543 day of war

Hello, friends!

Lately, we've been having quite hot weather, which is somewhat unusual for this time of year. Usually, by August, we would start feeling the onset of autumn and cooler temperatures. Currently, the weather in western Ukraine is the same as it was in the east when I lived there. Despite the intense heat at times, I quite enjoy it.

I somewhat emotionally burned out from all the events around me because it was quite challenging. Daily, there were long periods of air raid sirens, a lack of orders and work, delays in government assistance, and everything else. I tweaked my daily routine and added physical exercises, and I try to read the news less, spending only about half an hour a day on them. It seems that it helps, I started to feel better

Also, while it's hot, we've started waking up earlier, around 6 in the morning, and going to the pond to swim. It's not the sea, of course, just a small area with sand for swimming. During the day, it's tough to find a spot as they're all taken. But in the morning, there's no one around, and it's a great start to the day.

The most important thing for me right now is to stay positive because if we survive this war, there will still be a lot of work to rebuild the country, and we need to keep a clear mind to endure it all. Luckily, a day before rent was due, we received government assistance and I got my first orders for a couple of t-shirts in a month, which helped us pay all the bills. Sometimes it feels like no matter how dire the situation you find yourself in, life helps you get through it. And this gives hope that no matter how bad the news is today, tomorrow could be better.

In the country, preparations are underway for celebrating Independence Day, which recently informally became our main holiday. Independence and the right to choose our country's path of development have always been the top priorities of our society. Flags are already hanging all over the city, getting ready for the celebration. I'm not sure if there will be public events; as last year, we are expecting rocket attacks on all cities again, but I hope this day goes well.

Even though there are shelling and destruction happening across the country every day, we're holding on and believing in victory. The fear of the occupiers is no longer there; there's only a desire for all of this to end and never repeat. Progress is already beginning to be seen in the main areas of the front, we expect that it will develop and we will be able to move forward. We're waiting for good news and hoping that everything will turn out fine.

Thank you all for your support. Without you, surviving these times would have been much harder. Thank you! Also, thank you for the support on buymeacoffee; it really helps.