Fighting Greek despair
a personal journey
“There’s only so many traumas a person can withstand until they take to the streets and start screaming.” Blue Jasmine, 2013 (Woody Allen)
At the age of 33, for the first time in my life I started visiting the local gym. I’ve never done any sports. Yes, once, 10 years ago I ran a 21km, half-marathon, but preparations for that were simple, I was younger and probably different.
Six years ago I moved to a country occupied with stress, desperation and hopelessness. I am daily witnessing stories of people ended up in poverty, unemployment, lost in the deep and dark throat of Greek economical, social and political crisis. The absence of justice system, the deprivation of human rights, the rise of fascism and hate crimes, unfairness of prison system, dehumiliation of refugees … these are my reality. I couldn’t stay untouched.
I am a journalist and I report on many stories (the victims of police violence, racist crimes, corruption scandal, abuse of power, absence of media transparency etc.). I felt hunted by the stories I’ve followed. My sleep was uneasy, nightmares were daily. As a freelance journalist I also had to fight with low payment, ignorance of editors and constant struggle to survive.
Four months ago I found a peaceful corner in sports (which is much more than that) and in the gym (which is much more than that) that has nothing to do with pacifism. Muay Thai.
The changes I notice are huge. Extremly good physical condition went hand in hand with sudden mental stability, self-awarness, rational optimism and tranquility.
There is only so much sorrow, injustice and despair a person can withstand until they take to the streets and start screaming. I do hope my voice will be heard. I’ll fight for it.
