Daybreak

The colorful array of fireworks had lit up the skies at the exact stroke of midnight, painting the vast blank canvas with a plethora of fiery paint that spread to each invisible corner of the night, until eventually disintegrating into the deep blackness of what was left of the sky. They had ended a few hours ago, and when they ended, the party ended, and everyone had drifted off into a deep sleep. Bodies scattered all over the house, some sleeping on the couch, others on the floor. The mixed smells of champagne and bubbling cider had been the mischievous little concoctions that made them hit the hey harder then usual. But drunk or not, they were all asleep, while I remained alert, and steadily awake.

I had never really been a big party person. I hated the crowds, all the hustle and bustle beforehand, the cleanup afterwards, and heck, I never even drank. I preferred my own designated time to myself, in solitude and comfort.

It was about 5 in the morning now, and it seemed that I was the only living human for miles to be crazy enough to stay up all night until the sun meets the sea. Maybe it would all be worth it. Dad had always said it was a sight to behold, and apparently good luck for the rest of the year. The only catch was trying to achieve the next to impossible task of amounting up all the patience in the world, and watching the first sunrise of the year. Was it really worth it for me to be the only one for miles doing this? Good question... I don't have an answer yet.

I managed to find a good spot on the rocks on the edge of a small cliff above the beach. I packed a cup of steaming black tea to accompany and relax my anxious self. I had been running on 3 cups of coffee prior, and I don't think that would've been the best thing for me right now. All jokes aside, I have to say that I was pretty proud of myself for brewing such an awesome Japanese blend, especially for such a priceless moment like this.

As I took another sip of my tea, I felt in tune with my surroundings, and let myself be in the moment before the sun's playful light would pierce over the ocean water and onto the land's soft grass and hard Earth. The waves crashed against the grainy shoreline, and even though it was still black as night, I could still make out the familiar blue hue of the water. The waves made it seem present and passing, rising and falling, always the same, but never.

From my position, I could see the cradled mountains in the distance, northeast they seemed. Be it January, I could make out the snow sprinkled on the tops of each, like small tea cakes dusted with powdered sugar. They were accompanied by a few passing clouds, and the translucency they provided only made the view evermore mystifying.

Past the mountains in the distance, I notice the sky start to turn a slight hue of red. I look at my watch. It reads 5:57. How long had I been sitting here? The sun would be rising in at least another thirty minutes, and time sure moved fast, almost too fast for my liking. But that's why it's so very important to make the most of every moment of every day. That's why it's so important to notice ourselves in each moment and remain in our own little bubble, or else we lose focus on what really matters. That's why I'm here, in this moment, patiently awaiting the sunrise to skim the horizon with its flexible golden hues.

And with that, I continue to wait. And wait. And wait. Slowly waiting through the narrow passage of time. The clock may tick fast, but I stay still, like a hawk waiting to find its prey.

And finally, what seemed to go so fast, yet so slow at the same time, she slowly rose. Shy at first, she peeked her head behind the mist. Accompanied by the delicate ocean breeze, I was invited to raise my eyes towards the glowing horizon. My eyes welcomed the sunrise with glee as it welcomed the rest of the world with light. It gracefully touched the blue ocean water and green blades of grass with a radiant gold, a color that could create a match made in heaven.

I was seamlessly speechless. It was the most breathtaking sight I have ever witnessed. The sun itself seemed to entice all of my senses to awaken, and invite my imagination to play. It brought passion and the sensation of true and unbridled freedom to the soul, something that will always resonate with me in this very moment, which will eventually fade to distant memories that seem close when they come into thought.

The full embodiment of the sun could be seen now, and its golden petals of light seemed to have stretched for miles in every possible direction, even bringing light to the darkest corners of the world. The light's simplicity yet boldness brought back the innocent feeling of seeing the worlds' pure beauty, the parts that bring us all joy. The parts that give ourselves the gift to escape to a place that is truly relaxing and refreshing and that lets us reflect on what life is meant to be. To be in the moment of everyday is what makes up the very essence of our lives. We must embrace the light that shines upon our lives. We are the light, and in order to embrace the light, we must first learn to embrace ourselves.

I guess dad was right. Maybe watching this years' first sunrise was a symbol of good fortune. But a part of me thought that maybe it was a little bit more. Maybe watching this natural wonder of an event was meant for people to reflect on the past, and themselves. Maybe it was reminder of the past, but a hopeful sign to look forward to what's to come in the future. But whatever it meant, I did know one thing: That this year was going to be a good one. And I couldn't wait to watch next years' sunrise.

Be in every moment of everyday. And just like the sun, we all must shine bright and share our own light with the world, and with each other, even on the darkest of days.

Hatsuhinode.