I do not know any atheists before I became an atheist. I've been a believer and I was trying hard to be a believer. I haven't experienced any bad thing as one. But my conscience just don't allow me to fool myself. I have a critical thinking and I could not really grasp the idea of a god.
what's wrong if just live my life simply without fearing to be thrown into hell?
what's wrong when I have a kind heart to sympathize others, to be happy when others are happy, to be sad when others are sad, to be of help if I can?
Why do I need to inject into my inner self the concept that is not reasonable for me? my inner self will just simply reject it.
concept of super natural being, for me is just a tool that is very useful for the ambitious and for other self motives. It's also an outlet for those who are carrying heavy burdens and maybe just feels good and comforting.
But it's not really meant that it is real and true.