I didn’t know or believe I had that much power, until I took myself on a dreamlike journey to faraway lands.
Wonderful places of inspiration, hope, nurture and nature.
Self-challenge has taught me a lot about life – mainly, that the magic you seek “out there” is actually not there, but the real miracle lives within you.
A beautiful life therefore, is an inside job.
Too often we search for the meaning of life in all the wrong places.
We never have to travel very far to experience the “magical“. Your inner light and very being, holds that specialness.
In pain, passion and purpose we become invincible – please read that one again!
Our strength is not always obvious at first; usually we become aware of it, as we look back on life; when we recognise the difficult barriers we have overcome.
Sometimes you have to reach “rock bottom” to ignite your super powers – for that’s where the heart of true resilience and the real spirit of determination beats.
An achieved life is usually treasured more greatly, after a significant fall. I call this “peace of mind“.
If you’ve never fallen, you’ll never really know how AMAZING you are.
I remember, many years ago, I cried for help…..”out there”. It took me, for what felt like a lifetime, to realise it was ON ME to truly help myself.
My choices, my decisions, my actions, my thinking, my feeling….ALL OF ME.
When you take accountability and responsibility for where you’re currently at – you can make HUGE progress from there.
If however, you are playing the “blame game”, you’ll never really be able to self-actualize your unique power.
There is one quote by Christopher Gardner that ignites a fire in me like no other…
“The cavalry ain’t coming”
There is just something about this quote that always motivates me into immediate action.
If you want to change something in your life for the better – it’s ON YOU my friend.
If you want to blame anyone for your current unwanted situation – blame yourself.
That’s just how I have always responded to challenges in my life. I need and want to take accountability, then I go about changing it, like there’s no tomorrow.
That’s my drive – the power to know I can change things for the better.
I often think, “if they can do it, so can I”.
So take a look at your life – what’s stopping you from achieving self-greatness?
I’m a lover of perseverance – to keep going when the storms roar and thunder – that kind of resilience will get you everywhere in life.
Perseverance is an attribute that I am proud to wear day in, day out. I guess it comes quite naturally to me; it feels like part of my DNA, but you can build on it, and make it stronger in order to serve you better.
So how do you get more perseverance in your life?
Just do the hard stuff.
Commit yourself to “keep going” when the tough days come around.
Don’t sit back and wait for change – get in on it and create positive change in your life.
When you “can’t be bothered”…. be bothered – do that thing!
Focus on keeping the momentum going.
Look forward to challenges, to help you build and grow.
Keep your mindset strong and powerful.
Keep your body healthy and energised.
Don’t be afraid of setbacks – learn from them.
Aim high and set ambitious goals.
Believe in yourself and trust the process.
Put in the work – 100% daily effort will make you feel proud of yourself.
Put yourself in encouraging environments and be around other empowering individuals.
See yourself achieving your dreams and goals – know you can do this.
The more you persevere, the stronger your perseverance becomes.
Stay consistent and hold yourself accountable towards the actions you need to take.
Self-discipline goes a long way – know what you need to do and do it.
Perseverance is POWER….self-power!
Go beyond what is possible and shake hands with a better you.
You’ve got to do the work – there’s no short cuts, but a whole lot of happiness awaits for you.
Don’t be afraid to start something again, even after a long or short break from it. Do what your body, mind and soul is yearning for.
I started running outdoors again after a one year break. This may not seem like anything special, but to a four times marathoner – it is a big deal!
I run the New York, USA marathon in 2007;
The London, England marathon in 2010;
The Loch Ness, Inverness, Scotland marathon in 2013;
The Edinburgh, Scotland marathon in 2015.
I don’t envisage doing any more marathons but never say never!
It’s so much harder on the ego, when you’ve done very well in something, stopped the whole momentum and then had the courage to start from the very beginning again. In your mind you’ve been at the top of your game, you know what that feels like and the confidence it gives you. Well, starting at the bottom again, is the complete opposite of that – it’s a very tough pill to take.
Many times in life I’ve been humbled with these situations. In my earlier career, I was at the top of my game – I was a confident leader, with unshakeable work commitment and super ambitious drive. I am still that person within, but because of trying out various new career paths, I had to start at the very bottom again and again. This was at times, extremely soul destroying and really painful on my ego…..ouch! Regardless, I always took full responsibility for my choices and decisions and I honestly have no regrets.
My ego has been repeatedly battered and bruised over the last 16 years – but I’m still standing strong with solid self-belief.
For some reason, I like to constantly challenge this ego – sometimes I love it and other times I fight it. It’s quite bizzare – like I see my ego as another person. Ultimately though, I would say that when me and my ego “work together” that’s where the magic happens.
Staying friends with my ego is the best way forward. We can help each other achieve the impossible through that “never give up” attitude it instils in me.
My ego helps me to be brave and carry on. It moves me forward in life and wants me to succeed. It listens to my worries but tells me to focus on solutions. It pushes me to grow, thrive and help others.
Today, I shake hands with my ego and I thank it for making me resilient, resourceful and adventurous. It took me on the wonderful “scenic route” of life and I learned so much about myself.
My ego got me “out of the box” and into the muddy trenches of life. When I look back, oh what a super adventure I had. I guess my ego freed me from societal pressures of assumed “normality”. I love you my ego, you are part of me – the great part that wants me to do well in life.
Allow your beautiful ego to nudge you forward in life. Have a happy dance with it and let it help you explore this wondrous world.
I’m all for giving anything and everything a go. I have a high level of entrepreneurial spirit, mixed with self-belief and it’s a winning combination to get anywhere in life.
I however, have enough life experience and insightfulness to know when I need a project strategy review.
I’ve been six months into a new project and I’m first to admit when progress is slow – too slow for my liking.
So, I did a full review of what’s working, what’s not and what new adaptations I need to make. It takes honest and brutal self-criticism, but I’m okay with that because it’s my dreams I’m going for, not someone else’s.
When I share my slow progress with my family, they basically tell me to “throw in the towel“. I know they are just trying to protect me and it comes from love – but that’s never an option for me.
You see, I’m not a quitter, never have been, never will be, especially when it comes to achieving my own dreams and goals in life.
I’ve run four marathons and that takes pure guts and determination – I’ll never quit the good path.
I am delighted to share that a few weeks ago I started to apply the new strategy and it’s all going my way. Hard to believe at times, but it just goes to show, anything is possible, if you make a strong commitment to “making it happen“.
If things aren’t going your way right now, take a break, re-evaluate and step up your game – there’s no better way!
Remember, and this is an important one – stay on the path that feels right for you – not what anyone else wants you to do.
You will gain real inner power and self-confidence when you stand up for your dreams.
I believe in YOU – I really do!
Don’t stop – make a temporary pause and come back stronger than ever.
There’s nothing wrong with getting it wrong. We are not perfect human beings – the perfection is in our imperfections. Sometimes we make good decisions, sometimes we don’t, but what is important, is that you make a decision. Sitting in “limbo land”, not going anywhere, might actually be worse for you.
Is there a difficult decision you’re avoiding? Holding onto that worry, just won’t serve you well.
You want to move through life with as much ease and grace as possible. Be thankful you get to experience the opportunities that are out there.
Life will never move in one straight horizontal line, it’s more like a wave – sometimes you’re surfing through gigantic waves and sometimes you’re sailing on calm waters.
Sailing on Calm Waters
In order to have the “wind at your back”, you must make decisions that feel right for you. You must make choices that align with your core values and move you towards you – the true you.
Being true to yourself, may never always be easy, but in the long run, it will give you peace of heart and inner happiness.
Trust yourself to do the right thing…..always.
If you don’t trust yourself, think about why that is. Build up self-trust bit by bit, by standing by your values and actually doing what you say you will do.
Make a commitment to yourself to honour you and act upon it daily.
If you faulter – that’s okay, forgive yourself quickly and just get back on it and start again.
You will always get another chance to trust yourself. Allow it.
Positive Thinking
Some days we glide through life with not a care in the world, and other days, we’re doubting every thought. Self-sabotage just won’t help you move forward, and when you’re in that negative thinking mode – you must do something positive to break the circuit. Know in advance what that positive action will be, so you can apply it immediately.
It could be something simple like… phoning a friend, taking a shower, going for a walk, reading a book, writing poetry, listening to your favourite music, saying positive affirmations, going to your cherished coffee spot, putting on a “feel good” movie, writing down a list of ten things you are grateful for, taking the dog a walk, going for a drive in your car, planning a nice trip to look forward to, meditating, trying out a new hobby……
This Beautiful World
There are so many things you can do to “change up” your mood and put you in a better state mentally, emotionally and physically.
Remember, this beautiful world has only one of wonderful you and your uniqueness adds to its bright specialness.
Aim to be the best that you can be – for you first – and then everyone around you will benefit abundantly from your growth.
Think about the things you truly love doing and have a deep connection to. How does being immersed in these interests make you feel?
You want to be involved in activities that make you feel alive.
Do things that align with your soul.
Make time for you, the real you.
Peace of heart and tranquility of mind are fully embodied, when you dance to the tune of your bliss.
Happiness is a feeling that can be tapped into at any moment of your day.
If you think happy things, you cannot be sad – read that one again!
Therefore, the power of your self-happiness is just a happy thought away.
Happy thoughts, create happy feelings, which then lead to doing things that make you feel even more happier.
The happy thought comes first, but it’s the happy ‘feeling’ that ignites the positive action.
1.THINK
2.FEEL
3.DO
When I was heavily into my coaching, believe me, I studied this field constantly. I read countless books on everything related to self-mastery.
I not only shared it with my coachees but I applied all the learnings to myself. I had to test it out before sharing it.
This type of brain work takes a lot of practice – I mean MASSIVE amounts.
Basically, you have to reprogramme your mind to new thinking, and the old programne that’s been running for many years, does not want to budge. It is rigid, stuck, locked in, set in stone….but not impossible to change.
I know this stuff inside out and even I find it extremely difficult to master. I’ve been practising this daily since 2008. Yes, 16 years trying to reprogramme my mind.
I believe this new thinking, is growing strong roots and the fruits of this are starting to blossom.
It takes daily effort, increased self-awareness, strong self-belief and a deep knowing that true transformation is taking place.
At times, and especially at the beginning of this change process, your mind is going to be exhausted. It will take up so much of your mental energy, because your brain is creating a new set of neural pathways. I’m not going to go that deep into it, but if you are interested in reading more on how the brain can change, read books on the subject of neuroplasticity – FASCINATING!
I believe the body is self-healing. How can something so perfectly formed, not have internal intelligence to heal?
I know you have more self-power than you can ever imagine.
I believe, we are super human beings, who haven’t yet fully discovered how to tap into our genius.
Your greatest potential is waiting to be unleashed – don’t fight it – let it out.
You are truly remarkable in every sense of the word.
Believe in you.
Believe in your capabilities.
Believe only magnificence lies before you.
Give yourself that gift – watch the short video I created below. 💛
I had a bad fall a few weeks ago and it made me think about how precious life really is. Thankfully, I wasn’t too seriously injured, just some very unsightly bruising to the face and body for a few weeks
The shock of the fall made me think about how life can change in a heartbeat – good or bad. One minute you’re laughing and joking, and the next minute….bang…your face is smashed into the hard pavement – and in that moment, everything changes. This fall was mild in comparison to two life-threatening car crashes I was in as a teenager – the emergency services had no clue how me and my friends got out of the mangled cars alive – on both ocassions!
The Trigger
As you know, on this blog, I prefer to focus on positivity, lightness and future dreams – that thinking energises me and hopefully you. So when unexpected accidents happen, I see them as a ‘trigger‘ to do something positive.
So after my fall, I shifted my focus to health, body and mindset. I went to the optician, dentist, doctor, physio – making my health top priority. I introduced new daily exercises and daily walks. I booked the dream holiday and went on a spa break. I now write in my gratitude book everyday, three things I am grateful for. I introduced intermittent fasting into my diet. I planned a long overdue trip to visit my family in Scotland. I am much more mindful and treasure the love I receive in my life – I also give more love. You see, I used the ‘fall’ as a positive move forward for my life.
I want to truly live and be healthy for as long as I can – I am grateful for my life. It doesn’t always go to plan and gives me tough challenges to overcome but I LOVE MY LIFE – I LOVE LIVING!
Appreciate what you’ve got and more of that will appreciate.
Give yourself the GIFT OF LIVING.
I think you were meant to read this today. My dearest friend, please look after yourself.
My way, always seems to be the scenic route – many years of ups and downs but many magical moments on the journey.
It’s the magic moments that shape and inspire me – the downs are ‘key’ learning opportunities and you must see it that way – if you want to KEEP GOING!
Stay on your desired path, no matter how hard it gets and the RIGHT people WILL come your way – like a beautiful surprise blessing.
We are all super blessed to experience the beauty of life – treat it as a fun and joyous game that you always WIN.
Sometimes you have to be brave and stand up to your negative self-talk – don’t believe everything you think!
I challenge all my thoughts and doubts that are not serving me well – doubt your doubts!
My focus aims to be on positivity most of the time – yes, self-sabotage may creep in every now and again, but that’s okay, because that’s just life and I don’t beat myself up about it.
Many years ago, I attended with a great team of work colleagues, a 12-week “Lean Manufacturing” Course, run by Scottish Enterprise in Glasgow, where I learned about the Pareto 80/20 principle. I often apply that principle to what’s going on in my life today, and where my focus is at – I find it very useful. Apply Pareto 80/20 to your thinking and doing to achieve efficient results.
I have a dream to travel the world on a luxury super yacht, sailing the open seas and inviting the ocean sunsets into my heart.
The great thing is…in my magical mind…it’s never JUST a dream…it’s a vision to come true….to forever experience…to truly live and fully immerse in.
Dream It Do It and as cliche as it may sound, that’s my exact plan.
I’m never that girl who only talks the talk! Yes, it might take me a few years to get there, but I will forever walk the talk.
I’ve always loved boats and I’m not even a great swimmer but there’s just something so special about sailing towards the summer sunset – free, easy, bright and breezy!
Catamaran Sunset Cruise in Santorini
Watching whales in their natural environment will be on my sailing adventures list – the thought of being close to the breathtaking beauty and magnitudnal size of a blue whale, fills me with the greatest joy and off-the-scale excitement.
Our sailing journey starts in 2025 where we will be cruising around Spain, France and Italy, on the stunning ship – the famous Sky Princess by Princess Cruises. It’s a top quality oceanliner that will be freeing my heart amongst the waves of life.
These dreams do come at cost, but I’d rather pay thousands of pounds for a magical lifetime experience than a fancy designer handbag anyday – but hey, each to their own and we all love what we love!
The world is a travellers extravaganza and its hidden gems are waiting to be explored. Please check out The Rife Guide my favourite modern nomad travel blog.
A lot of us are living and working in square boxes most of our lives, but I genuinely don’t think that’s where we’re supposed to be. Our life of this time should not be couped up any longer than it needs to be. The wonders of the natural world on land, sky and sea want to greet our soul with a smile and a sparkle. Please don’t be tempted to stay in your cave for too long, the miracles you seek are often just a decision away.
I dare you to plan that dream trip, go to that new place you’ve had your eye on, shake mother-nature’s hand and simmer under the sunset like there’s no tomorrow – for I know this adventure will live in your heart forever.
Explore your passionate desires through wondrous worldly travel.
If only you could see the greatness that lies ahead for you.
Hold a future vision of living a fulfilling life with passion and purpose.
Believe that every step you take, leads you to your dreams.
As you progress through your life today, make each step count. All you have to do is focus on each single step and in no time a brighter horizon will form.
Don’t dwell on the grey skies, for then it will surely rain. Seek the blue above and let the energy of the sun uplift you.
Think of one thing you can do today to turn your grey skies blue.
Be your own light of hope.
No one can save you but YOU – please read that one again.
Life can knock you down a thousand times, and it probably will. But the most important thing is for you to never accept that failure is forever.
Failure is not a word that I like to ever use, because I choose not to believe in it. I much prefer to put a positive spin on things not going your way.
Where you tried, celebrate your efforts for giving it a go. I am sure there are many valuable lessons that you took away from the experience. You might have gained a better perspective on life or achieved clarity.
If you went for it and then decided it wasn’t for you – I salute you!
If you really want to change your current status, you have to channel all your energies into making that happen.
You have to go ALL IN , in order to get ALL OUT, of any unwanted situation.
It seriously is up to you and you’ve got to have real clarity on what you’re going to do everyday, in order to make that positive change.
Do the work and stay totally focussed on the goal in hand. It may also help to have an emotional trigger that will keep you on track.
Work, work, work on your plan, as much as you can, and in time, your efforts WILL pay off.
If it means, getting up at 4am every morning to fit the work in, then do it.
Your energy is so mighty and powerful, it can help you achieve so much more than you think.
Are you ready? If you are, you will feel a different person from within. You will switch into ‘gladiator’ mode and nothing will stop you until you get there.
Self-mastery is a neverending challenge but when you make that your goal, everything else becomes so much easier.
Temptation to do or not to do surrounds us daily and that’s what makes self-mastery the ultimate challenge.
The mountain climber, the marathon runner, the world class swimmer, the champion cyclist etc.. are all on the path of self-mastery and it is often AFTER the great win that the real challenge begins.
If winning was the only end goal, life would lose true meaning – read that one again.
Remain in alignment with your core values and gain some real inner peace and quality of life.
Your goal on this journey of life is whatever you want it to be and I guarantee you that you’ll get there so much faster if you focus your mind on mastering thyself.
The greatest version of you is waiting to be unleashed and only you my friend have the key.
Keep on keeping on and flourish in your own magnificence.
It is in the depths of darkness we find our magical light.
Take yourself home – not to a place or to familiar people – I mean, take yourself home to you.
Remember what makes you tick and what makes you feel alive. It’s easy to get lost in the crowd and do what everyone else is doing but what if that’s not really you?
Maybe it’s time to take your foot off the gas and stop to think about you, what you’re doing and where you’re going?
Being true to yourself is much more difficult to achieve on the hamster wheel of life – that’s why you must break out of that cycle and take a breath for you.
It’s time to come home to you and it’s time to make the time for it.
The midnight sky, is vast and black, yet stars appear and light comes back.
Keep on dancing your way through life and don’t let anyone dim your beautiful light.
Remember, you are the magic and it’s time to release your power.
There is challenge, there is change but most of all there is choice. May you choose to adopt the right daily habits that will serve you well and lead you to your dreams.
Clarabelle Online Magazine 