Releasing the Light

December 21st, the shortest day of the year, the darkest. On this day, I wake and find myself leaning in — cloaking myself in this darkness, in self-doubt, negativity, uncertainty. Overwhelming doom pushes in on me from all sides.

My sole desire? To wrap myself up in the darkness, in silence.

So, I do. I bury myself in blankets, cover my ears tightly. Not even a sliver of luminosity peeks through.

I feel like I could stay in this place forever, in this dark cocoon. No spark is worthy of my attention.

Yet, finally, I emerge. I step outside. A glaring winter sun shines down on me — so harsh, so bright that it almost hurts. I bask in its rays.

I see the truth now: darkness and light, despair and hope. Both at the same time.

I accept the lessons that the darkness offers. I remove my cloak and begin to release my light into the world.