Each of us must make his own voyage through darkness and danger to the light that beacons in the distance.

All of us get lost in the darkness, dreamers learn to steer by the stars.

The only essential thing is that we strive to have light in ourselves. Our strivings will be recognized by others, and when people have light in themselves, it will shine out from them. Then we get to know each other as we walk together in the darkness, without needing to pass our hands over each other’s faces, or to intrude into each other’s hearts.

Whereas what we need is to fumble around in the darkness, because that's where our lives (not necessarily all of the time, but at least some of the time, and particularly when life gets problematical for us) takes place.

We grow accustomed to the dark when light is put away —

When people have light in themselves, it will shine out from them. Then we get to know each other as we walk together in the darkness, without needing to pass our hands over each other’s faces, or to intrude into each other’s hearts

But not all paths are immediately clear, and although it’s scary to walk a path we’re not sure leads anywhere, that’s what life asks of us. To trust that we’re going to be ok walking in the dark.

It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.

Each of us can walk only the path he sees at his own feet. Each of us is subject to the consequences of his own belief.

I believe that each of us carries a bit of inner brightness, something entirely unique and individual. A flame that's worth protecting. When we are able to recognize our own light, we become empowered to use it. When we learn to foster what's unique in the people around us, we become better able to build compassionate communities and make meaningful change.

Each one of us must make his own true way, and when we do, that way will express the universal way.

We are all broken — that’s how the light gets in.

You have to find what sparks a light in you so that you in your own way can illuminate the world.

We’re all honorary citizens of that primal forest, and our burdens and weaknesses always remain. They are an ineradicable part of ourselves; they are our humanity. But when we bring light, the day becomes ours and their power to determine our future is diminished. This is the way it works. The trick is, you can only brighten the forest from beneath the canopy of its trees . . . from within. To bring the light, you must first make your way through the bramble-filled darkness. Safe travels.”

Excerpt From: Born to Run