True Happiness on Golden Sands

happiness on golden sands

What is the perfect home environment for you? You may already be there but if you’re not, maybe it’s time to get thinking about it. 

I See Myself

I have been thinking about the perfect environment for me going forward in my life.  As much as I really do LOVE the vibrant energy of the city, I now feel that I don’t want that all the time. Lately, I have had this strong inner desire to live in a beach house by the sea. I see myself, waking up there every morning, heading out onto my sea view balcony and being mesmerised by the golden sandy beaches kissing the edge of the clear blue ocean. This is where I will continue to write creatively and meaningfully everyday, my heart and soul is beautifully refreshed by the breath of the sea breeze flowing through my body.

This one thought, this one vision is the beginning of its manifestation……and this next poem is inspired by just that.

Happiness on Golden Sands

The clearest water,
the purest mind.
A giving heart,
so true and kind.

Beware of the bumps,
upon the city road.
Sometimes their light
sometimes a load.

The eyes see the colours,
the soul feels the beat.
Sweet memories last forever,
and new people you will meet.

The clouds float above,
Drifting to far lands.
My beautiful beach house view,
True happiness on golden sands.

Created by Clarabelle, 21 October 2013

Bubblegum Ambitions Video Poem

I hope you like this next video poem, it’s about dropping the ego, not focusing on competition but focusing your creativity and authenticity as you move forward in your life. Much love to you today, as always, Clarabelle.

Bubblegum Ambitions 

You are not what you have, or even what you do,

You are what you are, be grateful for you.

To compare your life, to another one,

To aggressively compete, under the sun.

Will take your ego, into the sky,

Bubblegum ambitions, no tears you will cry.

***
But then one day, there will come a time,

You want to change, from what’s mine is mine.

You crumble to the floor, and what once was real,

Is starting to flake, and numbness you feel.

There is always a way, to shine at night,

Glowing and flowing, it’s a natural flight.

***
Silent is the heart, it speaks to you here,

Vibrations of energy, simmer the fear.

Truth is where it’s at, go to the ocean,

The waves clear your thoughts, love is in motion.

Now you are hollow, now you are free,

Knowing what you live for, let your life be.

Created by Clarabelle.

Clarabelle Blog Vision Statement

The Beauty of Nature….

“The beauty of nature is all around us, open your heart to that beauty today.” (Quote and Photography by Clarabelle)

The beauty of nature

 

Dream, Then Be

I really do love this blog post from Michael, “The I Am” Blog, I had to share it with you today. Love Clarabelle

Michael Genford's avatarThe I Am

We all dream of this or that (I’m talking about our waking dreams), and dreams spring from a void in our lives: we don’t currently have something so we imagine what it would be like to have it.

We dream of finding the love of our lives. We dream of more passion in our relationship. We dream of more money.

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A Little Bit of Me Time…

Happy and Excited 

Yesterday my best friend Donna and I went to the Carrick Spa at Cameron House Hotel in Loch Lomond, this was a 40th birthday gift given to me by my great friends Gina and John. We had one of the BEST days ever and even though it didn’t all go plain sailing, we were so happy and excited about going, nothing was going to dampen our spirits.  Here is a little taster of our journey from yesterday.

59 Seconds

We both decided that we would get the train in so we could have a few celebratory glasses of bubbly as part of our day.  Unfortunately we missed our train by 59 seconds (to be precise) which was going to leave us 30 minutes late for our spa treatment, a rasul mud massage.  I telephoned the Spa to let them know we were going to be late and was very nicely advised that because they were fully booked that day, we would probably not get our treatment but we could still spend the rest of the time using all the other spa facilities.  Instead of us being angry, annoyed or disappointed, we just laughed off the situation because we were still very grateful for this day.

What a Real Gentleman

Thank you to the gentleman working at Queen Street Station in Glasgow City Centre, who came over to us to offer his help and he spent at least 20 minutes trying to help us look at alternative trains so we could get there on time.  What a real gentleman he was and we had such a laugh talking to him and telling him about our wonderful day ahead at the Spa. After looking at the other options, we accepted the fact that we were going to have to be 30 minutes late and therefore miss our rasul massage treatment but hey, we were still really looking forward to using all the facilities at the 5 Star Spa.  I said earlier, we were in such a good mood, nothing was going to spoil our excitement.  🙂

Elated

We arrived at the very stunning Carrick Spa in Loch Lomond and sincerely apologised for our lateness.  To our wonderful surprise, someone had just phoned and cancelled their 1pm appointment for that day for the rasul massage treatment and yippee we were given that appointment, woo hoo, we were elated to say the least.  🙂

We spent almost 5 hours in the Spa that day including receiving our rasul mud therapy treatment, it was truly wonderful and below are some of the photographs (some funny mud ones too) from our day:

Carrick Spa, Loch Lomond
Donna and Clarabelle at the Carrick Spa, Loch Lomond 17.10.13
Clarabelle & Donna, Rasul Mud Faces
Clarabelle & Donna, Rasul Mud Faces
Clarabelle Rasul Mud Therapy Treatment
Clarabelle Rasul Mud Therapy Treatment
Clarabelle, Sauna Time at Carrick Sap
Clarabelle, Sauna Time at Carrick Spa
Clarabelle, Rooftop Jacuzzi Pool, Carrick Spa, Loch Lomond
Clarabelle, Rooftop Jacuzzi Pool, Carrick Spa

“Me Time”

We had such a great day and it was so good for Donna and I to have special quality “me time” together.  We had a brilliant experience at the Carrick Spa, it is such a stunning place, hidden amongst the beauty of natural surroundings.

YOU Deserve It!!

A little bit of “Me Time” really does you the world of good, go on, treat yourself today to some special “Me Time”, it doesn’t need to be a day out at the Spa (although I would fully recommend it), it could just be taking 30 minutes of alone time to read a book, go for a walk, play your favorite music, whatever it is, enjoy it to the fullest because YOU really to deserve it and it will make you feel so good.

Thank You

Thank you again to my great friends John and Gina for this special 40th birthday gift, it is an experience we will never forget, thank you.

Thank you Donna for the most amazing company yesterday, it was such a fabulous day.

Thanks also to YOU for reading this blog post, I am so glad to have you here, I like sharing the stories of my life with you and I do hope you have some special “Me Time” today.

Much love to you as always, Clarabelle.

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How To Know What You Want?

Coaching Tool

In my day job when I am coaching I often work with people on how to identify what they want in life.  This can be a difficult one for some people because it isn’t always obvious for them, for many different reasons.

There is one coaching tool that I use which often gets great results for the person and I would like to share it with you here today so you can try it, if you wish.  I call this the “What I Want” Table (see photo below).

Take a blank piece of paper (see photo below) and head it up “What I Want“.  State underneath this what life area you want to focus on for e.g. “Health”.  Draw a table with two columns.  On the left hand column, write the heading, “What I Don’t Want” and the right hand column, write the heading, “What I Want”.

People struggling to identify what they want in life often find it easier to start with what they DON’T want in that area of their life.

Complete the left hand column first for e.g. what you don’t want to think, feel, do and experience in this specific area of your life and then write down the contrast of that on the right column, i.e. “What I Want”, i.e. what I do want to think, feel, do and experience.

This is a really simple but effective process in helping you identify what you want by thinking about what you don’t want first.  It can make identifying the “What I Want” process a whole lot easier for you.

What I Want Coaching Tool

Your BIG Why

It is also really important to have a big enough reason as to WHY you want to achieve that goal in the first place, why is it so important for you to achieve and it must also be in alignment with your core values.

If you are struggling to think about what you want in life, please try the above process and let me know if it works for you.  This process really works for me and for some of the people I coach but it is important to know that we are all different and just because this process works for me it doesn’t mean it will work for you.  But hey, I say, please give it a go and tell me what you think.

Much love to you today,  Clarabelle

Mission Statement

Focus Goal Cards

Progress

I set specifics goals for myself at the beginning of 2013 and I review their progress every 3-4 months together with some fine tuning of these goals.  All these goals are also directly related to my Vision Wall that I created in the spring time of 2012, please see the Vision Wall page here on this blog for more specific details around the process I followed specifically for that.

Today I want to share with you the process I have carried out in creating my Focus Goal Cards as this is something you may wish to do for yourself.

I have seven specific Focus Goal Cards that I completed for myself.

Each Focus Goal is written on an A6 size piece of white card (see photos below) with the following details:

  • Date you start the goal card
  • Goal Details
  • Why this is an important goal for you to achieve
  • Action steps you will take (on back of card)
  • Your signature of your commitment to achieving this goal
  • Date you expect the goal to be completed by
  • Ultimate Success Formula (F.A.S.T.) (on back of card)
FAST Ultimate Success Formula
F.A.S.T Ultimate Success Formula
Clarabelle's Goal Card
Clarabelle’s Goal Card

Below is a photo of an example for you:

Focus Goal Card
Example Focus Goal Card
Focus Goal Card
Example Focus Goal Card

The A6 size Focus Goal Cards are for my office desk so that I can read them often when working from it.

I also wanted to be able to keep my Focus Goal Cards at hand, so that I can read them when I am out and about, so I decided to create a miniature version of each Focus Goal Card, beginning with an “I Am” statement for e.g. “I am in perfect health”.

Goal Cards in Wallet
Goal Cards in handy Wallet
Wallet Goal Cards
Wallet Goal Cards

I then keep these smaller cards, with less information on them, in my Focus Goal Card Wallet in my handbag and read them throughout the day, as much as possible.

Subconscious Mind

What I am specifically doing here, is that I am consciously and deliberately making an effort, with repetition in mind to shift these goals from my conscious mind into my subconscious mind so that I will then automatically do things every day that are in support of me achieving these goals.

Focus Goal Journal

In addition to the above I also have a Focus Goal Journal (photo below) where I continually write each specific goal on the notepad journal, line after line after line, filling up each page – again this is so the goal moves more quickly from my conscious mind into my subconscious mind.

Focus Goal Card Journal
Focus Goal Card Journal

Bespoke Process

So there you have it, that’s the Focus Goal Card process that I am currently going through. I am fully aware that this is the final quarter of the year and I wanted to step it up a level in order to ensure I achieve what I want, so this is what I decided to do to achieve that.  Together with my Vision Wall I feel this makes a dynamic goal achievement process that is bespoke to me and I know what works for me.  For yourself, it may be a completely different process but I guess you won’t know until you try it for yourself and if you do, please let me know how you get on, I will certainly let you know how I am getting on in a future blog post.

After all, “What you think about, you bring about” and I want YOU and I to do everything we can to support that process.

Know what you want and just you go for it and please do whatever works best for you.

Lots of love to you today,  Clarabelle

Clarabelle Blog Vision Statement

Beautiful Dreams…..

Schoenstatt 

Below is a photograph of one of my most favourite places to visit.  This is “The Shrine” at the Schoenstatt Retreat and Pilgrimage Centre in Lennoxtown, Scotland (http://www.schoenstatt.co.uk/).  It is less than one hour’s drive from my hometown of Motherwell and I really do feel so blessed to be alive when I visit this stunning place, the setting is so beautiful and tranquil.

“The Shrine”

When I visit, I always make a point of going into “The Shrine” where I light some candles and say some prayers.  They also have, what I call, a prayer box, where you write down what you hope and pray for on a piece of paper, also sharing what you will do in return for your prayers being answered and then you place your folded up note in a large urn at the altar of The Shrine.  I always connect what is in my heart and soul to the lighting of my candles and the completion of the notes.  This is such a beautiful and spiritual process for me, I love it so much.

Inner Peace

I do hope that you get the opportunity one day to visit this beautiful place, hidden amongst the tranquility of nature, where you will leave with the most calming sense of inner peace living and breathing inside of you.

Clarabelle Quotes, Beautiful Dreams Amongst Nature
Photo by Clarabelle of “The Shrine” at Schoenstatt, 12.10.13

Which Way Now?…..

Which Way Now?

Photography and Quote by Clarabelle

I’m Flying Without Wings

Here is a video poem by me, entitled “I’m Flying Without Wings”, I hope you like it. Wishing you a beautiful day today, lots of love Clarabelle.

I’m Flying Without Wings

Life is good you know,
my spirit is alive.
Being just myself,
like a bumble bee in its hive.

Focus is so strong,
and grows deeper day by day.
The world around me is changing,
I’m living well this way.

Creative imaginations,
are like flowers in the spring.
Their beauty is forever abundant,
I’m flying without wings.

Created by Clarabelle 2012

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The Health of your Heart

Clarabelle Quotes

Be kind to yourself, be loving with your heart, keep it healthy and it will feel truly alive at all times.  This next poem is inspired by just that.  Lots of love to you today, Clarabelle

 

The Health of your Heart

The health of your heart,
is an important one.
Treat it so special,
relish in some fun.

Know it is precious,
loving and true.
Remember it’s happy,
always for you.

Give it fresh air,
it will blossom in the breeze.
Let its beat fill your body,
it will melt away the freeze.

Trust your intuition
let it flow in the sunshine,
Your healthy heart is so sacred
It’s quite simply sublime.

By Clarabelle, 10 October 2013

Clarabelle Blog Vision Statement

An Awakened Heart

Awakened Heart

Excitement and Enthusiasm

Another sleepless night, that’s a few in a row now…….my heart is a heart filled with excitement and enthusiasm for life and it whispers to me that it needs no rest right now. So I open the page and write to you in poetic verse, because this is what I LOVE to do. Stay beautiful my friend, because you are.  Clarabelle 🙂

An Awakened Heart

I just couldn’t sleep,
in bed last night.
I tossed and turned,
but there was nothing to fright.

I wasn’t worried,
about this or that.
I wasn’t scared,
of my inner chat.

This time it was different,
I’m happy to share.
My awakened self was excited,
I do declare.

So grateful for life,
and the abundance here.
Grateful for my health,
and positive cheer.

Jumping for joy,
about all of my dreams.
Turning to reality,
so quickly it seems.

For it comes with ease,
and I feel no pain.
My heart and soul,
is full of faith again.

The spirit never dies,
when all doors seem locked.
Love never leaves,
what the mind had blocked.

An awakened heart,
needs no rest to recover.
It beats life into you,
this you will discover

By Clarabelle, 9 October 2013

Clarabelle Blog Values and their Meaning:

Love-Life Dream-Do Values Meaning

Give-Gratitude Health-Happiness Value Meaning

Thank You For……

Beautiful Soul

Awesome

If you are a regular follower or visitor of this blog you will be fully aware that I am a big fan of gratitude, gratitude, gratitude.  🙂  I am truly so grateful for everything I have in my life right now and I know that because of my deepest gratitude for it all, the Universe brings to me more things to be fully grateful for.  This next poem is inspired by my gratitude to all that I have, all that I am and all that I am becoming……I know life can be tough at times but it also can be truly AWESOME too.  Thank YOU, love Clarabelle.

Thank You For…..

Thank you for
my life, I love you dearly
Thank you for,
seeing this so clearly

Thank you for,
my beautiful friends
Thank you for,
happiness through the lens

Thank you for,
the good mood I am in
Thank you for,
my next of kin

Thank you for,
the hope and glory
Thank you for,
my roller-coaster story

Thank you for,
the lessons gone by
Thank you for,
the mountain so high

Thank you for,
the challenges and tears
Thank you for,
my living years

Thank you for,
all the love I hold
Thank you for,
what’s about to unfold

Thank you for,
the sun and the rain
Thank you for,
the sweet laughter again

Thank you for,
being just you
Thank you for,
being so true

Thank you for,
my grateful heart
Thank you for,
this blessing, a beautiful art.

By Clarabelle, 9 October 2013

Mission Statement

I Think of You

Clarabelle Quotes, Beauty is everywhere

Beautiful People

Beautiful people touch our hearts forever and that is what this next poem is all about. Remember you are a beautiful person and you also touch the hearts of others in such a beautiful and meaningful way that makes their heart smile.  Thank you for being here, thank you for reading this, thank you for being YOU.  I write this as I think of you, much love to you today, as always, Clarabelle 🙂

I Think of You

I think of you,
a little and a lot
A beautiful smile,
that’s what you’ve got

I think of your laughter,
it makes my heart dance
Free flowing energy,
as love takes a chance

Your spirits are high,
no matter the weather
Your musical notes,
are as light as a feather

And in the midst of it all,
I hear your calling
Singing my name,
barriers falling

Life is a risk,
but with you I’m there
Climbing the mountain,
wind through our hair

For wherever you roam,
know this is true
I may not be by your side,
but I’m always with you

By Clarabelle, 8 October 2013

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A Happy Place

True Beauty

The Heart

Your mind may be jam-packed with worries today but I want you to know that you can always be happy because there is always a happy place in your heart.  The heart will always win over a busy mind, if you let it.  So relax the mind today, even if it’s just for 15 minutes and take yourself to the core of your happiness…..I’ll meet you there 🙂 .  Love Clarabelle

A Happy Place

There’s a happy place, in your heart
It’s off the scale, off the chart

No one can see it, only you can feel
Feel its magic, it is so real

It’s always there, wanting to play
Wanting to smile and laugh each day

Wanting to give, and show kindness too
Bringing joy and great treasures to you

This happy place, has no door
It’s breathing true life, into your core

It keeps you well, it keeps you strong
This happy place, is your winning song

So close your eyes, relax to the sound
Your happy heartbeat, is truly profound

Poetry Created by Clarabelle, 7 October 2013

An Easy Choice

Clarabelle Photography and Quotes, The light is love

Words that Inspire

Words that inspire, words that speak truth, words from the heart shared with you today. Our journey’s have crossed and our souls are connected and I do hope you are doing what you love today, I know I am and I’m sharing that with YOU.  Have a beautiful day, Clarabelle.

An Easy Choice

I always believed, I always knew
I had neverending faith, this was true

I gave hope a chance, to live in me
I counted my blessings, it set me free

To escape in the moment, do what I love
Creates inner peace, a connection to above

Words that inspire, warming the heart
In this jigsaw of life, it was the last part

To share my soul, to give it a voice
An inner calling, an easy choice

And now you read and now you listen
Our journey’s have crossed, dreams do glisten

I give you the key, to unlock my soul
Precious and light, making me whole

Calm the distraction, bathe in the joy
Trust your intuition, it’s your miracle toy.

By Clarabelle, 6 October 2013

 Clarabelle Blog Vision Statement

To Let In Love

Clarabelle Quotes, The Light of Love

This one’s for you, this one’s for love, this one’s for life……..  Clarabelle 🙂

To Let In Love

To let in love, with all your might
To forgive from the heart, in full flight

To offer a hand, where help is a must
To shake off the cobwebs, banish the dust

To smile through the tears, in all the pain
To see the sunlight, beyond the rain

To hear the music, in the silent night
To touch the stars, when nothing goes right

To swim in the sea, when storms arise
To breathe in life, and feel the surprise

To know you are special, and I care
To know I am waiting, and will always be there

To know that I love you, so wholesome and true
How could poor timing, separate us two

How did we get here, who let go first
Tangled in the heartache, ready to burst

It’ll come around again, stronger than before
It’ll challenge all reason, love it will soar

Be ready for the whistle, the game will begin
To let in love, is to always win.

By Clarabelle, 6 October 2013

It’s All Going to be Okay

rainbow

Sometimes you just need to say to yourself, “It’s all going to be okay” and it WILL be. This next short poem is just about that, for YOU.  I wish for you today a fabulous day, much better that okay, love Clarabelle.

Okay

I know it will be okay
I know because I think that way
I know and believe today
And this is what I’ll say
“It’s all going to be okay”

By Clarabelle, 5 October 2013

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The Spirit of an Angel

Below is another video poem for you, I remember when I created this poem, it was after I came back from a run.  Whilst out running I passed a group of school children, about 5 years old and they were all so very cute, stopping in line to let me past and smiling and waving at me.  I remember thinking that they were all such happy spirits, like the spirit of an angel…..hence the title of the poem.  Happy spirits to you today, love Clarabelle.

Even in the darkest night….

I took this photograph below for you when I was in Inverness, Scotland last week to run the marathon.  Inverness is such a beautiful place and if you haven’t had the chance to visit it, I hope you do one day.  Love Clarabelle

Even in the darkest night

Great Spirits of the Loch Ness Marathon 2013

Medals, Loch Ness Marathon 2013

It is with great pleasure that I share this blog post with you today because it is about the successful completion of my third marathon since I did my first one in November 2007. Yes, we did it, my friend Jamie Haugh and I successfully completed the Loch Ness Marathon on Sunday, 29 September 2013 in Inverness, Scotland.

At the start of the Loch Ness Marathon
At the start of the Loch Ness marathon

If I’m honest it was my toughest marathon course to date because it was very hilly, much control is required at the downhills and much strength and stamina is required on the up hills and there was quite a lot of them!!

Coffee for Clarabelle, before the marathon
Coffee for Clarabelle, 1 hour before the start of the Marathon

It was a marvelous day though and I was very mindful of embracing the day as much as possible, as I was thinking this was may be my last marathon.  🙂

Jamie Haugh at the marathon start line
Jamie Haugh at the marathon start line

Great Spirits

Jamie and I were in great spirits before the marathon started, we had such a laugh and got chatting to some other runners….I would like to give these people a mention:

  • Thank you to Mo whom I met on the train heading to Inverness, Mo was doing her first marathon and I am delighted to say she successfully completed it in an amazing time.
  • Thank you to the other marathoners who were staying at No.29 B&B Accommodation in Inverness, we had a right laugh at breakfast on marathon morning….Frank was doing his first marathon and I am so pleased to say he did it. He has already committed himself to doing it again next year, he’s on a mission to break the 4 hour barrier.
  • Thank you to John Tougher, a friend from High School, whom we met for dinner the night before the marathon, John is “proper” runner and the Loch Ness was his 10th marathon, well done John on completing your 10th marathon in an amazing time.
  • Thank you to Martin who was doing his first marathon, I used to work beside Martin’s lovely wife Ruth and we had been updating our marathon training progress on Facebook.  It was lovely to bump into Martin at the race start, amongst the sea of 4000 runners, there he was standing just in front of me.  It was great to be able to personally wish each other well.  Martin successfully completed his first marathon, well done Martin, you did it!!
  • Thank you to Gerry whom we chatted to for a while before the marathon started, Gerry had some wonderful stories to tell us, he made us laugh, I don’t know how Gerry did but he has completed many many marathons so I have no doubt he successfully completed it…no doubt whatsoever, so I will say in confidence, well done Gerry.  🙂
  • Thank you to all the other marathoners we had a wee chat to along the route, some really inspirational people running for some great charities and it was really wonderful to see and be part of.
  • Thank you to all the supporters along the route and the hundreds of people lined across the streets of Inverness leading up to the finish line, I always had a smile for everyone of you because you helped me get through the last few miles much easier.  “Go girl in the orange top”, thank you to the lovely person who cheered me on at the last mile I significantly remember you shouting that at me.  🙂
  • And last but certainly not least, thank you to Jamie Haugh for his company throughout the whole trip, we had such a laugh, played the “Positivity” game at 13th mile and the “I Am Strong” affirmation game at the 15th mile and you kept my spirits high, you did it, your second marathon this year, what an amazing achievement and you should be so proud of yourself.  Well done Jamie 🙂 🙂 🙂
Nessie at the marathon finish line
Nessie at the marathon finish line

The question is on, “Will I do another marathon?”, well, I haven’t broke the 5 hour barrier yet, I am 1 minute out……it is kinda annoying me hahahah, let’s just wait and see, I am contemplating it…..contemplating!!!  🙂

Loch Ness Marathon

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October – Question of the Month

clarabelle-cartoon-character-2.jpg

Welcome to October’s question of the month post.  At the beginning of every month I like to pose a question for you to contemplate and I will also share my own answer to the question for you.  October’s question:

Question:

Now that we’re in the the final quarter of 2013, it is good to reflect on your achievements of the year so far.  What are you most proud of achieving this year so far?

Answer:

This is a difficult one to answer for me because I honestly feel there are so many things that I am proud of achieving this year so far and a lot of it is not always immediately obvious to the outside world because a lot of it is related to self mastery, understanding oneself, become true to myself and being the person that I am and that I am becoming.

If I had to choose one I would definitely say it is related to moving forward with my singing/songwriting career.  I have such passion and soul connection to this ambition. This year so far I have taught myself how to play the keyboard, created 9 instrumentals and written 25 original songs over a 6 month period.

Everything related to me moving forward with this part of my life feels like a miracle to me, it was as if it came out of nowhere but it was a childhood dream deeply cemented in my heart.  I do truly believe that if I didn’t start this blog in April last year, I am not sure if the singing/songwriting would have unleashed itself so quickly, or even at all!!  It is as if this blog was the planting of a seed “the new me” and every blog post has nurtured that seed to grow, develop, flourish and blossom.  This blog I am so very grateful for, this blog was certainly last year’s number one achievement by far. 🙂

Reflection 

It is good to reflect on your past achievements and I would encourage you to answer this month’s question and also take time to celebrate your achievements.  After all you did it and you deserve it, you deserve the happiness it brings you.

Now, that we’re into the last quarter of 2013, make it the greatest three months of your life, I know I am.

Much love to you today, as always, Clarabelle.

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A Walk in the Rain

Sometimes a walk in nature is all you need to refresh the soul and re-balance your energies.  I love to walk in the rain, I just love it, it feels so invigorating to me.  Below is a video poem by me, all about just that.  Wishing you a day where you free your spirit amongst nature and energise your soul.  Lots of love to you, Clarabelle

 

 

 

 

The Courage Living in You

This is the second of the poems that I wrote last Friday, it is a poem about being strong, having courage and knowing that YOU really do make a difference in this world.  I hope you like it and please share it with the people you love.  Clarabelle 🙂

Photography by Clarabelle 2013
Photography by Clarabelle 2013

The Courage Living in You

Sometimes you may not always, get it right,
Sometimes you can’t, sleep at night.
Sometimes the thunder, drowns out your prayer,
Sometimes you’re lonely, when no one is there.

But a lot of times your smile, is brighter that the sun,
A lot of times you skip, no need to run.
A lot of times your happiness, cheers up a friend,
A lot of times your heart, reaches the rainbow’s end.

So when life gets you down, as it sometimes will,
When the frosty ice, is making you chill.

Remember the love, warming you up,
Remember the joy, filling your cup.
Remember you are strong, nothing can break you,
Remember the courage, living in what you do.

It’s so easy to forget, the difference you make,
It’s so easy to give, and never take.
But I want you to know, that I am here,
Always for you, bringing you cheer.

My smile is for you, my hand yours to hold,
Melting the ice, in the bitter cold.
A friend is in me, a friend is in you,
Together we’re stronger, this is so true.

Created by Clarabelle, 20 September 2013

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Mission Statement

This is a follow on post from the previous posts which related to the Clarabelle Blog core values, purpose and vision.  Today I share with you the Mission Statement for the Clarabelle Blog.  I will do another post further down the line where I pull it altogether in the one post for you i.e. core values, purpose, vision and mission statement of the Clarabelle blog.  There will also be a separate page on the Blog dedicated to these.  I want to build this Blog into something really amazing for you and I feel working on the core values, purpose, vision and mission statement will set strong foundations for going forward.  It may also me something you wish to do for your own blog, business or even self for that matter, so maybe my posts will encourage, support and give you direction with that.  Below is the Clarabelle Blog Mission Statement:

Mission StatementThe stronger I become on the inside and the more I develop and grow the better this blog will become and therefore YOU will deeply benefit also.

Thank you so much for being part of this blog, I really do welcome your comments, likes, follows, reblogs and meaningful contribution in guest posts.  Thank YOU 🙂  Clarabelle

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Where there’s passion…

path

“Where there’s passion, there is pull.”  

I just thought I would share that one with you today.  No matter how many bumps on the road there are, when you are passionate about doing something, it never feels like you have to really force yourself, you never need to fully push because the passion that you have for that thing indeed pulls you forward.

Choose a goal in life that you are passionate about, one that is in alignment with your values and watch yourself soar.

Remember:  “Where there’s passion, there is pull.”

Much love to you today, Clarabelle

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Loch Ness Marathon Coming Soon…..

Training Plan

The last 4 months I have been training vigorously for the Loch Ness Marathon to be held this Sunday, 29 September 2013.  This is my final week of training and I am pleased to say that it has all gone reasonably well with only some minor injuries and a few cuts and bruises.  This is my third marathon, I did the New York Marathon in 2007 and the London Marathon in 2010, both really challenging but amazing experiences.   Below is a photo of the training plan I have been following for the Loch Ness Marathon 2013:

Loch Ness Marathon Training Plan

I am excited about the Marathon run this Sunday, it can be a very exhilarating and highly emotional experience as you push your body past the realms of capability.  I am not sure if I will commit to doing another Marathon, I may look for a new fitness challenge, so this Sunday I am going to embrace the whole experience fully and be so thankful for my health, energy and fitness levels to take me past the finish line.  Below is a photograph of my running medals since I started road running in 2007:

Marathon Medals

I have learned a lot about myself whilst setting myself these running challenges or any challenge for that matter.  I know when I fully commit to a goal that I want to do, my determination and tunnel-vision focus will always see me achieve it.  It is like I have this inner dial in my subconscious mind switched to whatever the goal is and I know I am going to do it, I have absolute faith and belief that I will achieve that goal…..but it has to be a goal that I am passionate about doing!!

inner dial

Of course, just like any goal you want to achieve in life, you have to have a plan and you have to introduce new daily rituals which will support you and move you towards that goal. Just like my Marathon Training Plan above, then all I have to do is follow it…..simple!! Hahaha, well sometimes not so simple but I know you get my drift.  🙂

So there you have it, this Sunday, 29 September 2013,  I will be running 26.2 miles in an around Inverness, Scotland and I look forward to sharing the success story in a future blog post.

What goal have you always wanted to achieve and why?  Maybe, today is the day you decide to commit to it fully, set the inner dial on your subconscious mind to whatever it is and just you go for it.

Much love to you today,  Clarabelle

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Lightning May Strike…..

Clarabelle Journey 🙂

“Lightning may strike for a good reason.”

Lightning May Strike

Vision Statement

This is a follow on post from the previous core values and purpose blog posts.  I have been working on the Vision Statement for the Clarabelle Blog.

It is important for this Clarabelle Blog to have a clear Vision for the future in alignment with its core values of:  Love-Life; Dream-Do; Give-Gratitude; Health-Happiness.

Below is the Vision Statement for this Clarabelle Blog, I do hope you connect with it:

Clarabelle Blog Vision Statement

Why You Do What You Do

inspire images

The Next Step

In relation to my previous posts, you will be aware that I have been working on identifying the core values of this Clarabelle Blog and what each value means to me.  The next step was for me to state the true purpose of this blog and then I will work on identifying the Vision and Mission.  It is important for me to explore, identify and share with you, why I do what I do and the direction this blog is taking.    Below is the PURPOSE of this Clarabelle Blog, I do hope you make a positive connection with it.  Lots of love to you today, Clarabelle.  🙂

The purpose of this Clarabelle Blog is:

  • To have a heart to heart conversation with the world, to encourage and inspire others to growdevelop and change for the better.
  • To share wisdom and new learning and to express the creative imagination in a happy spirited way.
  • To provide true meaning and purpose to what I do and to spread a little piece of happiness amongst others.
  • To help others find their own courage to be brave and face the storms of the now in order to have the health and energy to create a better future.
  • To give love and ignite the fire within another’s soul.
  • To show gratitude for all that I am, for all that I am becoming and for all whom I cross paths with.
  • To contribute and promote the success and dreams of others.
  • To live and breathe in alignment with the core values of this blog which are: Love-Life; Dream-Do; Give-Gratitude; Health-Happiness.  Clarabelle Logo

The Meaning Behind Each Value

I Live and Breathe These Values Everyday

In my previous post I shared with you the 8 connected core values for the Clarabelle Blog. I also shared with you that the meaning behind each value is the most important part. This evening I have been working on the meaning for each value and I have detailed this below for you.  I live and breathe these values everyday and I will endeavour to demonstrate these values throughout the Clarabelle Blog.  Thank you so much for being part of this journey.  Much love to you Clarabelle.  🙂

Below are the 8 core values that the Clarabelle Blog lives by:

  • LOVE-LIFE
  • DREAM-DO
  • GIVE-GRATITUDE
  • HEALTH-HAPPINESS

Clarabelle Values

Below is what each value means:

Love-Life Dream-Do Values Meaning

Give-Gratitude Health-Happiness Value Meaning

A Smile from Clarabelle

 

Connected Core Values

Purpose and Passion

I have been working on the core values for the Clarabelle blog.  Values are really important to me and I believe they hold the foundations together and are the glue for any business, organisation or company to grow on.  In my other business, Murray People Executive Coaching I work with Company Directors and Senior Executives in helping them define their own core values and the values for their business, it can be quite an enlightening experience for them.

Below is an image I created today of the 8 connected core values which the Clarabelle blog lives by, these are:  

  • LOVE-LIFE
  • DREAM-DO
  • GIVE-GRATITUDE
  • HEALTH-HAPPINESS.

What is most important though is not necessarily the words, it is the meaning behind each of these words which add purpose and passion to each value.  I will be doing another blog post in the near future explaining what each of these values mean.

What values do you hold close to your heart?

Clarabelle Values

Attitude of Gratitude

Photography by Clarabelle 2013

How Grateful I Am

I was taking my mum to the hospital yesterday, she is fine, it was just for a regular 6 monthly check up to the eye clinic.  The hospital was so busy and whilst my mum was with the eye doctor I pullled out my iPad mini and created a couple of poems.  The first poem I wrote is below – being in the hospital made me think about how grateful I am for my own health and wellbeing and all the abundance I have in my life.  May your attitude of gratitude shine brighter than the sun today. Lots of love to you Clarabelle.

Attitude of Gratitude

I am grateful for my health, and happiness in me
Grateful for the sun, shining so free

Grateful for the rainbow, with colours so bright
Grateful for the youthfulness, making me light

I am grateful for, just every little thing
I am grateful for, the joy it does bring

For once I forgot, to thank all that I own
I was less gratefully mindful, when I was alone

But something happened, to me on my path
Something so serious, but now I do laugh

Because life is what you make it, see it shine
Let it dance in your soul, you’ll feel better than fine

Have a grateful heart, and happy spirit too
Because the attitude of gratitude, will always help you through

Poem Created by Clarabelle, 20 September 2013

We are almost at 40,000 blog hits, thank YOU for being here (27.06.2015)

Thank You Beautiful People

Thank you beautiful people, I couldn’t have made it without you.  🙂  You inspire me to keep on going 🙂

 

Blog hits 13000

What is Beauty?

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You are beautiful, feel the love in your precious heart.  This next poem is for you.  Wishing you a beautiful day today, love Clarabelle.

Beauty

Beauty is in you
Beauty is in me
Beauty is in life
Beauty is in the sea

Beauty is all around
Beauty is in the light
Beauty is in the stars
Beauty is shining bright

Beauty is in your heart
Beauty is in your soul
Beauty is in your eyes
Beauty is in your goal

Beauty is in the flower
Beauty is in the deed
Beauty is real beauty because
Beauty is your inner seed

By Clarabelle, 20 September 2013

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Gratitude, Gratitude, Gratitude

It’s All About Gratitude

About 6 weeks ago I shared on this blog that I was creating an eBook on gratitude, the eBook is entitled, “It’s All About Gratitude”.  I have been working on its content over the last couple of months and I hope to have the eBook published very soon.

In the meantime, I thought I would create a Youtube video which shares a little bit about the eBook and some original quotes from it.  Everything on this Youtube video has been created by me i.e. the photography is all my own, the background music has been created and played by me, the  original quotes are all my own and I created the video too.  I am the first to admit it is not a perfect production but at least it is a start 🙂

I hope you like it and I plan on getting the eBook published very soon, you’ve heard it here first!!

 

Love is a force…..

“Love is a force more formidable than any other.  It is invisible – it cannot be seen or measured, yet it is powerful enough to transform you in a moment, and offer you more joy than any material possession could.” Barbara de Angelis

love
Where are you inspiration?
I searched and searched you know, looking for that one piece of inspiration, that one trigger, that sentiment of hope that would help me to turn my life around.  I searched long and hard, night and day……..I struggled to find it.  Where are you inspiration, when I need you the most, where are you to help me get back up again?  And the search continued…….


So, where do you go from here?

Now, I know the answer, but at that difficult time, there was no way I was going to find it, because there was too much noise, too much desperation, too much struggle, not enough head space, not enough belief, not enough faith, focus on pain and negativity….how was I going to find inspiration amongst all that? Just like finding a needle in a haystack, I was unaware at the time, but I had given myself such a mammoth task.  So where do you go from here?  When you feel you’ve hit rock bottom and the punches keep coming, the waves get bigger and bigger and you forget how to swim….what happens next?

Yes, it does have a happy ending.

I’ll tell you what happens next, you sleep, long deep sleeps, it helps you to forget, it allows you to avoid your own perception of reality when you sleep, and when you wake up, you want to sleep again.  To be alone is your saving grace, or at least that’s what you think….but being alone too long can be dangerous, because you get swamped in the quicksand of fear.  I have stopped writing right now, because it is making me cry, taking me back to those dreadful feelings…but only for a short, sharp moment, because I am better now and I am telling the survival story – yes, it does have a happy endingYes, yes, YES.

Miss Positivity
Would you believe me if I said, going into this downward spiral, that my mind was strong and my attitude was positive….I honestly believe it was, but even for Miss Positivity the cracks did show.  Up, down, up, down, down, down, up, up, down, up…..I was a seesaw of emotions in action…sometimes good, often not so good.   For every positive thought I tried to focus on, in flowed a river of negative thoughts……I knew it wasn’t good, I knew I had to do something, anything as I cried out for help at night…. my pillow drenched with tears.


Explorer of the courageous soul

Let me fast forward for a moment, today I am in such a good place, the best I have ever felt for such a long time, even when I thought I was at my happiest, possibly in 2007, I am aware now that it was all external happiness, this time it’s different, this time it is internal,  my happiness is coming from within………….and the irony is, that I would never have discovered that place, if I had given up at the toughest of times.  You see I am a fighter, ‘never die’ kind of person, if there was a glimmer of hope, I was surely going to find it.  This to me was the ‘battle of the brave’, ‘the explorer of the courageous soul’, ‘the underdog who discovered paradise’, ‘the barefooted soldier coming out from the trenches’, ‘the white flag surrendering my heart to the universe’, ‘the first baby step of a journey that never ends’…..there is no destination… just creative imagination and infinite expression of the true self.  And so the story continues…..

This is only temporary

To combat the bruises of stress, there were many things that helped me on my way, daily gratitude, forcing myself to spend time with family and friends, daily exercise, daily meditation, daily prayer for self and for others, good nutrition, acceptance of the situation, learning to face up to my fears, letting go of the emotions that were not serving me well, continuously asking myself questions until the right ones connected with me, painting a picture of my future dreams in alignment with my core values, nurturing my inner belief and self confidence, being honest with myself, allowing myself to be vulnerable,  giving myself permission to forgive, believing that I could change the current situation, telling myself “this is only temporary”, building up trust in myself and regaining the faith that I knew was always there, identifying my strengths, surrounding myself with anything and everything inspirational, telling myself “keep going, keep going”…….

Forever Inspiring

But most of all, MOST of all, the turning point….the tipping point….the true trigger point…. was believing that I am truly loved, knowing that I was on the path to love, knowing that I was and am love and ultimately the giver of love.  Love redeems all, there is nothing more powerful than love, nothing else will reach that sweet spot like genuine love for self and others.  Love was the answer, love is the answer, love was and is the ultimate trigger of transformation and transcendence into who I am today, me with no role, no identity, no ego, just me…that is the place, that is forever inspiring, that is paradise and me.

I Am A Survivor

Clarabelle Quotes

Beautiful Energy

You are strong, so very very strong, no matter what troubles you face each day, you will always come out stronger in the end.  You have everything you need right now to win every battle that comes your way.  Your armour is your loving heart, abundant soul, happy spirit and the truth and wisdom of your beautiful mind.  This next poem is for you, because you are a survivor and I am a survivor and together we will conquer the storms of today and the mysteries of tomorrow, to illuminate the wonders in our heart.  Thank you my friends for being here and bringing your beautiful energy into my path.  Lots of love to you today, Clarabelle

I Am A Survivor 

I am a survivor, strong and pure
Fighting many battles, this is for sure
A warrior of the night, catching dreams in my soul
Holding on tight, until I reach the goal

I am a  survivor, nothing stops me
I strive for the best, I am what I want to be
I challenge the past, you don’t live here anymore
When negativity comes knocking, I don’t open the door

I am a survivor, hear my calling
I’m alive and kicking, never falling
My spirit is happy, I breathe life into me
Shining and sparkling, like ice on the sea

I am a survivor, my heart is so full
With love and abundance, this is my pull
I glide in the now, I dance on the waves
I see beauty around me, an energy haze

I am survivor, and so are YOU
Believe in yourself, and all you do
You are a survivor, you are the one
You are amazing, brighter than the sun

By Clarabelle, 19 September 2013

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Video Poem, “Flourish & Blossom”

Below is another video poem for you, entitled “Flourish and Blossom”,  I hope you like it. Love to you, Clarabelle

Guest Post of the Month – Linda Smith

Poetry from the Heart

It is my pleasure to introduce you to a wonderfully talented young lady, Linda Smith.  Linda is such a positively inspiring person and I have known her from my childhood.  She writes beautiful poetry from the heart and one of her poems is shared with you below.

Linda Smith
Beautiful Poet, Linda Smith

Introduction by Linda

Hi my name is Linda Smith and I like to write about things which inspire me, and all my writing comes from the heart. My whole outlook on life changed after my battle with anorexia. It taught me that life is priceless and should be treated as such. My philosophy is ‘You only get one shot at life, so live it to the max.’

I have a beautiful family, 2 girls, who mean the world to me and whom help, and support me with everything I do and without them I would be completely lost. I work with children and it is a wonderful job because of the innocence which they possess.

As well as writing poetry, and verses, I love to go to the gym because while I’m working out I get time with my thoughts. I love to smile, and make other people smile to because it costs nothing to make someone feel good just with smiling at them.

A Heart Full of Happiness

I look from within and what do I see,
A heart full of happiness shining at me,
For all I’ve been blessed with and all that I have,
My family, my friends, my ambition and drive.

I’ve had my troubles and problems alike,
But I know that someone is there like a light,
Switching my sense on and telling me why,
I shouldn’t get down, upset or cry, because.

I look from within and what do I see,
A heart full of happiness shining at me,
For all I’ve been blessed with and all that I have,
My family, my friends, my ambition and drive.

I’m thankful for all the chances I’ve been given,
For everyone who has been there, including those now in heaven,
Life is for living, not for dwelling,
We only get one shot so make it worth telling.

I look around to see where I am, not my area but my life…..you understand,
I ponder over it and think to myself,
I’ve achieved what I want to and still have plans,
My family and friends I love with all my heart.

I look from within and what do I see,
A heart full of happiness shining at me,
For all I’ve been blessed with and all that I have,
My family, my friends, my ambition and drive.

So the next time I think of complaining,
I’ll stop and wonder why I’m havering,
Because people out there are worse of than me,
These people need help, support and to cry a new tear,
But me, hey, my life’s not perfect,
But I’ve got what I want, who I need, and a bundle of love, so.

I look from within and what do I see,
A heart full of happiness shining at me,
For all I’ve been blessed with and all that I have,
My family, my friends, my ambition and drive.

Poetry by Linda Smith, created on 18 September 2013

Thank you Linda for being part of this blog and for sharing your wonderful poetry with us, you truly are an inspiration and your words are so beautiful.  Clarabelle.  🙂

Face Without A Smile

sunset lake

Beautiful Smile

Sometimes we have days when we don’t feel like smiling, sometimes that’s just the way we feel and sometimes there is a person out there who just wants to hold our hand, give us love and help that smile to return.  The poem below is just about that.  May you put a beautiful smile on someone’s face today, maybe just maybe they need it.  Lots of love, Clarabelle.

Face Without A Smile

I see your face, without a smile
Saddened eyes, tears for a while
I feel your hurt, I feel your pain
I know your heart, is hurt again
I want to help, I want you to know
I will share my smile, until you glow
I will give my soul, and all its strength
To see you grow, beyond arms length
To see the sparkle, in your eyes
To watch you glisten, with surprise
I will give you my love, and affection too
To show you I care, I really do
Remember me, when times are tough
I am always here, throughout the rough
Lean on me, for I am strong
My shoulder is waiting, where you belong
Today I give, what I have been given
Your inner strength, it’s in me living
For once I felt, just like you
And you were there, tying my shoe
You gave me hope, to carry on
You helped me through, your spirit shone
We have faced troubles,at different times
But what’s mine is yours, and yours is mine
Together we will fight, together we will win
In the darkness, our lights shine brighter from within

By Clarabelle, 17 September 2013

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The light….

Clarabelle Photography and Quotes, The light is love

Photo of Canvas and Quote by Clarabelle 🙂

 

Today is your….

Clarabelle Photography and Quotes

Photography and Quote by Clarabelle 🙂

 

May your life web….

I took this photograph for you the other day of a spider’s web in the rain.  When I showed the photograph to my 2 year old niece Carmen, she shouted out with beautiful happiness “Bubbles”.  I thought this was so cute and beautiful and it inspired the quote that I wrote to go along with the image.  May you stay beautiful and bubbly wherever you are in the world today.  Lots of love Clarabelle.

Clarabelle Quotes, may your web of life

Photography & Quote by Clarabelle 🙂

Beauty is everywhere….

Stunning

I was visiting my mum yesterday and I just had to take this stunning photograph for you of the sun setting in the sky in my hometown village of Carfin.

This is the sky view I used to look up at as a child in the summer time and dream of exciting adventures way far in the distance.  The beauty of the sky can really take my breath away at times, just like this very moment yesterday.    May you find much beauty in the magical moments of your day today.  Love Clarabelle

Clarabelle Quotes, Beauty is everywhere

Photo and Quote by Clarabelle 🙂

 

True Beauty…..

Clarabelle Quotes, True Beauty

Photo of Canvas and Quote by Clarabelle 🙂

Believe in Yourself…

Success

Photo by Clarabelle 🙂

Dance…..

Clarabelle Quotes, Dance Your Way Through Life

Photo of Picture and Quote by Clarabelle 🙂

 

The Light of Love….

Clarabelle Quotes, The Light of Love

Photo of Canvas and Quote by Clarabelle 🙂

 

Be Love…..

Clarabelle Quotes, Be Love, Do Love, Have Love

Photo and Quote by Clarabelle