A short poem that reminds us we can choose to focus on the good, even when the day feels hard.
When we choose to face the sunshine, we give our heart a better view of the day.
Updated January 28, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer
Face The Sunshine is a simple reminder that our focus matters. When we keep looking at what is wrong, worry can grow fast.
This poem encourages us to turn toward what is good, even when life feels heavy. The shadows may still be there, but they do not have to lead our thoughts.
Face the sunshine — let the shadows lie behind you;
Face the sunshine from life's dawning to its night;
Face the sunshine, though at first its brightness blind you —
Face the sunshine! Keep the shadows out of sight.
Face the sunshine — let its beams your smiling brighten;
Face the sunshine — let its rays suffuse your soul;
Face the sunshine — let its warmth your pleasure heighten;
Face the sunshine and be quit of grief and dole.
Face the sunshine — let its sweet caress remind you
Of the brightness we should scatter through the years;
Face the sunshine — let the shadows fall behind you,
And the sunshine will put rainbows in your tears!
The poem teaches that focusing on the sunshine helps keep the shadows from taking over your mindset.
From morning to night, we can keep turning our thoughts toward what lifts us up.
A smile can change the feeling of a moment and it can encourage someone else too.
When we welcome good thoughts, it becomes easier to let go of grief and discouragement.
The poem ends with a powerful idea. Even hard moments can hold a hint of color and hope.
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Face The Sunshine reminds us that we have a choice each day. We can carry the shadows in front of us, or we can turn toward the good that still exists. When we face the sunshine, we make room for hope, and even our tears can hold a brighter meaning.
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Keep looking for the good, because a small change in focus can lead to a better day.