28/09/2025
(a bit long one but also an important one)
Living through history. What is it like? At the JCI Scotland conference this weekend i had an interesting conversation about it with one of the participants.
Living through history is not only about witnessing moments described in textbooks. It is about living through transformative challenges that shape both individuals and nations.
Since my teens I have felt that I was constantly witnessing history. Collapse of the Soviet Union. Independence (filled with moments of hope mixed with uncertainty). The war in my country. Nearly a million refugees and internally displaced people. The country on the brink of civil war.
These events tested our resilience, unity, capacity to fight for better life, survive and later thrive.
This weekend is particularly sensitive as it marks 5 years of military activities restored country’s sovereignty and brought hope and renewal after years of hardship.
True leadership and perseverance emerged from those difficult years.
Inspiring leaders united the nation, confronted immense challenges, kept hope alive even in the darkest times.
These people showed us that true leadership is about making courageous decisions in the storm.
They inspired resilience, fostered unity, built a future rooted in hope and strength and guided by values
The weekend is serving as a special reflection, commemorating those who gave their lives to restore the fractured country, those who showed leadership, those who led and those who supported, it was particularly important.
In honoring the courage and sacrifice of those who shaped our nation, this Olympic torch (kindly shared by Ben Carron) felt like a symbol. The symbol of the light that guides us through challenges.
What I though in the moment was:
I want to adapt the Olympic motto ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger.’ to my own motto of someone who lived history: ‘Rise, Progress, Thrive’.
Living through history is not only about witnessing the past.
It’s about carrying its lessons into our daily lives.
It’s about resilience, leadership, the constant effort to rise, progress and thrive.
It’s a reminder that history is alive within us, shaped by those who lead with courage and those who support with strength.
As we reflect on these moments and honour those who paved the way, I hope we all can find inspiration to live fully, lead impactfully and build a future rooted in hope and perseverance.