A life ring
Thoughts on burnout caused by caring too deeply and a new poem.
I often receive messages and comments from people all around the world who share how deeply worried they are about Ukraine, how much they are shocked by the barbarity of the Russian invasion, and how it becomes harder and harder not to drown in despair by witnessing endless atrocities and indifference of other people. I share these feelings. I keep reminding myself that I’m running a marathon, not a sprint, and to reach the finishing line, I must not only keep running but also take care of myself.
The marathon’s route has unpredictable turns, frequent obstacles, and constantly changing weather. It goes through dark forests of lost souls and the treacherous enemy waters, through the lifeless deserts of ignorance and the dangerous mountains of betrayal. We can’t change the route, but we can prepare and protect ourselves as best as we can in order to keep going. Ultimately, the winners of this marathon will be those who didn’t burn out, didn’t lose the strength and motivation, and didn’t drop out of the race. We must be mindful of our energy and well-being, rest when needed, and, no matter how much our hearts burn from injustice and pain, keep our heads cool. If we feel that we are drowning in emotions, we must look for a life ring – the things, experiences, and people who keep us afloat. Only by taking care of ourselves, consciously finding joy in everyday moments, and living life to the fullest we can keep our energy levels balanced and continue moving toward our shared goal: justice and peace.
A new poem:
*** When each day consists of injustice and grief, When you can’t change things you want so much to change, When your heart can’t take all this pain and don’t break, How can one stay strong and continue to live? How to love and to hope in the darkest of times? How to find the strength to get up every day? How can one stay afloat when the storm is inside? How can one witness madness but remain sane? I’m holding on to little things as to a life ring. Hugs, sun rays, flowers, the purring of a cat. Every morning, I wake up and prepare myself for the bad, that will happen and for the good I choose to see.
Warmly,
Darya
Email: daryazorka@substack.com
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Thank you for this wonderful essay, Darya. It shows a flexible strength that we all need to get through the stress, anxiety, grief and rage these times elicit. You are very wise to take care of yourself, as we are all, indeed, in for the long haul. Politics, war, occupation, climate change, violence, lies. We need self care even more urgently right now. Blessings to you and your family. Keep breathing.....
Your advice is about the best there is. If you find yourself looking away because it's all too much, heed the warning signs. Take a break. One day or a week, whatever you need. But no-one, no-one knows this better than you, and all Ukrainians, and not least those heroes on the front. Who could not be in awe of you all, and shocked by the aggressive cancer Russia has turned out to be?