First Sunrise of the Year: Welcoming New Beginnings in Australia

The first time I spent New Year away from the Philippines, I was in Saudi Arabia with my mom. Though we were far from home, her presence made the transition easier. But this time, it was different.

This was my first New Year’s Day completely away from family, in a new country—Australia. The loneliness crept in quietly. The usual noise, family laughter, and midnight hugs were replaced by silence and a deep longing for home.

To lift my spirit, I decided to do something meaningful—watch the first sunrise of the year.

🌊 A New Dawn by the Sea

I woke up while the sky was still dark and boarded a quiet early-morning bus. There weren’t many people out, just a few others who, like me, were chasing something intangible—hope, clarity, maybe just a beautiful view.

As the sun slowly peeked above the horizon, everything felt still and golden. It was more than just a sunrise; it felt like the universe whispering, “This year is yours. Begin again.”

I sat by the sea for hours, letting the sound of the waves soothe the ache in my heart. The homesickness didn’t disappear, but something inside me felt a little lighter. A little more peaceful.

Have you ever welcomed the new year far from home? What did you do to make it special?
Sometimes, all it takes is a quiet sunrise to feel like yourself again.