For many of us, the outburst of violence between Russia and Ukraine was extremely shocking. Since the invasion escalated, the media has made it nearly impossible to ignore the “impending doom” that is to come from the conflict. Neither journalists nor world leaders themselves have any clue as to what the future may look like. As I’ve learned from this experience, whether you’ve spent this time preparing for the worst or hoping for the best, you really have no control over the outcome of this war.
Somewhat ironically, we are beginning to experience the fear that third world countries have felt for the violence that America might bring them. Unlike Yemen or Syria, the United States has had the privilege of being the “big dog” among countries. This, in essence, has allowed us to live without the fear of the next invasion or bombing. The Ukrainian invasion has given many Americans what is known as “wartime anxiety”. Naturally, a person might feel unstable in light of violence so close to home, or in this case, so close to our enemy. I found myself asking “why is this happening to such innocent people?” or “what have they done that we haven’t?”. These questions sent me into a spiral of what-ifs, as I spent the last few days of my break wondering if everything I’d done in my life was futile to impending nuclear war. (Very pessimistic, I know)
Finally, after days of CNN updates and constant anxiety, I had a complete change of perspective. Similar to the collective unity following 9/11, the Russia-Ukraine invasion has unified across the board. From Democrats to Republicans, Americans to Europeans, and mankind as a whole, these war crimes have connected us on the basis OF our humanity. The question of “why” no longer lingers in my brain, but instead the wholehearted connection I feel to those around me. We understand what is happening is wrong. We see the pain it has caused. And even more so, we wish to change it.
While this situation is currently ongoing and just as frightening, it’s important to prioritize yourself and others around you. I immediately felt inclined to help in some way or another, without realizing that I wasn’t in the position to do so. Anxiety raises cortisol and creates acne, but that’s about all it can do. It cannot solve wars. Perspective is important in the sense that it can do everything anxiety can, but has the ability to create change as well. Before the invasion, I wasn’t very proud of humanity. Our species has destroyed much of what we have built, and yet Ukraine is not one of them. Since then, I found myself connecting with those that I couldn’t have ever imagined to agree with. This has been the change made possible by perspective, and I’m very grateful for the little bits of hope I’ve been given in this tragedy. Stay safe out there y’all!
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