recent thoughts of an average joe

I believe in god but not sure I believe in an after life. That is to say, all that I understand to be Eric B will one day cease to exist. Once this breath stops, no more. I know many who claim they are unafraid to die, I find I value my existence and journey too much to let it go so easily- so I am afraid to die.. afraid but we must all die. Is it fear of the unknown, is there something greater for us on the other side? Or do we truly cease to exist and whatever remaining energy dissolves/combines/reverts back to a different form...? I have had dreams and other worldly experiences with different entities/forms of energy- but are these things ghost or just another aspect of life, a reality where those personalities too will one day cease to exist ?