How The Human Mind Works And Why Ukraine Is Where It Is Today
For days I've been posting about the most shocking event in the region, hoping it can be stopped soon. It's terrible to sit in my home, without being able to help. We are encouraging those stuck in the war zone, but what they really need is peace, stability and supplies, not words.
Finally I Can Help
I don't live near the border, my county has a "support" status for now, so all I could do was wait for an opportunity to do more than just encourage our friends. The news finally came yesterday, my city is teaming up with the Red Cross in collecting donations to help those in need. Today I went to the collection center to see what they need as the website listed a few items, toiletries mostly but better ask at the scene I thought. Unfortunately the center is not open yet, but even so, tomorrow I'm going to check again and buy the products they need.
Another good idea was to team up with a pharmacy in a nearby city. The pharmacy has a list with all the medicine it is needed and anyone willing to help, can go to the pharmacy, buy medicine from the list, that will be donated to the refugees. These supplies will be then taken to the refugee centers near the border.
How The Human Mind Works
While I was reading the list of supplies that can be donated, I was thinking what spare I have at home. I was able to take out a couple of shower gels because I'm kind of addicted to them and always have a few in my cabinet, a package of wet wipes, a bar of soap and that's all.
This proves how we tend to take everything for granted. If my products are about to empty or run out, I just go and buy another. This option has been taken away from those living in Ukraine. How many are now left without a piece of bread or a bottle of water.
The other not so nice experience I had today was in the grocery store in my neighborhood I always go to. It is not a big one, but compared to the others, this is bigger. That's the main reason I go there, the range of supplies is bigger and there's more room.
Photo by Martijn Baudoin on Unsplash
Today when I opened the grocery store's door it was shocking to see a bunch of empty shelves and boxes on the floor. No bread, no meat, no dairy products, all I could see were some cleaning products, potato chips, soda, water and some veggies.
Without any thinking, the first thing that came to my mind was the empty shops we see in Ukraine. Again, this was instinct, not intentional. Shop workers were packing, so I asked one what was going on. He said the grocery shop will be closed till the 1st of April, due to renovation works. That is fine, at least we're going to have a modern grocery store.
Because I did not get what I wanted, I had to go to the other one, where I had to see almost the same scenario. A couple of shelves were emptied already, the whole place was disturbed, shopping trolleys were full with products from the empty shelves.
What are the chances to see almost the same scene twice a day, five minutes apart from each other? Well, in this case they were setting up a bigger shelf, products needed to be moved and they decided to do it during working hours.
I grew up during tough times and have learnt to always make sure to have some supplies, not just for a day as you never know what's going to happen tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. But living safely, without missing anything makes you forget those times for a moment and relax. That doesn't mean I forgot what I have been taught.
While In Ukraine
Many of the Ukrainians grew up in the Soviet Union, as Ukraine has been part of the big Soviet empire and gained independence only in 1991. The whole world is shocked about how brave the Ukrainian people are. You see old people jump in front of tanks, bare handed in an attempt to stop the enemy, or throwing Molotov cocktails on tanks. Living under a dictatorship does that to you. You fight, even if you know you have no chance in front of a tank.
The civil population has been working on stopping the enemy ever since the attacks started. They have been filling bags with sand, using burnt out Russian vehicles, welding together rails and what not, to block the roads. They know the situation can turn and their life can be in even more danger, but they are ready for fight for their country.
While I was writing my post, this tweet came in, which supports what I am saying here. We have a lot to learn from them.
We gotta credit Ukrainians for their casting though. A boxer Mayor and an actor President :)
Here's a picture from Athens last night's demonstration for Ukraine with an interesting message:
Lol, yes, the cast is spectacular indeed, but imagine if there were two fossils in these positions. Would the outcome be the same? I don't think so.
I don't know what to say about the message, I'm not sure I understand what they mean, but if I do, don't worry as in the weekend there were protests in Bucharest as well. People had a list of 10 or 12 points, Ukraine was the last one on the list.
Oh yeah you really read my mind about the fossils :) I thought the exact same. The whole thing is like a movie isn't it? If only it could have a happy end. I would drive my bike on one wheel all the way to Kiev to celebrate :)
I guess the message is that Sovietism inherited them corruption and they revolved back. It's held by Ukrainian lady.
Romanians have a saying, that would translate like this: "Life beats the movie" and this case is a perfect example, that the saying is true.
Imagine a movie, in which the president is an (ex)actor, the mayor for the capital is an ex-Olympian. The country is attacked by foreign forces and they win by mobilizing civilians. You would say this is a cheap comedy, a laughable one as there's no such thing in real life, right? Yet, here we are! 💪
Exactly what I thought. Sometimes you wonder if it's all staged. Wish it wasn't for this tragedy so we could laugh about it. Historic times!
I'm glad you could expand your help. Every bit counts. Even words. I have the feeling it is of help and if it's only for one. Germany is showing a lot of support by the people too. Free train rides for all refugees and enormous support.
I think it gives them strength just seeing we all care.
All the help is welcomed as this is just the beginning. They say there will be 7 million refugees and these are just estimations. Imagine Moldova has 2.5 million inhabitants. If the numbers will be correct, it will be a real challenge to host them. Romania has 19 million inhabitants on paper, in reality there are less. Hungary has 10m and it's a small country. We need the help of the whole Europe, plus other countries too.
By the way, I saw in the news a lot of students have been asked to leave Kharkov, there were trains waiting for them. I hope Priyan and blind-spot is among the students leaving the city.
There are no big dogs allowed. She is not sure what to do, doesn't want to leave Gigi behind. Also she would be alone fleeing. Embassy and others advised to stay. God knows what's right in that situation.
You are right, hard to make a decision and she's the only one can make that decision.
Kiev is bombarded again and they say they are targeting the outskirts. Fingers crossed for zirochka and her husband and everyone 🤞
I pray for all of them. It's not getting easier and seeing the pictures and vids is so sad. I hope the Russian people start receiving the message soon. There is calls to rate businesses in Russia and leave information about the war in the comment sections. So they know what is going on. The few brave Russians speaking up are getting arrested left and right.
Can you meat me on discord please? erikah#8879
Just send you the request on Discord.
I Hope peace everywhere
It's so kind of you to do this but almost must be worrying as well, as you will worry about food shortages for you as well ? I assume? It's always good to see when we have it better than others but times such as these surely show this to us more and more.
I hope it all is settled soon in a positive way for all, war is such a sad state of humankind. Keep up your good actions @erikah