Another year has ended, and a new one has begun. We have left behind our past and are now focused on the new experiences ahead. Periods of darkness and light may come to your door, but here is an important lesson for the new year that has just begun: you are the main star. Join me, and together let’s discover a new key to making this year the most wonderful of all!
Living above the Arctic Circle, in a beautiful city called Tromsø in Northern Norway, has not only provided me with fascinating landscapes, amazing nature, and unique experiences, but it has also taught me two important lessons: First, darkness is temporary, and the light will always find its way to shine again. Second, the darkness will persist as long as we fail to find our own light because there is no brighter light than the one we carry within ourselves—an unstoppable source capable of illuminating even the darkest places. What do I mean by this? Let me explain.
In Tromsø, you can experience what is called “The Polar Nights.” During this period, which begins on November 21 and lasts until January 21, the sun remains below the horizon. This means that for two months, we cannot see the sun, only experiencing between 3 to 4 hours of twilight—a beautiful bluish color, but no sun. After those hours, you are plunged back into full darkness. Can you imagine it? No sun, no light, only darkness.
“The real meaning of enlightenment is to gaze with undimmed eyes on all darkness.” – Nikos Kazantzakis
During this period, your body and mind feel tired, you lack Vitamin D, and you might feel more depressed and have less energy. From the “Midnight Sun” with 24 hours of daylight in summer to almost 24 hours of darkness in winter, your mind loses track of time and space. You cannot focus, you become irritable, and you want to sleep all the time. You end up having two options: You either succumb to this period of darkness, allowing sadness, anger, stress, and frustration to dominate your daily life, or you decide to make the best of this period, taking back control of your emotions and providing your own light along the way.
This does not mean you won’t feel sadness, frustration, or anger, but you will know that you have the power to transform those emotions into ones that will make you feel better. Here in Tromsø, during this period, you can see the Northern Lights—the magical green light shining in the dark sky. You can see the stars and the moon most of the time when the sky is clear. You find ways to see beauty in such darkness; you take extra vitamins, and you find ways to feel better. The most important thing is that you have the power to find light within your own soul. In the end, darkness is as beautiful as the most wonderful summer days.
“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” – Desmond Tutu
I learned that this period doesn’t only happen between those two months; it can actually occur at any time and anywhere. It’s part of the cycle of life. We can experience several periods of “Polar Nights” throughout our lives, where we enter a phase of complete darkness and may feel sadness, anger, frustration, and depression. Our lives might seem out of control, but the key is to view this period as an opportunity rather than a punishment. It’s a time to reconnect with who we really are—an opportunity to make our light shine and bring light where there is only darkness. The day you realize that you can control how you feel, regardless of your circumstances, is the day you will have mastered the key to a life of less suffering and more joy, less sadness, and more happiness.
It’s important to remember that one day the sun will rise again, but it’s even more important to know that our current circumstances do not determine how we feel. Sadness, feelings of emptiness, and depression can occur even on the brightest days. It is our own strength, courage, perseverance, and willingness to spark the light in our own souls that brings light to our lives.
If the sun does not shine, you shine. And if it does shine, you shine brighter because it is your own light—your true self—that makes this world a beautiful place. Shine like the stars, light up your soul, and with that fire, bring light and warmth to human hearts! May this New Year be the year you let your soul shine!
