When the Sun Sets, Look for the Stars

“If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.” – Rabindranath Tagore

Have you ever felt like the light in your life has vanished?

Maybe it was the end of a cherished relationship, losing a career you built for years, or the painful experience of not meeting your expectations. In these dark moments, it’s natural to mourn, to grieve, to feel lost.

But what if—just what if—the darkness was not the end, but the beginning of something new?

As a life coach, I have seen this moment of despair often. A client walks in, eyes dimmed by disappointment, their inner world clouded by what they believe is an irreversible loss. But what they don’t realise (yet) is that behind the curtain of their tears, the stars are already waiting to shine.

The Meaning Behind the Metaphor

Tagore’s quote is not a denial of pain—it’s an invitation to shift your focus. It’s a reminder that while it’s okay to feel sadness, it’s not okay to stay stuck in it forever.

When we keep looking at the closed door, we miss the open window.

Pain demands attention. But healing demands perspective.

The Hidden Stars in Your Life

We all have “stars” hidden in the darkness—opportunities, insights, new directions, and surprising strengths that only become visible when we dare to lift our gaze.

• The job you lost might nudge you toward the career you were meant to pursue.
• The breakup might teach you self-worth and resilience.
• The setback might gift you the courage to redesign your life on your terms.

But to find these stars, we need to stop fixating on the sun that has set.

My Invitation to You

Instead of asking, “Why did this happen to me?” Ask, “What could this be preparing me for?”

You may not control what happens to you, but you can choose what you see in it.

• Are you focusing only on what's gone?
• Or are you brave enough to look for what’s beginning?

In my coaching sessions, I gently guide professionals and individuals to reframe their darkness—not as an end, but as fertile ground for growth. I have seen tears turn into triumph, silence into strength, and breakdowns into breakthroughs.

One Final Thought

The stars don’t compete with the sun. They simply wait for their time to be seen.

And so must we—wait, trust, and then rise.

If you are navigating a sunset moment in life, I encourage you to pause, breathe, and ask yourself:

What stars might I be missing in my life right now?

You may just surprise yourself with what you find.