Summary

The article reflects on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, using the Ukrainian people's struggle during the war as a poignant example to question the universality of the phrase "Every day above ground is a great day."

Abstract

The author of the article shares a personal mantra, "Every day above ground is a great day," which has provided perspective and gratitude during challenging times. However, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine prompts a reevaluation of this belief, as the Ukrainian people endure unimaginable hardships, displacement, and the need to fight for their freedom. Despite their circumstances, the author notes the absence of despair among Ukrainians, who demonstrate a fierce commitment to life and liberty. The article acknowledges the limitations of such mantras in the face of extreme suffering but suggests that a positive mindset, encapsulated in another saying, "This too shall pass," can be a source of strength, even in the darkest times.

Opinions

The author believes in the power of positive thinking and mantras to provide perspective and gratitude in life's challenges.
There is an acknowledgment that the severity of the situation in Ukraine tests the limits of optimistic aphorisms.
The Ukrainian people's determination to protect their freedom and their resilience in the face of war is deeply admired.
The article suggests that maintaining a hopeful outlook and planning for the worst can be beneficial, even in dire circumstances.
The author emphasizes the importance of mindset and personal discipline in achieving success and overcoming problems.

Is “Every Day Above Ground is a Great Day” always true?

Do the citizens of war-torn Ukraine still think so?

Firstly, let me say that this article is not a political comment. Although I am appalled at the acts the aggressors commit against the Ukrainian people, that is not the point I am making here.

I am making a point about the nature of the human spirit and the ability of people to stay positive and overcome great adversities.

“Every day above ground is a great day”

This useful phrase been my mantra for many years. Whenever things get a bit much for me, I recite it to myself a few times, and it usually pulls me back to help me gain some perspective.

It helps me realise that I mostly don’t have any real problems, and I become grateful for all the good things that I have in my life.

Like family and friends, a roof over my head, food in my tummy, and much more. I count myself fortunate to live in the UK, a relatively affluent country, and to have a job and a means of support. I never lose sight of it.

But is it always true?

I thought it would always be valid.

I never thought there would never be a time when it would be better for me to be dead than alive.

But I see the things going on in Ukraine, and I wonder if those people would argue the toss with me.

Women have effectively been compelled to leave home with the children and only what possessions they can carry. They travel in any way possible and cover long distances without knowing what lies ahead.

Traveling is dangerous, and they could be shot at or bombed as they travel. They don’t know where the family will end up, but they know they must leave to be safe.

Many of the men stay behind to fight. They send their family off on a dangerous journey, not knowing if they will ever see each other again.

These are unthinkable, unimaginable options, but the Ukrainian people take them because they value their freedom and are willing to fight an aggressor to keep it.

In all the news reports I have seen, I have never heard a Ukrainian say they wish they were dead. Yet their conditions are appalling.

Traveling in the cold to whatever waits for them ahead, they cling to the belief that they are doing the right thing in the circumstances.

Rushing to their basements or safe places when they hear an air raid confirms that they want to stay alive. They are always grateful for the help they get — the car ride from a stranger, the assistance to catch a train, the offer of a place in a new country.

But I have heard several Ukrainians say that they were willing to fight for their freedom and would rather die than give it up.

What else helps when you feel overwhelmed?

At the moment, no one knows what the outcome will be. As I write, the war has waged for 38 days and continues.

Most of the world can only watch helplessly, fervently hoping that something happens soon to end it all. I hope soon for some miraculous breakthrough event that will stop the fighting, the shelling, the shooting, and the dying.

All I can offer is another mantra that sometimes helps me when I think things are not good:

This too shall pass.

I believe it is originally a religious belief, but you don’t have to be a follower of religion for it to work for you.

I’m sure that the people of Ukraine would find that hard to believe, but it will. At some point, the war will stop, and a new future will unfold, hopefully, a peaceful one. People who have left will settle into lives in their new countries or return to their homes to see what is left.

Do the two mantras work for you?

You may think the two mantras are facile and call BS on the process, and I would see your point to a degree.

It’s easier for me, living in a wealthy, free society where I can genuinely achieve anything I work hard at, than people suffering under an oppressive regime.

But I would also advise giving it a try. What do you have to lose?

I’ve always found that hoping for the best and planning for the worst did me no harm. If the reality was not the best, it was coming anyway, and at least I didn’t spend time worrying about it, and had a plan to deal with it.

Success in any field is often as much down to mindset as it is to applying yourself. The stubbornness of not giving up when trying to find the solution to a problem. The habit of always looking for the best in things.

The discipline to constantly hold yourself to account for your actions.

These habits make individuals great and rank in my list of success processes.

What do YOU think?