Last weekend, I was fortunate to spend a few days in Miami. I decided to book one night in Miami Beach, so that my son and I could experience a bit of the South Beach vibe, the unique and historical architecture, and most important, the ocean.
I’m not a fan of swimming in the ocean or lazing at the beach for hours. Between the saltwater and the sand, that finds a way to get into every crevice of the body, it’s not for me. But the sound of the waves and expansive views of the bright blue water really invigorate me. I was drawn to the ocean and how it made me feel.
I’ve always loved sunset over the ocean, when I visited places where the ocean sits to the west of the land. But in Miami, the ocean lies to the east. I woke up early in the morning (I never sleep well at hotels, but that’s for another day), and I walked to the beach to watch the sun come up over the water.
It was spectacular.
I didn’t see the deep colours of pinks or oranges that are hallmarks of sunset, but I did see the sun’s rays beaming through some clouds, lighting up everything they touched.
I walked to the edge of the water and I sat down. People walked by, dogs were running and workmen were setting up loungers. I just sat there and watched the sun rise over the ocean.
Every day, the sun rises.
The start of a new day brings fresh promise of what may lay ahead for us. Staring at the rising sun gave me the sense that I had a special superpower, that each morning I can press refresh. It made me feel excited that with each new sunrise I could achieve anything.
I don’t want to knock sunset. It’s beautiful, and it gives me a chance to reflect on my day. Sunset is that time of day when everything comes to a close, when the body is tired, signalling it’s time to slow down. There is something peaceful in that.
But, sitting on the edge of the ocean, watching the sun push its way up into the sky, I felt energized. Even if I didn’t accomplish half of what I thought I could that day, during sunrise it didn’t matter. Anything is possible at the start of a new day.
Anything is possible at the start of something new. Sunset is synonymous with shutting down and closure. Sunrise, on the other hand, is about starting something new, and fresh and opening new doors that may not have been there the previous day.
I don’t live near the ocean, and I really can’t see sunrise most days, living in the middle of a big and dense city. But I can picture it, and I know what it means to me. I look forward to sunrise each morning. I’m excited about what each new day will bring and how I can be part of it.
Sunrise makes me feel optimistic about the future. I’m ready for whatever that future may be.
