During certain life events, the familiar changes forever. An entire Ukraine nation experiences war. As a result, disrupted and frightened refugees have to flee to European countries. They must apply for residence permits in foreign languages and rely on generosity for their basic needs, such as accommodation, food, and employment opportunities.

Refugees from Ukraine arriving in Switzerland

My heart goes out to these refugees when I read about their trauma. It’s so destructive and unfair. There is so much loss in many ways. Every day, trains full of traumatised people arrive at Zurich’s train station.

It is heart-warming to see how many people in Switzerland are trying to help and support the refugees. People make sandwiches so that the refugees have something to eat when they get off the trains. Points exist where people can hand in food, clothing, and items for personal care for distribution.

Local authorities are seeking accommodation and communicating available places on refugee websites. Swiss residents donate furniture, household items and available time to furnish living spaces.

Traumatic and life-changing events

Many people I care about are currently going through traumatic and life-changing events. However, for each of them, it is something different. The unexpectedness, impact, and uncertainty are the common denominators. It forces them to revisit their future dreams.

These moments, when the familiar changes forever, happen to us all. It usually comes at the least expected time, and in a surprising way. Sometimes the fear of such a moment strikes me at two o’clock at night. The most disturbing situations play out in my mind as if it is a contingency plan exercise that should help me be more prepared. However, it only steals my rest, peace, and joy.

I feel vulnerable in a foreign country far from my sons, family, and friends. Flight restrictions caused by Covid contributed significantly.

Truths help me in times of fear and anxiety

I had to work hard on myself and jotted down some truths to hold on to in times of fear and anxiety.

Life-changing events are part of life. 

We cannot prepare for these events because the nature and timing are usually unexpected. Life is in balance. Sometimes we experience joy, but other times we go through painful growth and disruption.

I have a Creator with a bigger plan for my life. 

Looking back on my life, I can see the evidence of this. In confusing and uncertain times, I experienced the nearness of my Creator more than ever. My intuition, for example, was strong, and people and opportunities from strange places crossed my path. I also experienced a lot of love and caring.

The right people come our way at the right time. 

They come with the necessary knowledge, help, advice, or compassion we need. These people obey their commands and act when it is time. We form part of a larger whole and must share our knowledge and help with love. It is, however, important to also receive the effort and time of others gracefully.

We have more courage, perseverance, and problem-solving skills than we realise. 

When I reflect on myself and the people close to my heart’s times of crisis, I am just amazed. Times of crisis allow us to discover underdeveloped aspects of ourselves.

I choose my focus. 

Fear and anxiety over all the what-if questions rob me of energy, peace, and joy. I have control over my thinking and should choose where I focus it. My thoughts have an impact on my emotions and my actions. My mind is sometimes like a runaway horse that I struggle to keep in check, and I must work hard to focus my mind.

I need to have compassion for myself.

Fear and anxiety are normal human emotions.

regards

Emsia