Hey everyone,
Today's post is going to be different. And not fun.
I originally had a different topic ready (about visual inspiration). But the recent news made me change plans. There is a more urgent message that needs attention.
On Thursday, February 24, 2022, like many of you, I woke up to the news that there is war in Europe.
It took me a while to gather my thoughts and feel the weight of what it means. Something unthinkable suddenly became a new reality. More and more updates started coming in, and it felt like the world would never be the same.
Even though I'm not directly affected (I'm based in the Czech Republic), I couldn't stop my thoughts about what was happening just ~650km (404 miles) away in Ukraine. It was so hard even to imagine what people may be going through there. And as the day went by, I found moments when I didn't know what to do. I felt awful. Stunned.
It may not look like it because I don't express it much. But I'm generally a very sensible person. I want everyone to do well and enjoy life to its fullest. I believe in positivity, empathy, and mutual support. I'm an optimist, and I always look at things from the bright side. No matter the nationality, race, gender, or different views/opinions we may have, I want all of us to do well. To be happy, achieve our dreams, and have a great time in this strange thing we call life.
It's not a simple statement I say to look good, but a true belief that I have had for several years now. If you have followed me for a while, you probably noticed that it sometimes drives my actions too.
I had several attempts to launch my own community-oriented projects. Websites, ebooks, or mentoring/consulting sessions. They all focus on helping others around me to get better or be better. I do so not because of personal gains but my interest in collective well-being. And also because I'm simply free to do so.
When it comes to my values, I look at freedom as the highest rated on the list. Freedom to explore, create, learn, and experience. Freedom to do anything you want. Whatever it may mean to each of us.
Last week's Thursday, as I woke up to this terrible morning news, I had a bad feeling that this freedom is now in danger. That's why it hit me so much.
I don't want to exaggerate or add even more panic. We already got plenty from the media. But I want to use this newsletter to express my support for Ukraine πΊπ¦ and encourage you to do the same.
It may not look like it, but the current situation affects all of us, and the stakes are high.
If you'd like to join the support, please,Β check out this list of charities and good causes on RedditΒ (reviewed by The Kyiv Independent journalists), and consider donating. You can choose from various subjects to find the best fit for your intentions. Even a small contribution can help.
Besides those, you can, of course, also help locally. Look around if there are any online campaigns in your country or even physical help centers in your area. They may be looking for clothes, medicine, and other valuable goods.
I'm not sure how to close this because I never wrote a similar post. But I guess the only thing left to say is this:
My heart goes out to all the people of Ukraine and everyone else affected by this senseless war.
Stay strong.
We will get through this.
A.
PS: Thank you for considering a donation or other forms of support!
PPS: Not including any inspiration links this time on purpose. I will resume next time.