Its far easier to brush off death if the death in question seems impossible or improbable as a personal threat.

Movies like 'The Interview' and 'Team America: World Police' don't often show the realities of life in North Korea and the human rights violations perpetrated by the government there.

The attitude of, I will never self-publish, coming from any author, indicates that they have never been in a position where it is their only option.

Let the meek have the kingdom of heaven. The strong shall rule on earth.

Strength isn't about bearing a cross of grief or shame. Strength comes from choosing your own path, and living with the consequences.

No one's place in this world is guaranteed. Not everyone is going to get a happy ending. But life isn't about how it ends. It's about the moments between. It's about the small things. The way our loved ones laugh. The sight of a butterfly in the sunlight after a year or two in the darkness. The love and support of an old friend. They might not be with us in body, but they are with us in spirit. ... Because every day, on this planet, people are born and people die and stranger things happen.(Armintrout, All Souls' Night, 367)

If you're afraid of something, face it. Fear is irrational. The only way to conquer your fear is to stand next to it.