The Sunset in Winter
In the heart of Beijing, where skyscrapers stretched towards the heavens like a forest of steel and glass, the sun was a distant, almost forgettable presence. Its presence was constant, unlike the fleeting glimpses of sunlight during Finnish winters.
Relocating to Finland, a land of elongated days and nights, coincided with their midsummer — a celebration unbeknownst to me. Isolated on an island and struggling with the unyielding brightness of a Nordic summer night, I ventured outside. That decision led me to witness a spectacle I’d never forget — the midnight sunset. The sky ablaze in fiery hues, reflecting off the tranquil sea, creating an endless path of flame.
In that moment of awe, I yearned to share this beauty with loved ones, only to be struck by solitude. Everyone I knew was miles away, asleep in different time zones. As I longed for even a stranger to appear, to share in the spectacle, the overwhelming solitude morphed into a profound sadness.
Years passed, and Finland transformed from a land of solitude to my second home, enriched with friendships and familiarity. Yet, every sunset, especially in the frigid grasp of winter, evokes memories of that lonely midnight.
I realised that summer sunsets, with their prolonged, gentle departures, differ starkly from their winter counterparts. Winter sunsets, brief yet intense, seem like the sun’s desperate attempt to display her fiery passion in the limited time she has.
I once thought the sun yearned for an audience, much like I did on that solitary night. But I was mistaken. The sun doesn’t burn for spectators; she shines relentlessly, irrespective of an audience. From above the clouds, she’s as radiant as on the clearest day.
That realisation brought a new perspective. My loneliness, while real, was overshadowed by the privilege of witnessing such beauty. It’s akin to seeing the world through one’s own eyes, a sensory experience no description can match. Living in the moment, feeling it, and embracing it, became my newfound mantra.
Today, as a content creator, I capture and share moments through writing and videos. While I relish sharing these experiences, I’ve also learned to cherish solitude. It’s in these moments of seclusion that I leave my phone behind, immersing myself completely.
Now, when I watch sunsets alone, the sadness and loneliness have dissipated, replaced by a sense of gratitude. Each sunset is a reminder to appreciate the present, to feel and embrace every moment, alone or shared.
