Psychology professor, neoclassical composer, and mom of three, Antonija Pacek, shares lessons she learned from her Croatian mama Slavica who grew up after WWII in very harsh circumstances, abandoned by her own mother. From Slavica, we learn that everything is possible and that we should believe in our dreams; to invest in education; to leave something behind; to have the courage to express our creativity; and to be kind, smile and give to others. Antonija also talks about leaving toxic relationships, and about learning to love ourselves, know ourselves, and be alone, so that we don't even enter those relationships. She shares how she escaped Croatia during the war at the age of 17, and supported herself throughout university to build a new life in Austria. With this episode, we honor all people who had to flee Ukraine and are now building new lives in new countries – all while dealing with their loss and trauma.

To learn more about Antonija and listen to her music, visit her website here.

To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected]

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