How I Faced (Both) Fears in Funeral Service and Public Speaking

“According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.”

― Jerry Seinfeld

Let me preface this article by saying that I did not necessarily have a fear of dying, but I did fear dying before doing what I wanted in life.

I did not want my life to end in vain. I want to think most of us feel this way.

We all want to do great things. Whether it is for ourselves or others. We want to go out with a bang. Be remembered. Become a legend.

For in time, all we leave behind will be memories. The stories of our own lives, trials, and tribulations.

I have always known that death will come to myself, and others around me. Even to those I love dearly. No one is immune.

Before I started my career in funeral service (at age 30), I had been to one funeral. It was for my 100-year-old great-grandmother. All I remember is viewing her, and someone from our family speaking about her and crying profusely. And the luncheon afterward.

That was it.