Life has hard moments. Everyone knows this. But I've noticed something in how people around me handle difficulty.

I left home young. I had dreams that didn't fit into the life I was born into, and I went after them.

Sometimes I feel guilty for things I haven't even done.

The New Year is just around the corner — a special time to pause, celebrate, and embrace new beginnings. It’s an opportunity to reflect on everything we've accomplished, to appreciate the lessons learned, and to set meaningful goals for what lies ahead.

Soon it will be New Year — a wonderful time for reflection, celebration, and new beginnings. This season offers a perfect chance to appreciate the past year's achievements and set fresh goals for the future. The festive atmosphere brings people together, spreading joy, hope, and positive energy.

Like, they hear the words, but they're not actually taking in what someone is saying.

I think people misunderstand strength sometimes. They think it means being loud, being aggressive, pushing back against everything.

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. 💔