I sat frozen in horror as I watched the series of events in the war on Ukraine unfold. I choked back tears as I thought of my friends there and in all surrounding countries.
I've felt helpless for days. I'm a fighter, and in every war, may it be boots on the ground or the darkest corners of the mind - I'm there to defend those in need.
I feel frustrated that I can't physically help the Ukrainian people and know so many who would fight if they could. In my frustration, I realized that we can't all be there to help those in need right now. But what many don't realize is that there are endless scores of tyrants right in your own life and much closer than you may think.
War is everywhere. Evil will persist within all of us. As human beings, it's our sacred duty to understand ourselves and others who are suffering too. It takes immense courage to fight for a change. If you're feeling helpless about this vicious war against a sovereign people, know you're not alone.
If you want to fight, fight where you are. Stand up against people's hatred for others who are different. Express your love for your family, your friends, and others. Sometimes the simplest compliment to a stranger may save that person's life. Give without expectation of anything in return. And please know that somewhere out there, someone deeply loves you. And your life is worth fighting for.
May Ukraine prevail through this horrific war. I know they certainly have the courage.
"Courage is grace under pressure."
- Ernest Hemingway