"明かりをつけてください。暗い中で家に帰りたくありません。"

Imagine you're at a party, the kind that’s just winding down. The night’s been fantastic, with laughter, dancing, and maybe a few too many stories told. But now, as it’s wrapping up, someone says, "Turn up the lights. I don’t want to go home in the dark."

What they’re getting at is pretty straightforward—fear of the unknown, fear of taking that step into darkness, both literally and metaphorically. It’s about wanting clarity, wanting to move forward with confidence rather than trepidation. They’re not ready to stumble into the night unsure of what’s ahead—they prefer the comfort of light, the assurance it brings.

Historically, this sentiment parallels many of our own experiences and moments in time. Think about the invention of the light bulb by Thomas Edison. Before its invention, nightfall meant limited activities, restricted largely by the absence of light. The introduction of electric light changed everything—it allowed industries to operate around the clock, enabled social gatherings to extend into the night, and generally made people feel safer. It’s the embodiment of wanting to step forward with a clear path ahead.

Let’s say you’re starting a new job. Day one arrives, and you’re a bundle of nerves. You don’t know anyone, don’t know the office lingo, and you’re unsure of what’s expected of you. Now, imagine if your new boss handed you a detailed handbook, introduced you to your team, and gave you a clear rundown of your responsibilities. That’s like turning up the lights. You move from uncertainty—stumbling in the dark—to a place where you can see clearly, understand your surroundings, and navigate with confidence.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? Simple: seek clarity. When you’re heading into a situation that feels like stepping into the dark, ask questions, gather information, and prepare yourself as much as possible. Don’t be afraid to ask for that handbook, to seek out mentors, or to spend extra time learning about what’s ahead. It’s about turning those lights up whenever you can, making sure you’re not just feeling your way through the dark.

Picture this: Sarah has always dreamed of starting her own bakery. She’s great at baking, but the business side—taxes, marketing, supply chain management—feels overwhelming. Instead of diving in blindly, she decides to take a few business courses, joins a local entrepreneurs’ network, and spends time talking to other bakery owners. By the time she opens her doors, she’s not stumbling around in the dark—she’s confident, prepared, and ready to light up her little corner of the world.

We’ve all been there, right? Faced with a new challenge or a step into the unknown, it’s natural to feel a bit apprehensive. But if you can flip that switch, if you can turn up the lights, you’ll find yourself moving forward with confidence, leaving the fear behind. So next time you’re about to embark on something new, take a moment to ask yourself: how can I brighten this path? How can I make sure I’m not just stepping into the dark?