The Uncertainty of fleeing to another country

On the first day of a full-scale invasion, I realized my mom had already metastases and I did not have any other decision to help her but only flee to another country to save her life. 

The uncertainty of living in a new country without planning is a very challenging experience that lightens all deeply hidden patterns, old ways of behavior, and fears. 

As I took from Ukraine only a small rucksack, a pillow, a blanket, and my passport, the only one identification left - I was Ukrainian. Being Ukrainian was the only thing that remained in my life, I realized that I could lose everything, but I could not lose my roots. My roots became my superpower in Germany, my roots gave me energy and strength to adapt, to integrate, to change, to accept other rules, other cultures, and other traditions. My roots helped me stay balanced in the midst of chaos of being a refugee and immigrant, and taking care of my mom. 

Only being distanced from my motherland I ultimately understood and even felt what it meant to be a Ukrainian. Being a Ukrainian helped me to survive in a very new ambiance and to move further. 

Living in Germany I understood who I am, and what incredible roots I have, but also I saw how many Soviet Union unconscious patterns I had in my mind even did not realize it before. And I worked hard and still working to eradicate them.

All people from all over the world in Germany became my reflection and ultimately instead of condemning their actions I looked deeply inward and eradicated my ugly unconscious imprints of the Soviet Union. 

To live abroad as a refugee is an incredible experience that cleans my essence and whispers to me what to change next.

Germany made me flexible and open to different experiences, different people, different cultures, and traditions, honestly I was very rigid before; but most importantly it revealed my Ukrainian roots with dignity, love, and appreciation. 

Proud to be 🇺🇦

With love,

Yuliia Berhe