But, if I were 19.....
I still fondly remember our 4-square game in Miami. If your back is messed up and you do go to worlds, I hope you help us all beat Steve Goldberg (isn't it a little wierd that he is the champ???)
If I were 19 I would write poetry, wear funny clothes and charm girls. If I were 19 I would eat very well and make music and art. If I were 19 I would read dictionaries and wikipedias and www.deoxy.org and figure out how to change the world. If I were 19 I would learn a new language, or two. If I were 19 I would learn to dance, hip hop, and also ballroom! If I were 19 I would explore.
When I was 19, I barily thought of that stuff, some of it, and I tried, a little. Now, I'm 24 and I strive to do all that. I put my being into that. It took me 5 years from where you are to realize it. I might not be able to go to worlds, so that Ashley can go, So even though its an hour away, I would be working to pay the bills. That's life. We do the best we can do, and try and roll with the punches. I would pay 134 dollars to be 19. If I were 19, I would be happy.
I'm 24, and I am happy to be alive. Maybe I was actually like 30 and I just wished to be 24!! SWEET! Dude david, you're not even 19, you were like 79 already and sad that you only had 1 year left to life, and you found a magic lamp and got only 1 wish, and wished to be 19. Maybe this will be one of your best years yet!!! Maybe this year you will figure things out. It will be a fine year. a Vintage 07, aged 19, fine grapes and stinky cheese.
Who gets a magic lamp as a present?? Happy 79th birthday!!!
You lucky 19 year old.
But, if I were 19.....
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ObArA'BaRs
- Flower Child
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Dave,
Sorry to hear about your back man, I hope the news is good.
As for what life is worth if you're only going to rot in your grave after 80 years...it doesn't matter what happens after you're gone, but what you do while you're here does matter because that's what can persist through generations and affect humanity as a whole. You've already done an incredible amount. As Matt said, you've made the world a different place for so many footbag players with your skilled writing, good humor, and awesome shred. Whether or not Modified is wack, all of us footbag players are a family and you are a loved member of that family.
Keep the vibes positive man, the world is a beautiful place.
And that girl that sent you the pic from China? Yeah, she's a keeper.
Sorry to hear about your back man, I hope the news is good.
As for what life is worth if you're only going to rot in your grave after 80 years...it doesn't matter what happens after you're gone, but what you do while you're here does matter because that's what can persist through generations and affect humanity as a whole. You've already done an incredible amount. As Matt said, you've made the world a different place for so many footbag players with your skilled writing, good humor, and awesome shred. Whether or not Modified is wack, all of us footbag players are a family and you are a loved member of that family.
Keep the vibes positive man, the world is a beautiful place.
And that girl that sent you the pic from China? Yeah, she's a keeper.
Jake Milofsky
Steel City Freestyle [ex officio]
Steel City Freestyle [ex officio]
I’m going to add to the bunch of replies you’ve received to that post.
You know that I have experience with mysterious pain and back problems, MRI's and Dr's, breaks from the game, and everything that goes along with all of that garbage. So I won't talk about that.
It's not bad to have faith in something bigger than yourself. I soul-searched for a long time and tried to figure out which religion fit me the best. The answer for me turned out to be "none" but I learned that to have faith gives many people something good to look forward to every day. It gives them strength and something in common with their neighbors. People who don't believe in God find that strength other places, but that doesn't mean it's better or worse than getting it from religious faith.
People who don't believe in God are not the majority according to Wikipedia who says that almost 80% of Americans self-reported as Christians (2001). It seems like you're looking in the wrong places to have your faith revived. If you want to have your faith revived stop listening to people who don't believe in a god/religion. Start hanging out with some people who are religious. It feels good to be around people who share the same views.
You know that I have experience with mysterious pain and back problems, MRI's and Dr's, breaks from the game, and everything that goes along with all of that garbage. So I won't talk about that.
It's not bad to have faith in something bigger than yourself. I soul-searched for a long time and tried to figure out which religion fit me the best. The answer for me turned out to be "none" but I learned that to have faith gives many people something good to look forward to every day. It gives them strength and something in common with their neighbors. People who don't believe in God find that strength other places, but that doesn't mean it's better or worse than getting it from religious faith.
People who don't believe in God are not the majority according to Wikipedia who says that almost 80% of Americans self-reported as Christians (2001). It seems like you're looking in the wrong places to have your faith revived. If you want to have your faith revived stop listening to people who don't believe in a god/religion. Start hanging out with some people who are religious. It feels good to be around people who share the same views.
"I contend we are both atheists, I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours."
Emily Kulczyk
Emily Kulczyk