Glory to the Heroes!

Even though I've done my best so far to avoid getting too 'political' in my reflections, I now realize that my inspiration is becoming increasingly so, whether I like it or not. And, since I'm currently playing the game of authentic courage with myself, I suppose it's time to take on the challenge and go there—into that deep forest—with all my transparency and vulnerability.

Yesterday, I experienced something seemingly mundane, yet it shook my inner world, and I can't stop thinking about it. I'm fully aware that what I’m about to share may go against deeply ingrained collective beliefs and what some consider the 'publicly accepted' opinion—or rather, what a few claim it to be.

I know this might upset or confuse some people, even those dear to me. But I’m also utterly done with silencing myself about what feels true to me. I’m done saying things that make no sense or have no meaning to me. I’m done pretending I understand when I don’t. And I’m done agreeing with the nonsense of others just because I'm afraid of not being loved or losing emotional connections.

I'm done with fighting.

...

I met a wonderful person yesterday, who greeted me in a very open-hearted and touching way, although it was unusual for me.

With genuine compassion and a deep connection to my soul, she said, "Slava Ukraini."

And I froze.

I had no idea how to respond. She was expecting a specific reply, but I didn’t follow up with the usual response. It seemed to confuse her, and honestly, I was confused too. Let me explain.

First, it was so unusual for me because it came from someone who isn't Ukrainian (apparently, it was the only thing they knew how to say in Ukrainian). This was the first time anyone had greeted me this way outside of Ukraine (or Poland).

"Slava Ukraini" means "Glory to Ukraine." Since the war began, it's become the norm in Ukraine to greet each other this way. We don’t say "Hi" or "Hello" anymore; we say "Glory to Ukraine."

The expected reply is "Heroyam Slava," meaning "Glory to the Heroes."

When I visited Ukraine during the war, I admit I used this greeting myself with some people. But yesterday, I couldn’t do it. I just couldn’t.

My automatic brain wanted to respond with the usual words—it would’ve been easier—but something inside me refused.

I froze because, for me, this way of greeting no longer makes sense.

To me, greeting someone like this is a subtle way of endorsing and justifying the war. And I refuse to start my conversations with anyone, especially those who aren’t directly involved, by glorifying a politically constructed narrative of what Ukraine is or who its 'heroes' are.

For Ukraine, at least politically, a 'hero' today is a warrior. A soldier. Someone who willingly goes to war, promotes it, kills. Someone who fights, protects, sacrifices themselves, and seeks revenge for those who have harmed them.

They defend their people's freedom and independence. They protect their communities from invaders and abusers. They are 'victims,' but they refuse to see themselves as such. They are strong, resilient, willing to give everything up for a sense of justice. They are the heroes.

But heroes of what, exactly?

...

No one talks about the other side of the coin.

What about the heroes who were forced to abandon their families, jobs, homes, and lives, fleeing to the middle of nowhere with nothing? Those who never wanted to leave, but had no choice if they wanted to live?

What about the people who lost everything but survived? Those who chose to protect what they already had, rather than go off to destroy or defend something that was never theirs to begin with?

What about those who promote peace instead of war? Aren’t they heroes? What about those who don’t support the soldiers, but care for the suffering in their communities? What about the fathers who chose to stay with their wives and children, protecting them rather than an artificial political ideology or meaningless war?

Who are they?

Oh no, my dear, they are not heroes by the standards we have today. They are traitors to their country, deserving of shame, judgment, and perhaps even prison if they return to Ukraine. They don't deserve respect if they haven't participated, supported, or encouraged the war.

...

This is the other side of the coin.

What most people outside of Ukraine think about Ukraine is simply not true or is very inaccurate.

What they glorify is not what is actually happening for the majority of ordinary people.

Many of those at the frontlines right now are not there willingly, nor are they there to defend some imagined freedom. They've been forced to abandon their families and lives. If they refused to go when called (and most are, even those who aren't physically or mentally fit), they’d be sent to prison. And in many cases, prison simply leads them right back to the war.

Many of these 'soldiers' are not brave, resilient defenders of their nation's political freedom. Many are there because they simply have no choice—no matter the cost.

For many, it’s easier to start believing the strange global propaganda than to logically justify to themselves why they’re killing each other. It’s normal. They would go even more insane if they were forced to fight and kill, knowing deep down that there is absolutely no meaningful purpose behind it.

No one will find true freedom through war, no matter which side they’re on.

Even if you return physically intact, the psychological toll will be lifelong. The trauma of war leaves scars that may never heal. PTSD, mental, and emotional suffering are almost inevitable. There’s nothing glorious, noble, patriotic, or wise about any of this.

War destroys you internally, and everyone you love around you suffers too. This is something we already know. If you don’t believe me, speak to any 'hero' who has returned from war. Ask them directly: What was the actual purpose of fighting, and how has it affected their personal lives?

Your country will likely never have the resources to deal with the immense war-related suffering and mental health issues people are experiencing. There is nothing strategic or smart about this. You’re also burning through shared resources, energy, infrastructure, and destroying some of the world’s most fertile soil, crucial for food security—all for no reason. You are, quite literally, destroying your entire population, its future, and its potential for health, safety, and happiness.

People who are truly free, and who truly promote authentic freedom, love, and peace for their people, have a choice: to kill or not.

And in my humble opinion, real heroes usually choose not to.

...

The situation in Ukraine right now is deeply complex and disturbing on many levels. Even though I’m from there and, in most cases, know very well what I’m talking about, I don’t live there anymore. So I usually distance myself from discussions about their politics.

But what really triggers me is the reaction of Canadians—their opinions, beliefs, and judgments about what’s happening there and about Ukrainians in general. Many of them don’t actually know many Ukrainians, haven’t spent time with them, and have never been there, yet they carry an encyclopedia’s worth of 'knowledge' about Ukraine’s history and cultural values.

Much of what they think they know is a completely distorted, fake reality. It has nothing to do with the real values or struggles of Ukrainians living through this war. We write history as we go, as we want it to be. Each country crafts its own history books to justify its own ignorance. Today, it’s the internet and propaganda that are writing history for us.

...

What do most Canadians glorify about Ukrainians, and why? Why do they support and encourage the fight? Why are they so eager to help us destroy the 'enemy'? What are they actually proud of? Many seem to admire Ukrainians for their resilience or willingness to die. But why?

What are Canadians projecting onto Ukrainians without realizing it? What are they seeing in them that they can’t find within themselves? Why are Ukrainians so inspiring and glorified worldwide?

What kind of repressed anger, denied emotions, or unrecognized suffering are Canadians avoiding within themselves? What kind of 'freedom' do they feel is missing from their own lives that makes them cheer for Ukraine to fight for it?

What do Ukrainians have that Canadians wish they had?

These are far more complicated and deeper questions than most are able to comprehend or know how to answer.

...

We all want freedom.

Some believe Ukraine is showing us the path toward it, which is why we glorify it. But is Ukraine truly walking towards freedom and systemic well-being for its people, my dear and beloved Ukraine? Or is she enslaving and harming her population, her culture, and her land even more?

Are we truly freeing ourselves from future suffering with the strategies we’re using now? Are we really becoming liberated and sovereign in our collective soul if we destroy half of it? Are we building a nation by burning our centuries-old cities? Or are we co-creating the future we actually deserve and want?

Are we Heroes of War or Heroes of Peace?

What choice are we actually making today? Do you want to be a hero of creation or destruction? What do you really glorify? How are you contributing? And what do you truly want?

If not for Ukrainians, at least make sure you ask yourself the right questions and make the right choice for you and your people.