Can one truly grasp the reality of someone taking lives rather than creating something beautiful and meaningful that would make our world a better place to live? We have faced similar challenges before. We just need to remind ourselves of our strengths and capabilities and of who we are.
I have always admired the image of a strong and self-sufficient woman both while reading fiction and in real life. I remember the day clearly, when I was still a young girl, feeling unsure and lacking a sense of my own feminine strength. But everything changed with a defining moment. After spending three sleepless days and nights reading “Gone with the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell, my world was turned upside down, and everything became clear. From that moment on, I knew exactly what I wanted for my life and my family, and that experience shaped my present-day self.
It seems as if I’ve always been aware of what it takes to survive, searching for the right way and recipe to do so. And back then, it was Scarlett O’Hara who indeed showed me, a twelve-year girl, the way to manage my nature. Despite facing numerous difficulties, from the challenges of adulthood to the horrors of war, she never let her spirit break. She was cunning and clever, always finding a way to get what she wanted. I’ll never forget the scene where she created a beautiful dress from a curtain during a time of scarcity, proving her resourcefulness and creativity. And that fearless phrase, “I’ll think about it tomorrow,” has helped me countless times. Scarlett became a source of inspiration for me, reminding me of my own dreams and desires. Her pride and determination to maintain her appearance, even in the face of adversity, were truly impressive.
Another woman who comes to mind is Coco Chanel, the French fashion designer and businesswoman who rose to fame in the early 20th century. She not only survived two world wars but also reached incredible career heights, constantly pushing forward and succeeding despite the challenges she faced.
Coco Chanel’s life was full of fascinating stories, including romance and scandal, but above all, it is a story of resilience. Despite the difficulties posed by the two world wars, her fashion empire and legacy continue to inspire and influence to this day. During World War I, Coco Chanel’s fashion empire was forced to adapt to the changing times. With many men away at war and a shortage of materials, women’s fashion shifted towards more practical and simple designs. Overall, Coco Chanel’s life and career were greatly influenced by the two world wars. Despite the challenges she faced, she was able to adapt her designs and keep her fashion empire afloat by embracing the practicality and simplicity that the war demanded. Her ability to adapt to the changing times and her unique sense of style continues to inspire fashion designers up to this day.
As I mentioned earlier, we have already experienced war in Europe before. One of my favorite historical periods was during and between the two world wars in America. It had both positive and negative impacts on life, similar to what we are experiencing in Ukraine right now. Billions of dollars invested in the stock market were wiped out, and job losses forced people to reduce expenses or leave their homes. The consequences of the Great Depression and the pandemic were still fresh in people’s minds, similar to today’s situation. The Prohibition era, which banned the sale of alcohol, led to a rise in organized crime in the US back then.
However, the period was also marked by significant economic, social, and cultural changes. Women gained more freedom and advances in women’s rights. They seemed to wear even more elegant and sophisticated clothes of a very simple design at the same time and styled their hair more elaborately than ever. The rise of jazz music and flapper culture reflected a vibrant cultural landscape. Technological advancements, including the spread of electricity and the development of the automobile, impacted daily life. Despite the challenges, a spirit of innovation and progress was in the air.
The war in Ukraine today is not just a distant headline on the news. It is a reality that tears our families apart and takes away life’s simplest pleasures. But through it all, we have learned to be strong and resilient. We have seen the power of the human spirit and the capacity for love and kindness to endure even in the darkest circumstances. We should never take peace for granted. The scars of war will always be with us, but it is up to us to turn them into lessons and never let history repeat itself.
