This week’s invasion of Ukraine feels very personal. My family came from Odessa, Ukraine. My great grandmother was there during the revolt of the battleship Potemkin, and she witnessed the birth of the Russian revolution. She packed up the family and left Odessa, Ukraine for Shanghai a century ago. They purchased train tickets… but the train engine took off and left all the cars behind! After almost a year of walking and hitching rides across Asia, my great grandmother gave surprise birth to my grandmother when the family arrived in Shanghai. She was so ragged and starved from the journey that she never even knew she was pregnant until she was in labor.

My great grandmother lived around the corner and babysat me while I played at her house every day while Mom went to work. I grew up with Russian and Ukrainian food, music, art, culture.

(Family portrait with my great grandmother at the top)

I am grieving deeply for the Ukrainian people. I’m sure you are as well.

I read that Odessa was destroyed yesterday. It feels like my home was bombed, a home I had never been to.

I’m reminded that nothing is guaranteed, and the things we put off may not be there forever. Life is so fleeting. Everything is transitory. I really feel like we have to appreciate everything in the moment. And do as much good as we can in the time we have.

Wherever you are today I am wishing you safety, love, peace, and a direct connection to your brilliant resourcefulness.

Warmest regards,

PS. I’m seeing that thousands of Russians protested the war in Moscow, and Russians were burning their passports in Tel Aviv. I have so much love and gratitude for the Russian people who want peace and respect for their neighbor. I am sending prayers (and casting spells) for peace for both countries.

MORGANA RAE is an internationally acclaimed life coach, author, and professional speaker, who is regarded as the world’s top Relationship with Money coach. Morgana’s groundbreaking program for attracting wealth has featured her on ABC-TV, PBS, NPR, United Press International and The Wall Street Journal online. Learn how to become a Money Magnet with her FREE 4-part video gift series. Fill out your name and email at the top of the page. (We promise not to share your info!)