"I must go in the fog the fog is rising"

Emily Dickinson’s quote, “I must go in the fog the fog is rising,” captures the inevitability of facing uncertainties and transitions in life. On a basic level, it's about accepting the unknown and moving forward despite the lack of clarity. Think about those moments when you’re staring at a cloudy sky, unsure of what the next step should be, yet knowing you have to take it. The fog represents confusion or obstacles, but it’s rising, hinting at the fleeting nature of these challenges — they’ll dissipate eventually. It’s a brave acknowledgment that sometimes, you just have to step into the mist and trust that clarity will come.

Dickinson wrote this line towards the end of her life, during a period when she was deeply introspective about death and the afterlife. It’s believed to be one of her last written statements, capturing her readiness to embrace the unknown that death brings. Historically, Dickinson was known for her reclusive lifestyle and profound poetry that often delved into themes of mortality and the metaphysical. So, when she talks about going into the fog, it’s not just about literal fog; it’s a metaphor for the final journey, accepting the end with a calm resolve.

Let’s bring this into a real-life scenario. Picture a young woman named Sarah, who’s just graduated from college. She’s got her degree, but the job market is rough, and she doesn’t have a clear path laid out for her. It’s a foggy situation — uncertainty everywhere. But Sarah doesn’t freeze up. She starts applying for jobs, networking, and even considers moving to a different city where opportunities might be better. She’s stepping into the fog. After months of effort, she lands a job that, while not her dream position, sets her on a path to gain experience and skills. Gradually, the fog lifts. Sarah’s journey illustrates the practical application of Dickinson’s wisdom: accepting the ambiguity and moving forward anyway, trusting that eventually, things will become clear.

Now, how can you apply this in your life? Start by acknowledging your fog. Everyone has moments of uncertainty, whether it’s about career, relationships, or personal growth. Instead of waiting for perfect clarity, take proactive steps. Make decisions, even small ones, that move you forward. If you’re stuck in a job you don’t love, start exploring new opportunities — maybe take a class or two. If a relationship is causing you stress, have that difficult conversation. You don’t have to see the end of the path to take the first step.

Imagine you’re at a crossroads in life. You’ve got a stable job but feel unfulfilled. You’re considering a risky new venture — something you’re passionate about, but it’s daunting because there’s no guarantee of success. Think about Dickinson’s fog. You don’t know what’s ahead, but the fog is rising. Take that first step. Maybe it’s researching more about the venture, talking to people in that field, or even starting a side project to test the waters. Each action you take pushes you forward, helping to lift the fog.

Life’s full of foggy moments — that’s just reality. But if you embrace the uncertainty and keep moving, you’ll find that clarity comes not from standing still, but from taking those brave steps into the mist.