Hey Inna,
It’s me. Well, actually, it’s you writing to yourself from Feb 2023. I’ve got some things to share.
Firstly, let me give you a tight virtual across-time hug. I know you would appreciate it. We all need hugs sometimes to stay alive inside. The war has happened. It’s brutal, horrible & unfair. People get killed, cities get destroyed, and nature suffers too.
There is nothing you could have done to avoid it. Nor any other Ukrainian, so stop blaming yourself! You’ll be very surprised to see how much of a strong person you have become. That hasn’t been easy * and maybe not even worth it. But now you are able to get through so much pain!
If I could give you a piece of advice (although you hate them), send a message right now to all your friends with simple words ‘how are you?’. Don’t wait for a perfect moment or it might never come & you risk to never hear a reply back. You are going to lose some people to this war. But you’ll also find so many good people on your way.
Do what you can do best – use your voice to speak up about Ukraine. Use your empathy to support those in need. Keep on running and proudly wearing the Ukrainian flag on your shoulders.
Remember to take some time off to recharge your batteries. And if you feel that the world is collapsing, remember that you have your family to rely on. Your husband & your dog will drag you through some challenging moments of your new reality.
Don’t be scared. Celebrate life every single moment.
Remember that good always wins in this world. So we will win. We will live.
Yours, Inna