In the wee hours of the night sensitive people often find themselves awake. With so many concerns on our minds, it’s no wonder why. We go to bed after sundown unassuming and with the most innocent intentions. But a few hours later our eyes are open again. The mind is busy against our wishes. Daylight is so many hours away. The room is black. The world is hushed. You can hear a speck of dust whirling through the air. And here we are wrestling with familiar anxieties.

Yet as dark as things loom, we are in fact entrusted with a torch of sorts. One more reassuring after many nights down the paths of introspection. That would be the passion of the heart. It’s a beacon typically obscured by expediencies augmented by a hasty opinion of the world. It seems we can only leverage this sensitive light in the darkest of moments. When at last we’re face to face with ourselves because of ourselves.

Now that you have the opportunity, experiment with holding this torch at different angles. It can shed new light on old habits of mind. And you’ll find it’s a dependable guide for coming through any maze.

As a fellow journeyman, I implore you to follow your inner light. To follow your dreams is one matter. But fail to listen to the truth of your heart and dreams become the things of pandora’s box. You’ll have minimal control over fantasies drawing you near and far, for better or for worse. Sound emotional intellect is key. It’s like a bucket deep in a well of meaningful dreams that can be drawn up into the light of actuality.

Consider it. The fine line between fantasies and meaningful pursuits are some of the contrasts keeping thoughtful people awake at night. Furthermore, our culpability or complacency, and even our successes can be opposed to what’s really in our hearts. The inner light is our most authentic self. Don’t ignore it. It represents the full range of your talents and potential. It must be given oxygen.

I’m assuming you’re a good person. One of your desires might be optimal mental and emotional performance. That way you’ll be empowered to do your share. You want to make the world a little better if you can. So, you need the ability to navigate moments and events appropriately. You hope to behave with adequate, carefully executed passion to maximize your prospects for a responsible and enriched life experience. I can assure you that if you embrace your inner light those things will be yours. And much more.

Cultivate your secret talents. Abandon fear of the little known but well-meaning aspects of your character and you’ll have what you most desire. Establish goals worthy of pursuit with your talents in mind. Goals beneficial to others as well as to yourself. Develop a step-by-step plan to achieve your heart’s desires and execute that plan in every detail.

Consider the trailblazers who have gone before you. Those who dared to be guided by their inner light. The ubiquitous idea that dreams can come true is modeled after the precedent they’ve set. They are passing the torch to us. If we fail to grasp it, what will we offer those coming after us? What will be their guide? Fear, complacency, dissatisfaction with their lives? A slow death?

At the very least, we need to conjure the courage and devotion to follow our hearts. It illuminates the charming things along the road of life making these promises visible and obtainable. Don’t be afraid of any dark areas you may glimpse along the way. They’re mere transitional phases like the transient hours of a dark night.

So, I’m guessing that by now you’re questioning my credibility on this subject. You’re probably thinking, who the hell does this dude think he is? Take your advice and jam it up your butt! And while I do appreciate those feelings, I can’t sign up for your services. Thanks anyway.

But seriously. I’m not posing high up on some mountain, hands on my hips, condescendingly peering down at a large flock of dodo birds. However, I do have ample evidence from my own life and the experiences of others close to me to support my stance on this matter. I’ve garnered priceless instruction from people far wiser than me. And I’ve had foes become friends, and haters admirers through an acquired commitment to an inner truth. That’s how I know you can look forward to similar happy surprises. That is, if you distinguish the shadows of mediocrity from the light of your noblest hopes and sentiments. I couldn’t lead you astray even if I tried. You have an omnipresent, infallible guide: your inner light.

Focus on your inner light. It never falters because it’s your ultimate reality. And it’s as authentic, as powerful, and as reliable as the sun that greets you each dawn whether you’ve gotten any sleep or not.

If your mental health is in question, call the Mental Health Hotline at 866-903-3787. Or call 988.