Why do you "really" paint?

I changed my blog around a little bit. Well the fonts anyway. :) I am wanting to make it more of "my" personal space but I am not sure how to do that yet. I need my own background. This one I found off of some blogger background site..Its pretty and all... but I want my own things on here.  I should be starting a painting today. And I may. And I may not. It was in the plans. I think I need to think more about it. I do need to get on it soon because when I am not painting - I am thinking.  Sometimes I do not like to be left alone with myself. I know a lot of you can relate to that. (big smile).

I was thinking the other day (and I know a lot of you think about this) about the reasons why I paint. I think of this question a lot and of course I always think I know the answer. I love the feeling of accomplishment - It's relaxing - I can not live without it - I was just born to do it - etc. I always have the same reasons. So I asked myself why is it that if I know the answers why do I keep asking myself the same question? Something is missing! So I thought a little deeper.. and of course.. I am painting to escape. But what? What am I "really" avoiding? So now I have different reasons for my painting. Yes its all of the reasons that I stated up above.. but there is another reason. I am painting for self preservation. I am running from my biggest fears. My Mortality. What are your reasons really?