We all grieve the loss of a happier more carefree time. You’re living under direct and constant threat. It’s absolutely right and necessary to hold to those things that give you strength.
It is difficult to find joy during hard times, and hard times are different for each of us--whether it is a war, a life altering illness, a series of family tragedies... And yet if we do not find joy, what then is the purpose of life?
I recall once when going through such a period and sharing with a small group of folks the heartache of that time, a young man with great emotion said to me that he thought it would be okay for me to be ANGRY! That I would be justified in seeking rage over common sense! ROAR! A woman closer to my age seated next to me said that it would be okay to be angry and hurt, and I turned to her and said that the young man's passion was understandable. And when I was his age, I would certainly have felt that rage. But at the age I was at this time, and with having experienced so many losses and deaths by this time in my life, I understood that life is fragile. I understood that sometimes we feel rage, but sustained rage only takes more of your life from you--so it's best to find peace when you can. It's best if you can let go of the rage and find joy. Even if it's just in small moments.
So we unplug. We take a long walk. We sit with the flowers and the bees and the birds, and we enjoy the calm within the storm. We allow ourselves to breathe. That is the best way to live, after all--it is to be alive.
So well said! ❤️🩹 I can still go through the influx of rage when something makes me feel so strongly, but it calms down sooner than before. Grief and loss make you wiser and quieter, and you understand that everything is temporary, and your values and priorities shift drastically. Thank you so much for your beautiful comment!
Age and experience do help us make through these things—at least to weather them. The hurt is still there, the pain, the grief. But we learn to find the love, the peace just as quickly and easily because we know where to look for it.
By pausing. By stopping. By listening. By being in the moment.
Here’s to you, Darya, and your family. Much peace and love to you.
but remain sane?" Your poem is so moving. I feel this too living in the U.S. now. I know it is nothing like the war that is going on in your country, but I do feel like the world is on fire right now. So many things are a horror. We all need to disconnect at times to keep our sanity. The pictures of the flower blooms and your kitty are so cute. Do take the time you need to take care of yourself Darya.
Darya, I cannot tell a lie. I'm glad you're back! Your work has become part of my joy. However, I also appreciate your self-care to give your brain and nervous system a break. ❤️
Such a beautiful poem and wonderful photos...I am preparing this weekend to make your Berry Jam Pie recipe...You are a treasure in my life...Thank you...
Thank you so much, Anne! ❤️ It’s one of my favorite pies, enjoy! And please share a photo of the pie with me if you can, it’s always so wonderful to see people cooking my recipes!
I wish I knew how to get pictures on my phone transferred to my laptop and thus to be emailable...I am an old person and very behind the times with respect to tech. So instead, envision the lovely Berry Jam Pie in a white oval casserole dish...I made it for my husband for Father's Day and it turned out beautifully...XO
Thank you Darya for this inspiring, uplifting post! Although I can only imagine how hard it is to live in a war zone, living in USA right now is extremely stressful and demoralizing. I have had to take breaks as well to “ recharge my batteries” and will continue to do so as needed. Please keep up your inspiring, encouraging work!
Rest is Resistance. Blessings to you and your loved ones.
Thank you 🙏
Praying for your resilience and strength and an end to the attacks.
We all grieve the loss of a happier more carefree time. You’re living under direct and constant threat. It’s absolutely right and necessary to hold to those things that give you strength.
Thank you, Doris! ❤️
It is difficult to find joy during hard times, and hard times are different for each of us--whether it is a war, a life altering illness, a series of family tragedies... And yet if we do not find joy, what then is the purpose of life?
I recall once when going through such a period and sharing with a small group of folks the heartache of that time, a young man with great emotion said to me that he thought it would be okay for me to be ANGRY! That I would be justified in seeking rage over common sense! ROAR! A woman closer to my age seated next to me said that it would be okay to be angry and hurt, and I turned to her and said that the young man's passion was understandable. And when I was his age, I would certainly have felt that rage. But at the age I was at this time, and with having experienced so many losses and deaths by this time in my life, I understood that life is fragile. I understood that sometimes we feel rage, but sustained rage only takes more of your life from you--so it's best to find peace when you can. It's best if you can let go of the rage and find joy. Even if it's just in small moments.
So we unplug. We take a long walk. We sit with the flowers and the bees and the birds, and we enjoy the calm within the storm. We allow ourselves to breathe. That is the best way to live, after all--it is to be alive.
So well said! ❤️🩹 I can still go through the influx of rage when something makes me feel so strongly, but it calms down sooner than before. Grief and loss make you wiser and quieter, and you understand that everything is temporary, and your values and priorities shift drastically. Thank you so much for your beautiful comment!
Age and experience do help us make through these things—at least to weather them. The hurt is still there, the pain, the grief. But we learn to find the love, the peace just as quickly and easily because we know where to look for it.
By pausing. By stopping. By listening. By being in the moment.
Here’s to you, Darya, and your family. Much peace and love to you.
Thank you so much, Eileen! ❤️
"How can one witness madness
but remain sane?" Your poem is so moving. I feel this too living in the U.S. now. I know it is nothing like the war that is going on in your country, but I do feel like the world is on fire right now. So many things are a horror. We all need to disconnect at times to keep our sanity. The pictures of the flower blooms and your kitty are so cute. Do take the time you need to take care of yourself Darya.
Thank you so much, Sonia! ❤️
Darya, I cannot tell a lie. I'm glad you're back! Your work has become part of my joy. However, I also appreciate your self-care to give your brain and nervous system a break. ❤️
Thank you so much, Deborah! ❤️
Thank you for this today, I really hope you enjoyed your break without too much intruding on it. Love your kitty!!
Thank you, Sharon! I did!
May you touch freedom and may russia stop their bloodshed. Thanks for sharing your strength and experience.
Thank you, Kate!
Thank you for your lovely moments of respite you’re doing what you need to do, especially to share it, It’s the only way to get through. 💐
Thank you, Micki!
Love the hydrangea 👍🏽
It’s gorgeous!
Yes it is, I tried to save one from a local store but it didn’t work out too well. Plus our weather has been a problem for it & my other plants.
Such a beautiful poem and wonderful photos...I am preparing this weekend to make your Berry Jam Pie recipe...You are a treasure in my life...Thank you...
Thank you so much, Anne! ❤️ It’s one of my favorite pies, enjoy! And please share a photo of the pie with me if you can, it’s always so wonderful to see people cooking my recipes!
I wish I knew how to get pictures on my phone transferred to my laptop and thus to be emailable...I am an old person and very behind the times with respect to tech. So instead, envision the lovely Berry Jam Pie in a white oval casserole dish...I made it for my husband for Father's Day and it turned out beautifully...XO
I can definitely envision it! I’m so glad the pie turned out good and you enjoyed it 🥰
Thank you sharing such a beautiful poem. I hope your day is wonderful.
Thank you, Christopher!
Thank you Darya for this inspiring, uplifting post! Although I can only imagine how hard it is to live in a war zone, living in USA right now is extremely stressful and demoralizing. I have had to take breaks as well to “ recharge my batteries” and will continue to do so as needed. Please keep up your inspiring, encouraging work!
Thank you, Greg! But I don’t live in Ukraine, I live in the U.S. My husband is Ukrainian, and his entire family became refugees because of the war.