I've set out on a similar journey in the past couple of years, but been very much doing it 'in the dark' by focusing on learning and watching a lot of tactical videos on Youtube (mainly agadmator's and GothamChess's channels) which have given me a new insight into various chess theories.
I have a paid Chess.com account (same username as my HN handle), but still lack the confidence to really engage a human opponent 1 on 1. Maybe next year, once I have really got opening books and endgame theory down pat. I still make too many blunders in those parts.
I'm a fan of John Bartholomew myself. You've probably encountered his youtube channel. GothamChess is streaming on twitch all the time.
I've also set out to improve my chess, somewhat casually, over the last year. About an 1800 rapid player on Lichess (~1500 on Chess.com), their ratings differ.
As far as openings, I like the courses on chessable.com.
In my go games, I have noticed a massive aversion to actually playing, because I hate my blunders too much.
My advice would be, either accept that you will blunder and play anyway, or give up on playing.
Blunders are part of playing, there is no avoiding them. Moreover, the more you try to avoid them, the more they hurt when they inevitably do happen.
The only viable way to play that I can think of is to embrace that blunders will happen. For me that seems to be too hard, so I don't play anymore.
I have a paid Chess.com account (same username as my HN handle), but still lack the confidence to really engage a human opponent 1 on 1. Maybe next year, once I have really got opening books and endgame theory down pat. I still make too many blunders in those parts.