If I could teach a younger version of myself one lesson, it would be this:
Your deepest romantic aspirations are also your most mystical ones; the world will not seem to you like it is willing to accommodate those aspirations, so you must never forget that this longing is more important than anything. Yet you must also always be strong enough to be capable of the uncomfortable act of sacrificing your comfort for that longing, especially if the world seems eager to encourage your distraction, and this means you must learn to be stronger than you are idealistic. You will only find that strength by returning to those romantic aspirations that first led you to the mystical longing. In learning to master this inner dynamic, you will have to transcend even the one who benefits from cowardice. Then you will see directly that you can always trust yourself, wether falling into a black hole or ascending like smoke to new heights of fire. Your broken heart is your secret weapon: you can love your way into anything.
BEATING THE POISONED DRUM 