184 Comments
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LinnieMac's avatar

Victor, you are very wise and I thank you for sharing your thoughts, feeling and wisdom with us. BTW The pictures are beautiful. πŸ©΅πŸ’›

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Vivian Fletcher's avatar

I agree! I was going to say the same thing!! And I love the drawing by a very talented 6 y.o.β€οΈπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦πŸ™

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Anne Hopkins's avatar

Viktor, Nah! Focus on the ones who support you. There are lots of us! 😊

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Cary Sipiora's avatar

Exactly! Get comfortable with blocking toxic people. You will be more available to the good vibes that come your way.

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Blue Citizen 77's avatar

Well-done, Viktor! Your feelings about blocking bad players and focusing on the good readers who appreciate your writing are valuable to all writers. God bless you and Ukrainians who cannot share their feelings so clearly. Peace βœŒοΈπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦πŸŒŸπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦πŸŒŸπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦

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emily berleth's avatar

Beautiful, Viktor. And little Nika is very talented!

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M Brown's avatar

You are not responsible for someone else’s ignorance. Thank you for having the strength and understanding to protect yourself and others. ❀️

Little Nika’s art is Amazing!!! So much life and vision from one so young! πŸ’™πŸ’›

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Bruce Taylor's avatar

β€œYou definitely do not need me reminding you that the world carries hate.”

That said, you do remind me every day that the world carries love. Thank you for that, my brother.

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Elizabeth Skinner-Orgeron's avatar

From my humble, unremarkable life in Nashville, TN, USA, I've had the pleasure of connecting with several people in Ukraine, and I've found them to be among the most loving people on earth - and Viktor is a shining example.

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SLMontgo's avatar

This: "This is why I do not hesitate [to block] when someone arrives only to poison the room."

This is what I believe is the only way to handle hate from strangers. Block it. Let them move on. And on. Because they likely are mostly blocked by caring people. This attitude that demands "we" educate "them" is a heartbreaking waste of effort. These people are deflectors and want your attention only so they can weaponize you against yourself. You have realized that and are taking appropriate action to save yourself pain. Just as you would in real life.

Anonymous hate posters are desperately damaged people who must make others as miserable as they themselves are. Don't feed the trolls. Remember that rule? It's still the best platform rule:

DON'T FEED THE TROLLS.

In real life, I avoid many things that abuse me and the same goes here.

If someone attacks you for existing, you cannot and do not need to change them. Let them continue to hunt victims elsewhere. Because that's what they are doing already. Don't be a victim.

Thank you, Viktor, for sharing your insights and conclusions. Kudos πŸ«ΆπŸΌπŸ’™πŸ’›

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Alia MacStay's avatar

Anne is right, Viktor. Focus on those who appreciate you. You are a beautiful soul.

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Robin Gilmartin's avatar

You’re sharing an important message about the importance of protecting yourself and others in this space so that relationships built on caring can grow. Thank you also for sharing beautiful artwork!

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DebΓ³rah's avatar

This sacred space, curated by you, Viktor, is where I go for heart-healing. And young Nika's art is like holy water and incense... grace given - grace received β€οΈπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦

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Norah L Jones's avatar

What a fantastic reflection! Not only are you free and healing, but have shown us all the guideposts along the way in our own journey! Thank you, Viktorβ€” for ALL you do. Slava Ukraina!

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Pat Eisenberg's avatar

Thank you, Victor! I agree completely and have felt the same emotions. And thank you for the lovely drawings from the talented young artist! She reminds me of one of my grandchildren, who is older now and not drawing so often, but with a similar sense of style.

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Sue Hoo's avatar

Thank you. For taking the time to write. I appreciate it.

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purpleviking's avatar

You are right to block people when they just want to argue instead of peacefully discussing a subject. Most of those people dont want to give you a chance to speak your side or view on a subject

They just want to cram their ideology down your throat. Keep the faith, stay safe and be strong. Slava Ukraini πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦

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Mary's avatar

As a perpetual people-pleaser, I understand the inner conflict in blocking someone. And with so much hate directed toward your country, no one should disagree with your action. But we appreciate your care for us! You’ve given more hope into the world than you could ever know!

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D'Ann Weimer's avatar

You are very wise. Thank you for sharing your words with the rest of us.

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