17. Blogging and death

A skeleton in a birth tub in an outdoor setting

Starting a blog was something I never imagined I’d do. The fears were overwhelming—what if I said the wrong thing? What if people judged me harshly? The thought of opening up my life for the world to see was terrifying. But as I wrestled with these fears, I began to see blogging not just as a way to express myself, but as a journey—one that parallels the inevitable journey of life and death.

Much like the fear of writing, many people fear death for the wrong reasons. They worry about not living an objectively perfect life, about not meeting some unattainable standard. But life, as I’ve come to understand it, isn’t about perfection. It’s chaotic, unpredictable, and filled with uncertainties—just like writing a blog post. Every word I write is a step into the unknown, an expression of my thoughts and fears, laid bare for others to interpret.

Blogging, then, is a way to confront these fears, to explore the meaning of life and death in a deeply personal way. I realized that by writing, I’m not just sharing my thoughts with the world—I’m also coming to terms with the realities of my existence. Just as life is a journey toward an inevitable end, so too is blogging a process of uncovering truths, however uncomfortable they may be.

Death, much like the fear of blogging, is not something to be avoided or feared. Instead, it’s a part of the journey—a destination we all must face. The real challenge is to live authentically, to write and live in a way that reflects our true selves, free from the constraints of perfection or societal expectations.

In overcoming my fears of blogging, I’ve learned that life is not about achieving some perfect state. It’s about embracing the journey, making peace with the inevitable, and using each moment to express who we truly are. And in that sense, blogging has become more than just a creative outlet—it’s a way to navigate the complexities of life and death, to find meaning in the chaos, and to share that journey with others.

The reference artwork