We can be heroes, just for one day 🇺🇦

Heroes are not born out of individual acts but through the collective will of a nation

EVERYONE HAS THOSE SONGS that make us stop whatever we are doing and have a breath of beauty and contemplation. Those songs are capable of changing not only our heartbeat, but also the chemistry of our soul by slapping their energy deep inside us. Some days ago, I was hypnotized when the song "Heroes" from David Bowie came to my ears after, much probably, several years. 

Listening to "Heroes" during a war, however, elevates the experience to a level I'm still trying to define. It was like the fabulous Bowie would still be with us, asking me for suggestions to the lyrics after a melody that, by itself, alone, is enough to share the feeling that it's always worth having hope.

Once I read that Bowie got inspiration from the Cold War and the uncertainties of the time, the song was released in 1977 and the clash of civilizations was very alive, dividing the world in East and West. Like the great achievements of the human genius, this song is immortal because it doesn't relate only to a certain period of the history, but probably will be contemporary throughout all times from the time it was first released. 

This is a song about hope and about love. About how love is a force that carries the most virtuous and transformative potential we are able to define, capable of defying injustice, oppression and breaking down barriers. Love inspires acts of bravery, unites people across divides, and provides solace in the midst of chaos.

That's when we Ukrainians are most touched. We have been searching in the last 15 months for every drop of bravery and courage in our spirits, so that when the chorus proclaims "we can be heroes, just for one day." it encapsulates our spirit in the fight for our nation.

Under the current conditions, each standing Ukrainian today can become a hero, not just for a day but for a lifetime. We are not looking for heroism since we definitely feel it's all about our duty, but if our commitment serves as an inspiration to others, reminding them of the power of unity and resilience in the face of injustice, we accept the label.

Just as Bowie sings, "I will be king, and you, you will be queen," we have taken up the mantle of leadership and assumed our role as defenders of freedom. Our collective strength is vital in this war, after all, heroes are not born out of individual acts but through the collective will of a nation that refuses to be broken.

The world is aware that we are living day after day these days. No one knows what will come next and every day can be the last one for anyone in Ukraine. Actually, for any of us. So "we can be heroes, just for one day", makes sense everyday.

Let's remember the heroism we carry inside ourselves, in Ukraine or elsewhere, find connection with others, fight for those things we deem important, and believe in the magnificent power of love.

Even if we just have one day.

We can be heroes.