That you can win. I was reading an article on BBC news about Ukraine, and one general from here was saying that 2024 was likely to be the year when Ukraine has to concede defeat. ‘The reason, he says, is “because Ukraine may come to feel it can’t win”.That made my heart sink. The moment you start thinking you can’t win is the moment defeat begins.

I am no expert in global affairs, but on an individual level I can relate to the idea of losing self-confidence. Up until last year, medical professionals would tell me my legs were strong. This week I got a letter saying my bones were weaker. That was all it took for me to lose faith in my ability to improve. Once that awful thought takes root, it is hard to step beyond it. But, for all our sakes, that is the time when we need to gather up our courage and believe that things will get better.

Maybe you feel like you are fighting a losing battle, maybe you have been told ‘it’s impossible’ too many times. But remember the things that gave you hope, remember your tiny victories, hold your head high and keep going. Even if the odds seem to be stacked against you, do your best to move beyond that feeling of defeat and take steps to keep up your courage. For me, I am going to work hard to increase my strength and not let the dreaded word ‘weakness’ blight my future.

I am well aware that sometimes it is beyond our power to change impossible situations. That is the hardest thing. But even in the darkest time, light can shine. I have to believe that, and I truly hope you can too. To live looking for light is to live as a winner.