This year a full on war started in Ukraine, my Motherland. It's been tough to watch Ukrainians fight with corruption and battle for freedom and democracy, defending its own borders from one of the largest and rough countries.
I'm not against all Russians, I'm against anybody who blindly follows autocrats like Putin, against imperialists and thugs.
My every single day starts with checking news, thinking about my countrymen, those who suffer the most. I sing Ukrainian songs and look for ways to stay involved and help.
So, after months of stress and tears, after trying to show support and blaming myself for not being there with the people of Ukraine I started praying for peace in my heart.
Negativity only brings more negativity. And even though times are really hard it's important to stay kind and positive.
Here is a list of actions I can take to get myself through this:
1. First, research the facts and decide for yourself who's right and who's wrong. It won't be easy.
I have to be honest, I'm usually on the side of those who defend their country from invaders.
2. Keep it cool. Remember, we are only humans so when speaking with a friend/acquaintance from the "other side" let them share their opinion first. Ask them questions instead of trying to persuade them your way.
What happened a couple of times in my case is when the opponent talks he/she repeats the propaganda they've been fed through media. Once they hear themselves they may understand how ridiculous and science-fiction it sounds. Stay calm, don't put all your heart out there debating because the opponent has the same goal, to prove you he/she is right.
3. Be a better version of yourself. It may sound odd but right now when your whole nation is on news and all over media each one of us is a representative of our country. Be polite and stay kind. I'm not saying you should be kind on a battlefield. I'm talking about people like me, who are immigrants or just peaceful citizens of Ukraine.
I'll admit there's a lot of work for me ahead. Being a better version of myself is a task that will take me a lifetime but at least it's a goal now.
4. Find ways to support. Rallies, demonstrations, writing letters to government - those are very important steps that should be taken. We can't do it all but we can definitely figure out how we can help. Whether we can donate to soldiers or to children of fallen heroes, or we can physically be there to help and volunteer, every little thing changes so much!
5.Write letters to soldiers. Old fashioned but everybody loves letters, Isn't it a great expression of love and care? And it's so easy.
6. Don't waste time on blame game. While analyzing history and the mistakes of predecessors don't waste too much time blaming a previous generation. In case of Ukraine, new generation (people of my age 25-30) started EuroMaydan and fights pro-Russians today. The generation that grew up in a more free environment right after USSR collapse became the advocates for a new and better future for Ukraine. My own parents who live in Ukraine were raised by Soviets and have experienced a lot of hardship being fooled by banks in early 90s, loosing identity as a nation and having no certainty in a next day.
If we waste time blaming previous generation we won't improve this day and our kids will blame us for it. So instead, let's put our minds and forces together and create a better environment for generations to come. Let's teach our children to be brave and kind, cultivate cultural and national values and traditions. As Taras Shevchenko taught, "learn from others and don't be ashamed of yours" talking about culture and knowledge.
7. Lose yourself in service. When you feel mad or angry refocus your energy on serving others. Even if you serve a random person or a friend offer help and do something nice.
8. Pray. You can pray or meditate, whatever it is, as long as you are talking to God. Pray for peace and do your best to stay positive.
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