Kyiv is more than just a city; it is my home. I arrived here as a young woman, carrying a suitcase and a head full of dreams. It was here that I began my journey—making mistakes, experiencing losses, and discovering new things. It was here that I became who I am. Now, whenever I turn a familiar corner or step into an old courtyard, I feel a deep sense of belonging: this is mine. This is me.

I am especially fond of the mornings—when the city is just waking up, the streets are quiet, and there are few cars, allowing me to walk along and listen to the stillness. In those moments, Kyiv doesn’t feel like a capital city, but rather like a large, warm, vibrant, and authentic village. I walk through it, smiling—for no particular reason, other than the simple fact that I am here.

People often ask me, "Don't you ever want to leave?" I don’t. It’s not that I couldn’t—it’s that my life is here. My people are here. My memories are here. I am here.

This city inspires me—not because of its landmarks, but simply because it exists. Every single day. Every single minute. And for that, I am truly grateful.

What is it that inspires you about the place where you live? Or are you still searching for your own place?

Natalia