In Alaska, the darkness of winter has a way of creeping up on you. Short days don’t happen overnight. You lose a few minutes of daylight every day. Until one day you look outside thinking it’s bedtime and it’s only 3 p.m. That’s when it hits you. Alaskans celebrate Winter Solstice because it’s a turning point. While it’s the darkest day of the year, Alaskans know brighter ones are coming.
Juneau Youth Services’ Be the Light campaign focuses on this light among the darkness. Anxiety, depression, behavioral health and substance abuse can all feel like a dark cloud. And they too often have a way of sneaking up on you. We want Alaska youth and their families to know there are brighter days ahead.
Be the Light is a message of hope. Since the pandemic hit a lot of people have struggled with major life disruptions like stress, death, illness and job loss. However, many fought their way through this by focusing on the moments of joy. Maybe it was the extra time with family, a new hobby or meeting fitness goals. Be the Light is a celebration of what it takes to find happiness.
We invite you to Be the Light. There are a lot of ways to do this. Inspire others by sharing what brings you joy. Or engage in acts of kindness and service to others. Share your light with us on social media with #BeTheLightJYS or by sharing one of our campaign graphics. Remember, we all face darkness in our lives. But there is always light. Even if it feels like a slow process, brighter days are coming.