I was desperate not to confront the fact that this really could be it—that "nineteen" didn't matter, that there really was a point at which even young bodies fail. I was not immortal.

The trees were friendly, they gave me rest and shadowed refuge. Slipping through them, I felt safe and competent. My whole body was occupied. I had little energy to think or worry.

Beneath hot sun, desert roses bloomed. Under cold moon, I still refused to.

Water was liquid silver, water was gold. It was clarity—a sacred thing. Drinking was no longer something to take for granted. I’d never needed to consider water before.

There was so little I wanted to carry. Packing my backpack took me all of four minutes

The bravest thing I ever did was leave there. The next bravest thing I did was come back, to make myself heard.

I’d believed I needed to be steady in myself before I could function with others—but surviving alone no longer felt like a good way either.

I realized that the most empowering important thing was actually simply taking care of myself.

I was promising myself strength.I had to write it, say it, make the effort and fake it before I actually believed I could do it.

I was the director of my life, it was already true, and I would soon lead myself to my dreamed-of destinations.It was the task of my one thousand miles of solitude.

I no longer needed to peel myself of my skin, or to hide. To Dash the colorless ephemeral things that existed just beneath my surface were as vivid as the beauty marks he traced on my cheek.

So, wonder! I also wonder about you, " said Cadfael mildly. "Do you know any human creatures who are not strangers, one to another?

I have to trust that, or I’ll lose my mind. Well, lose it more.

Love songs last because they are about feelings that don't change.

I think that why the research and the data are so important is because you become so used to seeing the world one way that you don't even notice anymore. [Gender inequality] has this invisibility.

If many have their turns to rule, ... this will encourage all men to advance Righteousness and that the Commonwealth will hereby be furnished with able and experienced men, fit to govern.

Assume that people are good until you actually and specifically learn differently. And even then, know that they have potential for change and that you can help them out.

I know nothing more annoying when people I don't know jump to conclusions on my person based on nothing but gossip or speculation.

I hold that a man should strive to the uttermost for his life's set prize.

Don’t read Variety. Don’t listen to gossip. Don’t live in L.A., and write.

We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everywhere.