How to Conquer Life’s Darkest Moments

A story, quote and lesson about a town shrouded in shadow

Focus on the light.

It sounds simple, but for the people of Rjukan, Norway, it has been a challenge for over a century. Nestled in a deep valley, Rjukan endures perpetual shadow for half the year.

From September to March, the sun’s rays never reach the town square. For generations, residents braved the long winters without direct sunlight—a daily reminder of their unique isolation.

But in 2013, that changed. Artist Martin Andersen had an idea. Why not use mirrors to bring sunlight into the square? It wasn’t a new concept; industrialist Sam Eyde, who founded the town, had dreamed of such a solution in 1913. Andersen revived the dream and turned it into reality.

High on the surrounding mountains, Andersen installed three massive heliostatic mirrors, each programmed to follow the sun and reflect its light down into the heart of Rjukan. When the project was completed, and for the first time in history, Rjukan's residents gathered in their square during winter to feel the sun’s rays.

People gather in front of the town hall, where sunlight is reflected by giant mirrors (top) erected on the mountainside, on October 18, 2013. Credit: Reuters/Tore Meek/NTB Scanpix

This breakthrough wasn’t just about engineering or creativity—it was about hope. The mirrors symbolize something deeper: even in the darkest times, a small glimmer of light can change everything.

When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to focus on the darkness. Hardship, loss, or stagnation can make the brighter moments seem distant, even nonexistent. But Rjukan’s story reminds us that light—however faint—still exists. The key is learning to reflect it, amplify it, and focus on it, just like Andersen’s mirrors did.

“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”

- Desmond Tutu, South African Anglican bishop and theologian.

This isn’t about ignoring the dark; it’s about being intentional with the light we have. A kind word from a friend, a moment of inspiration, or a fleeting success can feel small against a backdrop of struggle. But those moments, when cherished and magnified, have the power to illuminate even the deepest valleys.

The people of Rjukan couldn’t move their town to find the sun. Instead, they brought the sun to them. In the same way, we can’t always escape life’s challenges, but we can choose to reflect on and magnify the good that surrounds us.

So now I ask you:

What are the small moments of light in your life that you can focus on and amplify?

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