The only position that leaves me with no cognitive dissonance is atheism. It is not a creed. Death is certain, replacing both the siren-song of paradise and the dread of hell. Life on this earth, with all its mystery and beauty and pain, is then to be lived far more intensely; we stumble and get up, we are sad, confident, insecure, feel loneliness and joy and love. There is nothing more; but I want nothing more.
As a Christian, we have a hope that is secure. No amount of loneliness, sadness or stumbling can take that hope away from us. We enjoy the pleasures of life if not to a larger extent, knowing that we have a purpose beyond the grave and value greater than we can comprehend. Ultimately, it is your choice what to believe.