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Incredible Story of Strength
Blog | July 02, 2015
Hi guys! I just got another letter from one of my ZGYM members, Julia sharing her incredible story. She overcame very devastating circumstances and I hope that everyone can find some inspiration and share their own personal stories as well. I feel so lucky and proud to have you all as part of this community!
I would like to tell my story, maybe it would be interesting to other ZGYM members? My name is Julia, I’m 30 years old and I’m from Ukraine. From the South-East Ukraine that is considered to be the land of terrorism and evil (according to mass media). I never was interested in politics much, I just used to live my happy life in a small sunny city, in my cozy apartment with beautiful sight out of the window, working as a freelancer, working out with you since the very beginning, loving my husband and bringing up my son.
A year ago my life changed dramatically.
I gave a birth to my younger kid last winter, just when this political crisis in Ukraine started. Omitting the details – in 2014 my family had to become refugees, because cities and villages nearby were bombarded. When the situation seemed to improve a little bit in January 2015 – we decided to go back home, because my husband and I have our families (parents and grandparents) there and we missed them a lot.
We had to flee again after my city was attacked and I spent 3 days with my 1-year old baby in bombshelter. My elder son got scared by every single sound and asked: mom, are they here? At the moment my family have to turn into refugees again. I’m looking forward to receive new mails and calls from my mother and at the same time my hands are trembling every time I get news from home. A week ago Ukraine officials stated that they will no longer protect the human rights in the South-East Ukraine.
Actually it’s not about politics, it’s about ordinary people and their lives…I never thought it would happen to me. But you know, your workouts, your motivation and your strength inspire me, help me feel strong, but feminine at the same time. Help me overcome all the difficulties I have and be a Warrior. Now every difficult situation I see – I compare to a workout. The harder it gets – the better will be the results. Everything is going to change for the better, I’m sure.
Your workouts helped me stay in shape for a long time, but giving birth to my second son and the abovementioned situation got me out of my balance, I skipped a lot and didn’t care much about healthy eating, sometimes it was difficult even to find healthy products I got used to but last autumn I decided that I will get into my best shape and I’m doing my best. I attach some pictures to show you my progress, I’ve been thinking of that for a long time, maybe now it’s the right moment.
Thank you very much that you help me keep right attitude towards life challenges! I enjoy your workouts, because they never get you bored.
If you can share my story with other people – I would be very happy, because the most important message I have is the following: no party is right in the war. The right decision is to prevent wars and conflicts. It is a tragedy for people who wanted to live happy lives in the place they were born, but they can’t. So enjoy what you have, every single day of your life and take care of your family and friends.
I can’t thank you enough for sharing this story with us! Here are her pictures from just the Summer Shred series in just a few short weeks.
She is still working towards her goals and I’m so very proud, keep up the good work!! Everyone please feel free to share your own stories in the comment section below too 🙂
Private Member |
stakhanov, donbass
Zuzka, thanks a lot for the opportunity you gave us. The opportunity to change ourselves to the better. You really changed my life and the lives of other people, I’m sure. I’m so thankful for that.
Guys, thank you for your comments too! I was so touched that I can’t hold my tears back. Nowadays people argue about this war, there are many points that are unclear.
But the only thing I wanted to say is that IN ANY CASE NEVER GIVE UP, stay aside from political agression, stay with your friends and family and never forget you are a human, not an animal. And we are here to love, not to hate or to kill.
Thank you, ZGYM members, you are all my greatest motivation, I know you are all strong and that you are all able to achieve even more than you can imagine!
Private Member |
I am happy you are here with us. Many around the world – myself included – sometimes forget war-torn places and the people involved. We are all praying for peace and your safety.
Private Member |
Hi My friend! How are you these days? Can you stay in your house or do you have to leave? I just heard that lots of ppl have to escape from Ukraina.
Hope u will read this!
Just want to know you and your family is okay! Lots of love from Finland!!
Xoxo V
Private Member |
stakhanov, donbass
Hi! Thank you very much for your mail, we are okay, my family and I are in Russia now, many people had to leave Donbass because of the conflict. We wish we could go back home as soon as possible. Thanks that you care;)
Best wishes, J.
Private Member |
HI!
Im so sad to hear that you had to leave your home! Glad that you are safe, how are your kids? Gosh, it must be so hard for all of you! I hope you can soon return back to your home<3 If you ever are comming to FIN, u are more than welcome to stay at our place 🙂
Private Member |
stakhanov, donbass
Carri and you guys, thank you very much for your support! I always read your comments addressed to me with a happy smile on my face. Thanks to Zuzka it becomes clear – there are no borders and differences, they are real only if people want them to exist, that’s so sad. Bu I’m so happy to have found you all and happy we are all together! Working out and communicating.
P.S. Sorry for taking it it so long to reply to you all, I read all your comments – they are really very nice. Thank you one more time! The thing is that I’m pretty good at reading English texts or listening to someone speaking English, but I’m not so cool at speaking and writing, so I’m asking my friend to translate)))
Private Member |
Julia, you just incredible. I am Russian born and now Canadian and I hate this war just as you do. Politics aside though, what you have achieved is absolutely amazing! Really makes you think about excuses we make for ourselves and appreciate a peacefull sky above our heads. You have achieved great results in a such a short time; very inspiring and motivational!!! Keep it up and stay strong; I wish you and your loved ones to stay safe and all the best! Hugs!
Private Member |
Julia you have such amazing strength & courage,I can only try to imagine what you & your family have endured because of these conflicts.I hope one day it all ends,there’s too much pain & suffering in this world.
Through your strength,motivation & dedication to Zuzka’s workouts,you have transformed into one powerful Zwarrior,you look fantastic!
Zuzka is one amazing trainer,who is truly dedicated to her Zwarriors 100%,a diamond.I know that if I hadn’t come across her ZWows on youtube,I wouldn’t be anywhere close to being as fit & strong as I am today.I feel privileged to be part of the ZGym family & every morning,I can’t wait to see our new workouts & to see all the comments! LIfe’s good in ZWorld! 😀
Private Member |
Julia you are a very strong and sweet lady. I’m so blown away with your spirit. Living life to the best that you can. I too pray that all wars should end. And may God keep you and your family save from all harms way.
I’m so proud to be apart of the ZWorior community.
Lot’s of love from Malaysia.
Private Member |
Julia what an strong and incredible person you are to deal with all your circumstances. Your circumstances are a real eye opener to what is happening in the world and the suffering of people. It makes me and others realise to appreciate our lives and to stop complaining about petty little issues. We all need to do our utmost to deal with our lives and live each day with a positive outlook and try overcome the barriers we encounter. My prayers with you and your family to lighten the ordeals you are experiencing. Thanks for sharing your story. And yes your transformation is so awesome especially during the summer shred series well done- thanks for inspiring me and others.
Private Member |
What an achievement. I understand what you mean about Zuzka being the inspiration and motivation through such crazy times. I am so proud of you and so grateful we have such a great group supporting each other!
Private Member |
An amazing and heartfelt story. I had tears in my eyes. Thank you for sharing her story, a true warrior indeed. I feel I will come back to this story a lot to remind me what a warrior is among other things. Blessings.
Private Member |
trego, wisc., usa
Very few people live in fear of their lives and the lives of their loved ones. Thank you for sharing. It makes those of us who complain over silly things ashamed. When you live daily with the fear of death, separation, loss of home and safety, that is truly a terrifying thing. I will pray for the safety of those in the Ukraine and your family and the end to the battles there. How brave you are!