The old wood of the pews. The person next to me praying quietly.

There's something honest about physical labor that you don't find in most conversations.

It's not like I'm sad about it all the time—it's more like I'm always just slightly out of step with everyone else.

I’m Marina, 39, a woman who loves fitness, creativity and simple joys, living in Ukraine and dreaming about love, peace and new horizons.

I’m Elena, 47, a family-oriented woman from Odesa, a professional cook with a caring heart, ready for a new chapter and a new country.

I’m Anna, 29, an artist and animator from Kyiv, a loving mom and a woman who still believes in real love and deep connection.

There's this whole philosophy now that you should never need anyone.

They said it kindly, which somehow made it worse. 😔

Not from a recipe. From watching her hands. From understanding that bread is simple

Everyone acts like being alone is either this beautiful, empowering thing—"treat yourself," "you don't need anyone,"

people who say one thing and live another way. 😤

Where I come from, we're taught to take care of ourselves—not out of vanity, but out of respect.

It's about envy, and how I'm supposed to deal with it as someone who tries to live according to faith. 💔

I grew up in a house where things had their place. You cleaned, you organized, you maintained what you had. Simple.

Like, I know I should understand finances better, but everyone talks about it in this confident way and I'm just here wondering if I'm doing things completely wrong.

I'm not in a hurry anymore. And that's exactly why December suits me.

Everyone has a story. Everyone has a reason. "I was tired." "I had a bad day." "I didn't mean to."

I've been reflecting on my role as a woman, and specifically on how I show up in my family.

In a world that says success equals wealth and status, my faith whispers: poverty of spirit might be richer. In a world that says strength means dominance, Christ shows us strength in vulnerability.

Like, when someone hurts you, everyone tells you to forgive them, but nobody explains what that actually means or how you're supposed to do it 😕