The Sun Came Up Today (Winter Solstice Edition)

Art by Alessandra Olanow (@aolanow published 26/06/19 ig)

Good news! We made it through the longest night of the year (in the northern hemisphere) and lived to see the sunrise once again...

While the pandemic has been raining on our parades for what feels like forever this winter solstice reminded me of a piece of writing by @Brad Montague:

The sun showed up again, 

So I looked up and asked it: "Why?" 

The sun looked down and brightly whispered

"To give you another try."

Winter Solstice has been an important event throughout human history because for the longest time we were connected to nature given that we were subject to the elements, many cultures and religions celebrate holidays (Christmas, Hanukkah, and pagan festivals) that coincide with the return of longer days.

These celebrations usually symbolize the opportunity for renewal, a shedding of bad habits and negative feelings, and an embracing of hope amid darkness as the days once again begin to grow longer.

Don't get me wrong, self-improvement is cool and all but you know what's cooler?  

Being where you are at, sitting with your discomfort, feeling your emotions, and resting from an honestly exhausting year.

Let us sit in the sunlight and bask in the fact that we have lived through the plague, if you are reading this, let this piece be a tiny reminder, that this is a new day, another try, you don't need to do anything, I'm glad to be here and that you are as well.