I’m in my Scottish home village over the festive season and have already noticed some rather beautiful and surprising subtle differences compared to living in central London.
This morning, whilst doing the “milk” run, I popped into Costa Coffee.
Merry Xmas Coffee 🎄💚
Christmas love and festive cheer was in full flow – my fellow villagers are the nicest people around. My coffee cup lid had a lovely “Merry Xmas” handwritten message on it – such a kind and loving gesture by the cheery staff. Thank YOU – it made my heart smile.
It’s sometimes bitter sweet when I visit here and walk through the village where I spent all of my childhood.
Swing parks are now car parks.
No children playing outside.
Empty football parks, which were always full with kids in my day.
It’s obvious things have changed and I guess we just automatically adapt to the new waves of living and “getting older”.
It makes me really emotional as the wonderful happy memories of my young life here come flooding back. I am grateful and very lucky to have had such an amazing upbringing in this lovely community of Carfin Village.
Please be mindful of how blessed you are to experience the beauty and blessings of life.
As time passes, what once felt “normal” can now be the real precious treasures and sweetest memories of life.
If you have any concerns about your health, you must seek advice from a medical professional – please don’t hang about where your health is concerned.
If money went missing from your bank account, you’d deal with it straight – so why don’t we always do that with our health.
I have heard so many stories from people close to me, frightened to go to their Doctor, incase they receive the worse case scenario. Why wouldn’t you want peace of mind that you are healthy or in need of some treatment that will make you better.
Last night, I had a painful trigger relating to my own health and the first thing I did this morning was call the Doctor. I want to be healthy and catch any health concerns quickly – my goal is to stop any pain – seek professional help and STAY HEALTHY.
I know you are trying to diagnose yourself through “Google” but that’s not going to work for the longterm.
Maybe this post will save your health and push you to make that Doctor’s appointment.
Please stay healthy my friends. To enjoy life to its fullest you really need to be healthy – it’s top priority.
See any pain or health worry as a trigger to get better.
I never understood her songs, until now – the film helped me with that.
I wasn’t a fan of Amy, but I do respect her work and outstanding singing talents. I appreciate her music even more now. She was honest, vulnerable and wholeheartedly emotional in her lyrics – her ability to express this is truly admirable.
The love she wrote about, brought her so much joy and pain at the same time. She loved deeply and a love like that, takes over your whole being. You become the love and that exposes you to so much good and also “wants”. It is in the need of love from others, we give away our power and unbelievable hurt can creep in.
I am not saying love is a bad thing – real love is the greatest thing on earth. I do think however, that self-love comes first, and from that stand point, you attract the best love for you.
No one teaches us in School about the importance of self-love, I guess we rely on our parents for that, but who teaches them?
Many years ago, in my Coaching days, I read a lot of books on self-love, self-confidence, positive thinking, self-sabotage, self-worth, self-esteem…..etc…it helped me to understand myself and understand others.
Stephen R Covey wrote an enlightening book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People“. I would totally recommend this book – it will help you navigate through life’s ups and downs, and so much more. I first read it in 2008, but struggled relating to it…..I then read it again one year later and totally got the message. I then blended the learning into my coaching sessions, which proved to be very successful.
The reason, I mention this book by Stephen Covey, is because he talks about “love” in his book – the wisdoms he shares is so deep.
I love, LOVE – at the age of 40 years, I had the word tattooed on my left arm (I now, do not recommend tattoos 😊).
If I want to escape stormy reality, I can easily sink into that “loving feeling”.
To progress in life, always start with honouring thy self-love and build from there.
I was out running with my five nieces recently and what a joyful and inspiring experience it was.
My nieces are…
Megan: 18 years and the most beautiful young lady you will ever meet, with the happiest smile. Megan will be Entrepreneur of the decade – she is super intelligent and successfully business savvy – watch this space! AC loves you Megan 💖
Carmen: 13 years, who has the most loving, caring and endearing heart. Carmen is beyond talented at drawing, writing and anything artistically creative. She also made me a cute bracelet as a goodbye gift – thank you Carmen! AC loves you Carmen 💖
Made by Carmen 💛
Nicole: 9 years and WOW can this young girl run! Without any training at all, Nicole sat right on my shoulder running for 18 minutes flat – her determination, never give up attitude and inner strength is second to none. Nicole will get EVERYWHERE in life with that kind of spirit. She is sweet, polite, kind and a beautiful joy to be around. AC loves you Nicole 💖
Michelle: 6 years and what a funny, kind, happy and super loving child Michelle is – she also did the 18 minute run very easily – I could not believe my eyes! Michelle is full of joy, love and happiness. You should have seen this young one sprint at the end……WOW, the olympics are calling! AC loves you Michelle 💖
Elisabeth: Nearly 2 years old and beautiful little Elisabeth joined in the running fun. Megan and Carmen held her hand and she was smiling, laughing and joining in the running fun. Mummy watched it all with joy and pride. Elisabeth is an adventurous little child who loves to have fun and take part with her big sisters. AC loves you Elisabeth 💖
My wonderful nieces run outdoors both days with me and I am so PROUD of them. I love them all very much and can’t wait to see how they progress.
I want to give my nephew Sean (20 years) a mention. I am sure he would have joined us girls in the running challenge, but he was in Malawi, East Africa doing voluntary work with his Dad (Cameron) and Nic (Megan’s lovely boyfriend). I am so proud of you all for giving back in such a kind, caring and helpful way.
My lovely Sister, Leanne is the most AMAZING Mum, and I could easily dedicate a whole book to her wonderful ways – SuperMum she is and more 💖
I started running way back in 2007 and have done thousands of outdoor runs, but I can honestly and wholeheartedly say, that those two recent outdoor runs with my nieces were the BEST EVER. It took me 17 years to experience the best run of my life and all because my nieces were with me.
AC loves you ALL very much and is so proud of you.
Let’s keep it going!
Life is what you make it. You can watch from the sidelines or take part – it’s your choice.
I had a wonderful conversation recently about it – it made me feel so happy and alive.
There are many different individual interpretations of “making your dream life come true” and it’s not always about “dripping in gold” and driving a Rolls-Royce.
“Living the dream life“, is more often about…
Spending precious time with loved ones;
Having good health;
Being around nature;
Feeling relaxed, safe and happy in your environment;
Having a comfortable home;
Having easy access to running water, food on the table and a cosy bed to sleep in;
Reading a great book and/or watching your favourite movie;
Glaring at a mesmerising sunset or being captivated by the beautiful morning sunrise;
Taking the super excited family dog for a walk;
Strolling along the beachfront, breathing in that salty sea air;
Sharing warm hugs and cute cuddles with a loved one;
Enjoying a nice cup of tea or fresh pot of coffee;
Jumping in the puddles and dancing in the rain;
Laughing out loud and having fun;
Writing a poem, drawing beautiful art or storytelling;
I could go on with this special list but I know you get what I mean.
Maybe, if you just think about it, you’re “living the dream” already – or can at least tap into parts of it throughout your day – doesn’t that make your heart smile?
Find the “dream” where you are – where you stand right now, in this moment – isn’t it such a beautiful thing?
Your true presence is EVERYTHING and all you’ll ever need.
You must appreciate all the beauty, love and abundance in your life.
Often you don’t see the true magic in these until they are gone.
Where you have beautiful memories, you must treasure them like the most exquisite diamonds. Allow these precious memories to light up your heart forever. You must also create new memories in order to maintain your wonderful sparkle.
Shine bright in the now and know that you are loved dearly.
Your presence is always special and ignites inspiration in many hearts.
You make this world a better place to live in, by just being you.
You have so much to look forward to in life because you naturally attract so much goodness.
I know on this Clarabelle blog, I am always encouraging you to do good things and create good habits, and I still wholeheartedly, 100% stand by this.
However, life is most definitely about balance and every now and then, you must allow yourself to EAT THE ICE CREAM!
A good habit therefore, is having the habit of balance in your life.
Your beautiful life has to be savoured and enjoyed. Roll out the red carpet for yourself and have a little fun.
Be good to yourself and be your own best friend.
If you haven’t took time in a while to watch a gorgeous morning sunrise or breathtaking sunset – now is the time!
A boxed up life is not good for the soul – read that one again!
Think about it, are you happier, when you’re happier?
If you feel happier, are people around you happier?
When you are happy, does your environment feel more sunnier?
Ensure you tick off that “happier” box everyday – even if it’s for a few minutes.
I am here for you.
I support your good ways.
I love it when you are happy.
Ice Cream Crazy!
I hadn’t eaten an ice cream cone like this one for many years – I felt like a happy kid again and it was delicious. It might be a long time before I enjoy another one, and that my friend, is the art of life balance.
It was a cool summer’s night on Tuesday, 19 May 1992 – I remember it so well. The whole evening, I was laughing, joking and having fun with friends, unaware of the unimaginable terror to come.
Expect the unexpected in life – good or bad…unfortunately for my friends and I, it was really bad.
On the drive home, life took a crazy tumble and unfortunately so did the car we were in. Even to this day, over 30 years on, my mind recalls the accident in slow motion. Every crashing sound, painful moans, hurtful groans and terrified screams, as the car bulleted through the thick wooden barrier, furiously demolishing its way through trees, as it manically rolled down the embankment.
It all happened so fast – like the speed of light – yet my memory of it comes with high sensory detailed accuracy.
In those life-threatening moments, I even had flashing thoughts of my family, sitting at home, unaware of this tragic event I was currently experiencing.
Everything in my life, during that point, was completely ‘out of control‘.
Bang…the car stopped dead…it was like an Angel’s hand had come out of nowhere and protected us.
I was trembling, my body ferociously shaking. We were alone, in the dark and no one knew we were there.
The strong scent of pine trees mixed with the smell of burning rubber and crushed metal was overpowering. In the near distance, I could hear the sound of running water – a river. I thought to myself, “if we have one more roll down, we’re in it!”
I was in extreme panic, my friend sitting next to me looked dead. She was completely unconscious, with blood trickling down the side of her face. I shouted her name….but nothing.
My other two friends, seated in the back of the car, were heavily disorientated, but thankfully moving.
The highest degree of pain I was feeling in my left leg was so bad, I was convinced I had lost it.
My mind was on maximum “flight mode” alert but my body was agonisingly stuck. My left leg was mangled so badly against the crushed car metal and I felt there was no way out.
“It’s going to explode“, I screamed. “This car is going to explode and I can’t get out”. I shouted aimlessly.
Like a miracle, my other friend in the back of the car, managed to escape and scrambled up the hill to seek help.
This “waiting” time was absolutely excrutiating. I felt I was trapped inside a ticking time bomb. In my extreme panicked mind, I thought the car would either explode with us in it, or it would roll further down into the river and we would drown. I was also sure at this point I had lost my leg and had no idea how the unbearable pain at this point, had not knocked me unconscious.
A tiny bit of movement came from my friend beside me – thank goodness she was alive but still unconscious.
My friend who went for help returned with a gang of people, who with great struggle but sheer determination managed to free my two other friends and carry them to safety, but I was still stuck. By this time my panic mode was off-the-scale – “I’m going to die“, I yelled in terror. “I’m stuck to this car and it’s going to explode“. My mind had gone crazy but these feelings were unbelievably real for me.
Eventually, after much exertion and ‘never give up‘ attitudes of the people helping, I was dragged from the car, howling in absolute agony. I was hurriedly lifted to the top of the road, where I was met with the newly arrived emergency services.
“Have I lost my leg?” I asked the ambulance team. “I think I’ve lost my leg. The pain is so bad.Please help me. Please save my leg“. I cried and begged of them.
I was frightened to look at my leg whilst lying on the side of the road, but I did. It was all twisted and seemed like it was back to front. My foot looked like it was hanging off and my leg was swollen to three times its normal size. The white jeans I was wearing, were now red – fully saturated in blood.
From start to finish, I remember every intricate moment of this horrible event – no other passenger did.
Two of the Policemen attending the accident scene that night, were so concerned about me and they very kindly visited me in hospital a few days later. One of them said, the car wreckage was so badly mangled, they don’t know how anyone got out alive. They explained that the front passenger seat, where I was sitting, was completely caved in. I was just a teenager and it was a miracle to be here!
Thankfully, we all came out of that awful car accident alive and over time recovered well. I had almost six weeks in hospital, with numerous operations on my left leg, which received pins and plates to help it fully mend. I was using crutches for over a year and wore a cast brace on my leg for a further year. I was then further operated on two years after the accident to have the pin in my thigh removed. I broke my femur, fibula and tibia bones on my left leg but I did NOT lose it.
I was pyschologically scarred for many years after the accident and unfortunately therapy didn’t work for me. The only way I overcame those deeply intense fears, was by learning to drive myself. It was five years later and my fourth attempt in, when I eventually passed my driving test. You see, I had to face my fears to overcome them.
Special Note:The ambulance, police, fire brigade and hospital services were totally AMAZING throughout and I truly offer a billion heartfelt thanks to each and everyone of them. And to the people who helped free us from the car wreckage. You will forever hold a special place in my heart. Your strength and courage were second to none that evening. Thank YOU bravehearts.
But lighting never strikes in the same place twice….does it?
Sadly, for me it does and on Tuesday, 29 September 1992, history repeated itself. I was in serious car crash number two….but that story is for another day!
I was 18 years old when the first accident happened. The week before the terrifying event, I was happily planning my future career. Everything was put on hold for two years, but it never stopped me. I forged my way back into the workforce as soon as I could and I never looked back.
And the troubles with my left leg – well that never stopped me either. I went on to run four marathons that I am very proud of achieving.
I am super grateful for my life and for the opportunity to embrace it everyday, full of abundant energy and with a courageous mindset.
I will never allow anything, for any length of time, to hold me back. I will always strive to be better and do better.
I commit to working on improving myself everyday. It doesn’t always go to plan and set backs do come my way, but I believe I am stronger than any challenge and so are YOU.
The beauty of life is to be savoured and enjoyed.
Focus on what is possible.
Believe you can achieve your dreams and desires.
See yourself living in your future desired life, TODAY.
Any form of exercise, such as swimming, cycling or running – in my former marathon training days I found road running to be so empowering for the body and mind.
Know this….solutions won’t come free and easy in a negative mindset…switching to an attitude of gratitude will help those solutions flow like a river. Write down three things you are grateful for.
Problems are temporary, like clouds passing by…..visualise that right now.
How do you think this post came about today? Of course, I had a problem and I couldn’t sleep, so I decided to do some creative writing – now my mind is more positive and open to solutions.
Remember this….YOU ARE THE SOLUTION to every challenge that comes your way.
Stand strong in the face of adversity and explore all possibilities to change things for the better.
Right now, in this very moment, you hold GREAT POWER.
It’s time for you to tap into your true potential and BELIEVE.
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.
This was me in 2018 having a great laugh with my nieces, jumping around like a fool on their outdoor trampoline – I was aged 45 then…..I’d do it again today at 51, if my body allowed it!
We must create a sense of fun and adventure in life, we must, at times, be a kid again and drop the adult seriousness. Being a boring adult, can be exhausting and I have no energy for that!
Yes, we all have troubles and worries – some more than others, but we must always remember to face adversity with a smile and a solution – read that one again!
I am so happy when I am with my nieces – I have five of them and one nephew and their energy and love for life is truly contagious.
Go on, have a little fun!
When ‘Auntie Claire’ comes from London to visit them, the only thing I’m doing is having a whole lot of fun and they, deservedly so, get my undivided attention. We go on nature walks, play board games, draw, write, watch family movies, sing, dance and everything in between – those moments are some of the best times of my life.
When you free your mind from the worries of today and just ‘live in the moment’, life becomes much more peaceful and joyful.
And if you are feeling overburdened with life’s challenges – take a step back and do something funloving and carefree to get out of the issue and into the positive energy, – your body and mind will thank you for it.
Please “don’t give a damn” what others think…..do you….do all of you and more!
Fall down 7 times, get up 8!
As soon as you free up yourself to be yourself, well it’s a different kind of story and a journey you’d be much happier living.
With a title like this, I am in no way minimizing the sheer amazement that is Angkor Wat. Truly, I have never been so blown away by such mastery and grandeur. I usually max out on museums and historic sites after a few hours each day. Something was different at Angkor Wat. Each temple held a unique frequency, and I became more energized as I temple-hopped. If it were allowed, I would have happily slept out there. LOL. There is a wealth of information about visiting Angkor Wat online, so I wanted this article to help you differently. Here, I’ll share my favorite things I did in Siem Reap beyond the temples.
First, I’ll offer a few tips I wish I had known before visiting. Then, we’ll head north of Angkor Wat and explore beyond, where I’ll share some of the adventurous and off-the-beaten-path activities I enjoyed outside the temple grounds. To clarify, the ancient city of Angkor Wat is inside the modern city of Siem Reap. I’ll keep these concise and to the point. Here are my top 11 pointers not to miss beyond the temples!
Angkor Wat
1. Logistics
Passes
When I visited Angkor Wat in June 2024, there were three types of passes available: a one-day, three-day and seven-day pass. If you have the time, I highly recommend the seven-day pass. It allows you to explore the grounds at a more relaxed pace and visit remote temples that many rushed travelers don’t have the opportunity to see.
There are two main viewing routes in Angkor Wat – the Big Circuit and the Small Circuit, most definitely traversed on separate days. My friends and I hired a TukTuk driver for the Big Circuit, which was the best use of our time and incredibly fun! The next day, I tackled the Small Circuit on my bicycle, which provided both a workout and enjoyment.
There was something about biking alone through the jungle that made me feel like a real adventurer, especially when I got stuck in a torrential downpour for 1.5 hours 🙆🏽♀️. I recommend these transportation methods and they are a bit rugged and keep you close to the earth. You can rent or hire an air-conditioned car, to me this felt too modern for the landscape.
Pro tip ~ there are two temples 20-30 minutes outside the Big Circuit called Phnom Bok and Banteay Samre. We had our driver take us to these for an additional small fee. Now I wouldn’t suggest more temples unless they were worth it, and these REALLY REALLY ARE!
Put on your athlete cap, as Phnom Bok requires 630 steps up to this 9th-10th century temple. This is no joke in triple-digit weather, my friends. Apart from the crumbling Phnom Bok there is also a gorgeous Buddhist temple atop. You will feel alone on top of the world up here.
Banteay Samre is down the street as you head back into town. This temple blew me away because the carvings are well-preserved. I think this is because of its tucked-away location and the fact that it attracts far fewer visitors than the temples on the circuits.
Food & Drink
There are cafes and restaurants scattered throughout the grounds of Angkor Wat which offer a variety of food, drinks and souvenirs. You won’t go hungry out there!If you have specific preferences for snacks and hydration, I recommend bringing them in a backpack. Additionally, it’s wise to research the weather for your visit. Depending on the season, you may want to pack a rain jacket and umbrella, just in case.
2. The Angkor Wat App
This app proved invaluable as it maps out both routes within its interface, conveniently numbered in viewing order – a stroke of genius! Clicking on each temple provides a brief history, which was informative. While the basic version sufficed, in hindsight, I wish I had opted for the upgraded version for additional features and information. The app was particularly helpful when I explored alone on my bike, keeping me on course through the behemoth jungle.
3. The Secret Angkor Thom Trail
Anything secret intrigues me, especially when lost cities are involved. So when a local tipped me off to the 12km trail around Angkor Thom, my ears perked up. As you enter through any archway entrances surrounding the perimeter, you’ll find small dirt trails leading up to the wall (I entered at the South Gate). On top of the wall is a perfect trail for walking, running, or biking. You’ll encounter wildlife, a jungle to your right, a moat to your left and hidden temples along the shaded path. I saw no other trekkers, only a few bicycle groups during my walk.
Walking is one of my favorite activities, and this trail in this setting made it extra special – it was one of my favorite walks ever. I suggest bringing a hat, plenty of water, a fully charged phone and a few downloaded podcast episodes. Walking casually, I completed the full loop in 3 hours and 22 minutes. Talk about experiencing Angkor Wat without the crowds!
I think you will be pleasantly surprised and enamored with the town of Siem Reap. It is walkable, safe and has the modern conveniences you want. Now, this is not a food guide, but there are a few places I MUST point out. These are places I will always revisit when I return.
4. Restaurants
It is hard to have a bad meal in Siem Reap. That said, I especially fell in love with these restaurants. The first two are quick, delicious and mission-driven establishments. The third was such a comforting, cozy experience tasting Geeta’s food; it reminded me of my Nana’s cooking!
• Wild Creative Bar & Spring Rolls Restaurant – anyone who has designed a restaurant concept around spring rolls has my heart. To me, spring rolls are close to tacos regarding a near-perfect meal. Light, easy, crunchy, flavorful, creative and requires sauce ~ bliss! Wild has come up with some unique rolls and dipping sauces. I packed a few of their rolls for a picnic one day inside the temples and that was the move.
• Muffin Man – these guys served me one of the best muffins I have ever had. Along with sweet treats, they nail healthy salads and sandwiches. With two convenient locations in town and delicious coffee, Muffin Man is a must-try.Don’t miss reading the story of how they came to be, as it absolutely moving, grab the tissues.
• Serendib Srilankan Cuisine – go meet Geeta and eat her incredible food! She is a nurse by day and chef extraordinaire by night. The sweetest soul and her food will transport you to Sri Lanka and beyond.
5. Bars
There are plenty of bars in SR, but these watering holes were unique and unforgettable.
• Asana Old Wooden House – a cozy, perfectly lit gem inside Pub Street’s bustle. This cocktail-forward bar is a beautiful example of traditional Khmer architecture. These houses are known for their intricate wooden carvings and elevated stilts to protect against flooding during the monsoon season. You could see lighting up a cigar with the most interesting man in the world at Asana!
• Laundry – I first walked by Laundry and thought it was a laundromat. Nope! It is a groovy, low-key bar with a melting pot of travelers, expats and locals. The pool table, along with the hot peanuts and local draft beer, are the main attractions. The perfect place to decompress after a day of temples!
• Elephant Bar – because who doesn’t love a little pinky-up moment? Located inside Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Elephant Bar boasts a well-appointed setting. They host a welcoming happy hour from 4-6p, open to outside guests. Beyond the delightful drinks, I was charmed by the friendly staff, world-class art and snacks (of course!).
Honorable Mention – although not a restaurant or bar, I highly recommend visiting Tribe Art Gallery. They house incredible art created by locals and other artists throughout Asia. The meaning and intention behind each artist’s work really drew me in. Check their hours; they were open Friday through Sunday evenings when I visited.
North of Angkor Wat
For the adventures below, I rented a scooter. There is nothing like riding a scooter through Cambodia’s countryside, as this is a wonderfully rural part of the world. It did a lot for the little kid in me. Don’t miss this type of transportation during your exploration beyond the temples!
6. Banteay Srey Temple
Banteay Srey Temple is known for its distinctive red sandstone construction, unique among the Angkorian temples. This beauty dates back to the late 10th century, making it older than Angkor Wat, built in the early 12th century. It is celebrated for its decorative intricacy, showcasing some of the finest examples of classical Khmer craftsmanship from the Angkorian era. The artistry here was astounding. You will need your temple pass to enter.
7. Cambodia Landine Museum
Landmines in Cambodia are a tragic legacy from decades of conflict, including the Vietnam War and the Khmer Rouge regime, which left the country heavily contaminated with unexploded ordnance. This museum tells the brave and heroic story of Aki Ra ~ a soldier, humanitarian, hero, de-miner, husband and father.These accounts of the past are heavy and hard to process. Understanding these gut-wrenching pieces of history allows us to honor and acknowledge those who endured unfathomable hardships. For me, it’s a way to pay my respects.
I mapped myself here to break up my drive to Tonle Sap Lake and was sure glad I did! During the brief tour of the farm I saw and learned about all the sustainable ways they use the lotus flower. These include making thread for clothing, food, vegan leather, candles, perfume, tea and much more. Don’t miss the gift shop downstairs + lotus tea & biscuits upstairs!
9. Tonle Sap Lake
Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia 😲. It has sustained Cambodian communities for centuries, providing fertile fishing and agricultural grounds. The lake is home to floating villages, where houses and structures are built on stilts or platforms. This allows inhabitants to adapt to the lake’s changing water levels and move their homes + communities as needed depending on water levels during wet and dry seasons. Visiting the floating villages is a hands-on way to understand the importance of this lake. Can you imagine moving your home because you know a monsoon is coming? All I can say is respect.
Phnom Kraom is home to a Buddhist monastery where monks live and practice daily rituals, contributing to the serene atmosphere atop the hill. You can explore this Buddhist temple, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Cruise to Phnom Kraom after Tonle Sap for sunset, as this is one of the highest points in Siem Reap. Viewing the floating village from this hillside provides a colorful vision. You will need to show your temple pass to enter.
East of Siem Reap
11. Kulen Elephant Forest Camp
My last suggestion beyond the temples is Kulen Elephant Forest Camp. I booked this experience directly online. They offer roundtrip transportation in an air-conditioned car, which is amazing. Our guide picked us up downtown, and we drove one hour east to Kulen Elephant Forest to meet these majestic giants.
These elephants were rescued from working in tourism at Angkor Wat in 2017. By 2019, elephant rides at the temples had stopped. It is wonderful to see how well taken care of they are, these caretakers are doing a top notch job. The time spent at the camp includes making elephant food, feeding, walking, and hanging with the elephants in the forest. If you are an elephant lover, this experience will be a dream come true! The money spent on visits helps with their feed, care and conservation efforts. I paid $90 USD.
Good Bye, Mysterious Angkor Wat
When I think about Angkor Wat, it evokes mystery and intrigue. There are many theories about how the Khmer built the largest and most prosperous urban city of the 12th century. How did they cut and lay each stone so precisely? How did they carve the stones without cracking them? As curious as I am, some things are better left enigmatic. I believe ancient civilizations had access to higher consciousness ~ visioning, dreaming and creating as they were not so focused on climbing the corporate ladder, paying bills, social media and running carpools ~ if you know what I mean?
I hope you enjoy the temples with your body, mind and soul. May they touch you on a deep cellular level, activating a sense of mystery and wonder. And I hope these ways of experiencing Siem Reap beyond the temples round out your visit in a fulfilling way.May we all have the privilege of dreaming up something magical in this lifetime!
With all my love,
Bekah
PS ~ if you are doing the darn thing in Southeast Asia and plan to visit Vietnam, check out our unique Vietnamese food guide here!
Please follow The Rife Guide for more inspired travel and food articles for the modern nomad.
I got a lovely surprise yesterday, when one of my UK customers bought this Take a Break card as an alternative birthday card for their family member…..
Where did I ship it?..
Beautiful Thailand 💙
I was so delighted….that the Clarabelle Brand has come so far in 10 years….yes over 10 years it’s been going..can you believe it!
I shared this with you today because I want you to read the words on the card….I feel you were meant to read them today.
Dance to the tune of life’s harmony and emerge in a new light.
Amongst the chaos of life, it can be difficult to find a sense of peace and tranquility. Honour thy honesty and harmony will breathe light.
Find a sense of peace through prayer, self-reflection and purpose.
For in the deepest of silence, our truth whispers like an inner thunder.
In moments of doubt, despair and dread, know that alone time, blended with quiet space, will induce a fresh sunlight into any dark day.
Keeping it moving all the time, might seem like a good idea but this may also lead to “messy movements”, which in turn, can create more damaging chaos.
After one’s silent time, we make the right moves and not before.
You owe yourself the power of daily solitude, silence and serenity.
Gratitude is so mighty powerful, it can turn a losing mindset into a winning mindset in an instant.
Be thankful for the abundance that surrounds you and enrich yourself in this beauty.
If you are feeling lost right now or need a simple ‘pick me up’, write down what you are thankful for and continue to do this daily. I promise you, this positive practice will abolish any negative self-talk you are having in that moment and empower strong foundations from within.
"I am grateful for my health and abundance all around; I am grateful for the love and real happiness I have found." Clarabelle
You can’t fake true happiness, for real happiness exudes a different kind of energy from within and feels truly magical.
Faking happiness, although it might seem like a good idea to please others, will never match up to authentic happiness and will leave you feeling out of sync with who you really are.
In order for you to feel truly happy, you’ve got to know what makes your heart sing. What things do you like doing that makes your heart smile? Below are four of my favourite things that fall exactly into the wonderful “happiness” category:
Giving to others and sharing kindness – I always get much more happiness giving to others than receiving and I know that will never change for me. I love to see other people happy, smiling and embracing joy.
Creative writing – this brings me inner contentment and happiness – when I write I feel connnected to who I really am but it has to be for the benefit of others – or it doesn’t quite feel the same.
Singing – I know I don’t sing enough and I really love singing and songwriting – both of these acts feel like magic to me and make me so happy. This is something I will do more of in 2023 – so watch this space!
Spending time with my nieces and nephew – one of the greatest gifts of them all that gives complete joy and natural happiness.
So I invite you to welcome authentic happiness into your life today and every day so you can embrace the true joy of who you really are.
When something or someone upsets your equilibrium, it’s important to reset your inner balance as soon as you can.
An off-balance internal system can throw out your whole day and keep you from moving forward.
Try to move on from the situation as quickly as possible or indeed “park it” until you’re ready to deal with it.
I know when my equilibrium is out of balance, I struggle to focus on the ‘job in hand’ and make any valuable progression.
Sometimes, all you need, is a well-deserved “time out” away from the person or situation, in order to give your body and head, space to think or perhaps – not to think!
To sit and dwell in an uncomfortable environment that upsets you even more, is absolutely not what we are trying to do here.
So next time you feel your harmonious field becoming disrupted, do your best to get away from that situation super fast.
You can deal with it, when you’re ready and not before then.
So cherish your beautifully balanced equilibrium and never give anyone or anything the power to knock it out of sync.
Hello wonderful you! It’s Youtube Tuesday and today’s original video poem is all about giving yourself a chance at achieving your dreams. Stay focussed, stay strong and keep going my friend.
May today’s video inspire you to do greater things for you. GET GOING, BELIEVE!
Take a Chance
Take a chance, on living your dream. Put in the effort, and feel supreme. Capture the spirit, from inside of you. Be determined, be open, to follow through. Your champion heart, will help you achieve. This one’s for you, get going, believe.
What do I know about what you’re going through right now? I have no idea if you’re feeling good or lying low but I do know that life brings a roller coaster of changes that we are often not prepared for.
We all have an emotional response to what’s going on around us and some of us are better at controlling that emotion or how we react to it.
There are so many different factors that determine how we respond to any given situation and I bet you, if you’re having a particularly bad day, you won’t respond the same way as you would, if you were having a good day.
Let’s keep it simple and say a bad day may equal a bad response and a good day may equal a good response. Therefore, if you want to respond better to challenging situations that come your way, it’s better to focus on the things that will help you have good day.
We can’t control other people and what they do but we can do as much as we can for ourselves to have a better kind of day.
Lately, I’ve been trying this out for myself and through my own daily efforts, I have managed to have more good days and good reponses than not so good ones. Below is a short list of some of the things I have been doing:
Reduced my intake of refined sugar. Although I really do love sweets, cakes, biscuits, chocolates and all that lovely stuff, I noticed it was having a detrimental effect on my mood. I certainly had more of a short fuse when sugared up to the max with these delicious fancies. By cutting these out of my diet for the last four months I have noticed a positive difference in my mindset and mood.
Cut out caffeine. Caffeine has always been a tricky one for me, I love to love it but hated the brain crash when the caffeine wore off. This, so called crash put me into a low and cranky mood and I didn’t like that one bit. So I decided, let’s cut this stuff out of my diet and see how it goes. I must say my mood has definitely uplifted and my energy levels are higher and more constant throughout the day.
Got myself back in the gym. I stopped the gym for about a year and I did notice the negative changes in my body because of it. So, I started going back to the gym 2-3 times per week and this also had a positive impact on my energy levels and mood.
Running. I love to run but again, like the gym, I stopped it for a while and I’ve got to say, I really missed my running. Running makes my whole body feel good and alive, so I make sure I run at least twice a week to get the full goodness from it.
Writing. I love writing on this blog and creating poems but I stopped for about four years and that wasn’t good for me – I was unhappy with not satisfying my creative side. So I started writing on this Clarabelle blog about five months ago and that makes me feel on top of the world.
Went on holiday. I hadn’t been on a proper holiday for a number of years and it was well overdue. This holiday really did refresh my body and mind and reminded me of how good it is to ‘getaway’ every now and again.
Positive Relationships. I started focussing on having more positive and meaningful relationships that fulfilled me and inspired me to be a better person and reach for my goals. The power of having these good relationships in your life are highly impactful and can be a real gamechanger in terms of your own love and happiness.
Sleep. One of the most important factors for me in having a better day is by getting a good night’s sleep for at least 8 hours every night. I love my sleep and never feel guilty about putting my head to rest and going for a well deserved nap. Give me a great night’s sleep and I’ll be on point the whole day through.
Water. Since I stopped the caffeine, I don’t drink fizzy soda drinks or anything like that anymore. I mainly stick to sparkling and still water and aim to drink about two litres of this beautiful stuff everyday.
Motivation. I love listening to a little bit of motivational talks everyday, it just keeps my head in the right space. Every morning I listen to “7 Good Minutes” on Spotify and it really does have a positive impact on my focus and mood throughout the day. I always say to myself, “if they can do it, I can do it” – it’s powerful stuff!
There are so many other factors that I could add to the above list, like being around family, going for walks in nature, being by the sea, watching a beautiful sunrise or sunset, doing more fun things and the list goes on.
It really all comes down to choosing to do those things everyday that will help you be a better you and ultimately have better days. I am sure most of us, if not all, would rather be around a positive, good energy person that handles most challenges well and chooses to live on the happier side of life.
A very warm welcome to wonderful you. It’s Youtube Tuesday and today’s original video poem is all about bouncing back after a fall. I have always said, resilience is built in the bouncing back, not when everything is running smoothly.
Hopefully, today’s video will help to motivate and inspire you to KEEP GOING. There will always be challenges, but you are much GREATER than any challenge that comes your way – remember that.
Where Do I Fall
Where do I fall, if not at my feet? What keeps me going, after defeat? A focused forever, of what I am. A determined spirit, of “Yes I Can”. For a winning heart, is a champion mind. My faith is amazing, it is one of a kind.
I have been a massive fan of the popular cafe latte and chocolate topped cappuccino since I tried my first ‘proper’ barista coffee in 2005 and then, I was quite simply. . .”hooked”.
One of my favourite past times used to be going to my favourite coffee shop, having the perfect window seat and writing poems in my notepad – I really loved it! Such a simple thing to do and I could easily sit there for hours people watching, pondering, reflecting and writing away. It was soulful bliss to me.
I actually didn’t realise how much the caffeine was adding to my enjoyable experience and how my creative mind seemed to flood with rhyming words and magical rhythms as soon as the caffeine hit kicked in. I later discovered that although this caffeine intake was great in the short term moment, it wasn’t so great for my long term mindset, sleep and general mood.
For me the instant buzz of caffeine raised my output to another level and my creativity and performance, albeit for a short period, was off the charts. However, with the highest of highs came the lowest of lows and I soon realised my body needed more and more caffeine to achieve the same hit. Well, this started worrying me and in all fairness, I just didn’t like it.
The negative effects of caffeine on me were too much to tolerate to keep on taking it. I experienced mood swings, adrenal fatigue, anxiety, heart palpitations, trembling hands, acne and mild paranoia. Caffeine was making me slightly psychotic, so I had to give it up.
It took me 26 years of drinking coffee everyday to then realise how much it was negatively affecting me – that’s a lot of coffee and a lot of money to Mr Starbucks.
Since 2015 I’ve been on a rollercoaster ride with caffeine – sometimes I would stay off it for many months and then try it again to see if my body could handle the effects any better. Nope . . . . . if anything, it was just getting worse.
So fast forward to today, 30 September 2022 and I am caffeine free once more. This time I not only cut out caffeine coffees, tea and soda drinks, I also removed foods containing caffeine, such as chocolate – damn it – such a shame on that one, as I really do love chococate but I just can’t take the cocoa content.
What can I say – I genuinely feel I’ve found me again. The real me without the stimulants and I’m starting to really feel great again. My mood is now balanced, calm and focussed all of the time. My energy levels are increasing everyday and I am improving greatly with my running. My sleep is undisturbed and peaceful every night. My creativity is back to where it should be, without the need for that caffeine fix. If I want a coffee or tea it’s got to be decaf/herbal and I never drink soda anymore, sparkling water is my thing now.
I have never found the process of cutting out caffeine easy. As a matter of fact, when I do start the detox process, my mood is low and irritable for about two weeks and the caffeine withdrawal headaches are 48 hours of intense throbbing craziness.
Will I ever go back to caffeine again? Not on your life! Caffeine just messes with the very essence of me and I don’t want that messiness in my life anymore.
The last few months I have also massively reduced my refined sugar intake and I think that has also helped me to get back to me.
How does caffeine affect you? If you rely on your caffeine fix every day to ‘perk you up’ and ‘stay on it’, maybe you want to have a closer look at that?
Quitting caffeine was EXTREMELY hard for me. I once heard this quote: “If you do what’s easy everyday, your life will be hard, but if you do what’s hard everyday, your life will be easy.”
In the longterm I want an easy life, so today I will do what’s hard.
By Clarabelle
Article written on 30 September 2022 Posted to Blog on 8 October 2022
I was heading out for my usual outdoor run one day and my friend said to me, “It doesn’t bother you running outside?” I was like, “Why?”. She then explained to me, that she wouldn’t run outside because she would think everyone was looking at her. I shared with her, that gladly that thought didn’t ever come into my mind and even if it did, I would probably think, “Good, maybe I’ll inspire someone to run too!“
Do you see the EMPOWERMENT or DISEMPOWERMENT your mind can have over you?
I want you to THINK about your THINKING and if it serves you well or not.
Think POWERFUL thoughts that will build you up, not break you down.
Aim to be more SELF-CONFIDENT and less SELF-CONSCIOUS, it will help you to forge forward in life.
And lastly, if you want to run outside but are maybe thinking, “What if everyone is looking at me?” Change that thinking to, “WHAT IF I INSPIRE SOMEONE TO RUN TOO?”
The selfie photo below, is of me recently, just back from my evening run in Hyde Park, London.
Clarabelle loves to run!
I hope I have inspired you to run too!
Have a GREAT one, wonderful you.
By Clarabelle, London, UK Created on 10 August 2022 Posted to blog on 6 September 2022
Are you craving for some peaceful tranquility in your life right now?
If you’re running around in a frenzy trying to get everything done yesterday, then maybe you do need to slow down a bit.
There is nothing more important than your health and wellbeing, so please, give yourself some well needed, ‘breathing space’.
Your family, friends and work will benefit more in the long run, if you jump off that hamster wheel and take some ‘time out’.
Your head and your heart needs a break from all the noise and unnecessary distractions that pull you in so many different directions. How on earth can you move forward with all that stuff pulling you back.
Make time for yourself to BE YOURSELF – not the angry parent, stressed out boss, frustrated friend or worried workmate.
Just time for you, to focus on YOU!
I bet, even that very thought, seems like bliss.
Remember you are deeply loved, respected and admired by the people in your life – so make sure you bring your best energy when you’re with them and that means a well rested you in advance.
I know you need help – we all do at certain times in our lives. Below are five simple steps to help you move forward in life:-
What you firstly want to do, is specifically work out, what kind of help you need. You might ask the question – “What end result do I want”?
Next, we have to get real here – you need to be brutally honest about what’s happening for you now. A good question would be, “What’s my current reality?”
We now need to move your thinking from the current challenge to thinking about, what it will feel like to you, once you have achieved your goal or overcome your current challenge – really get yourself excited about this! To raise your thinking, ask yourself, “What will it feel like, look like or be like for me, once I have achieved this goal?”
Then you need to think about, what resources are out there, in order for you to tap into, to get the right help. Ask yourself, “What options are available to me?”
Next, you need to take some self-action. A good question here, might be – “Given all the options available to me, what’s the best way forward?” and “What plan will I put in place in order to make this happen? or better still “What’s my first step?”
Now, it really is, over to you, to get to work and progress on. If you put in 100% effort and remain committed to the change – you’ll definitely get there.
Keep measuring, reviewing and fine-tuning along the way – it will definitely keep you on track.
It’s Your Life – GO GET IT!
By Clarabelle, London, UK Created on 5 August 2022 Posted to blog on 23 August 2022
There are many different indicators of where happiness exudes from and I don’t think there is a ‘one size fits’ all.
I think each individual is so extremely complex, wonderful and unique that it would be quite impossible to come up with a general list for this.
There is nothing ‘general’ about being happy – let me explain.
Through different stages of life, my own quest for happiness has been determined by many different factors – mostly, where I am at, what I am doing, where I am going, who I am with and how I am feeling. Some of this stuff can relate to external positioning and material gains and sometimes that kinda stuff did make me ‘kinda’ happy.
However, there is a huge gap here that always feels unfulfiled in terms of ‘happiness’ when I feel out of alignment with my inner values, sense of meaningful contribution and working towards a purposeful vision.
You see ‘happiness’ I think, can never be extended for a ‘forever’ period of time – life just doesn’t work out that way.
I think what we are however looking for, which I feel, is much more powerful than happiness, is finding peace of mind and harmonious balance from within. When this is achieved, it’s like being in ‘flow’ and it offers a real sense of inner freedom that can never be captured.
The older and wiser I get, I realise that happiness will pop in and out of my life, just the same way excitement does and feeling motivated to do something.
If I am searching for ‘me’ in the whole process of life, then it is in the silence of the mind that the best part of me whispers.
Enjoy your happy times, for they are indeed precious, like sparkly, shiny jewels. The real sparkle however, comes from your own inner light, peacefully flowing in the freedom of your heart. Some even call that love.
What is love,
without surprise,
a caring thought,
heartfelt eyes.
What is kindness,
without the giving,
touching lives,
soulful living.
What is forgiveness,
without a prayer,
sharing you,
unique and rare.
What is gratitude,
without the knowing,
a thankful bond,
a miracle glowing.
What is here,
without your presence,
healing time,
your very essence.
by Clarabelle
1 November 2021
London, UK
Stay fresh in your thinking, be open to new ideas, new ways of working, new opportunities that come your way….stay fresh.
Fresh Eating
Stay fresh with your eating habits, make healthy choices, drinks lots of pure fresh clean water, eat fresh, be fresh and keep your body good….stay fresh.
Fresh Doing
Stay fresh with your activities, be open to trying out new things, when was the last time you tried something new? Truly feel alive by doing more of what you love and……stay fresh.
Fresh Exercise
Stay fresh with regular daily exercise, a very little is more than, well, nothing, so every little counts here. Stay fresh by going for a lovely walk in the fresh air, breathe in life, let it glow and flow through your body….stay fresh.
Fresh Money
Stay fresh with your money, think about new ways to earn more money, not just what to spend your money on. Stay fresh by managing your money better and getting back in control of it. Keep your money fresh….stay fresh.
Stay fresh at all times, your true self with thank you for it.
Do something today to honour your soul. Something that will deeply connect you to your true self. What might this be? Well, for me it could be any of the following:
Taking time to pray
Make up my own prayer
Write a heartfelt poem
Spend some time reflecting on my Vision Wall
Declutter the house
Writing a song
Creating music
Reading a book on a subject I’m passionate about
Writing a meaningful and purposeful blog post 🙂
Meditating
Writing a Gratitude List
Listening to my favourite music
Spending time with my close family and friends
Going for a long run
A walk amongst nature
Helping someone
The above, are just some things that help my own soul growth but for you in might be something completely different. Do whatever works for you, as along as you do it. Soul growth is such a special type of development that really gets…
You may not wish to answer straight away, you may wish to contemplate the question for a few minutes/hours/days or even a couple of weeks. You don’t even need to post the answer on here, but it would be nice if you would and share your answers with others. So here is your question:
What are you tolerating?
Here is my answer:
These days I don’t tolerate most things that don’t serve me well and I made that change for myself a while back after I came across this statement “You get what you tolerate”. Wow, that was a transformational statement to me because it really made me think of what I was tolerating at that time in my life and didn’t wish to continue to tolerate. This changed my thinking at that time and inspired positive change within me.
Gratitude has such a magical power, it is more powerful than you could ever imagine, it has the power to change you from within and in doing so change the environment around you. Feel very blessed for everything you have in your life right now, deliberately be grateful for it all, you will then know what I am talking about because you too will be holding the magic in your heart.
I am forever grateful to you for reading these posts and joining me on the path of gratitude.
I was speaking with a good friend of mine this evening who is highly successful in their field of elite health and fitness and I wanted to share with you his four D’s of success. Below is what he considers to be the basic foundations of his extreme success to date in this industry:
1. Diet (Healthy Nutrition)
2. Discipline (Self)
3. Determination (Self)
4. Desire (Burning)
He explained to me how he applies these basic success principles in his daily life and how good this makes him feel. I just felt it was really good to share with you his thoughts, to help you learn and apply these principles in your daily life.
It certainly inspired me and got me thinking about the principles that are missing from my daily life and for me “Discipline” is the one I need to work on.
It’s important today to look at the nutrition value in each food item we consume!
How carb rich is your diet? How many calories have you consumed today and how much fat has been accumulated in your body so far? For everyone who wants to lead a good life, sticking to a balanced diet will come as the topmost priority apart from regular exercise and healthy way of living.
Experts say a diet rich in carbohydrates defeats the idea of good health. So what must be kept in mind is to eat lots of greens. Spinach, methi and other such leafy vegetables when combined with legumes and pulses make for a nutritious combo.
By looking for alternatives like millet, oats and other grains which are fibre rich, one can explore a world of healthy recipes. Working out various permutations like replacing rice with either millet or oats in the traditional…
Clarabelle Online Magazine 