Every month I give you a question to reflect upon and I also provide you with my own answer to that question. Here is this month’s question for you to ponder:
Question:
Which of your core values is most important to you?
My Answer:
In my work as a Coach I explore core values with the individuals I work with, I feel it is so important to understand what your values are and what each value means to you. My number one core value without any doubt is “Love”. What does “Love” mean to me? Love is everything, without love for self and for each other, life for me would be meaningless. Love has an invisible power, like no other force, love is the answer to all conflicts and broken down relationships. Love is magnetic, love is nature, love is peace, love is love, is love. “Love Redeems All” (that’s on my Vision Wall).
On 21 December 2012 I was invited to attend a Winter Solstice meditation event. Here is an extract from the invitation:
“This year’s Winter Solstice is an extraordinary event that has been anticipated and speculated by the astrologers for many years. I’m sure we have all heard about the Mayan calendar ending its significant cycle on that day. There is another most powerful event that is taking place on December 21st 2012. On that day the planet earth will be part of the Galactic Alignment that takes place once every 26,000 years. We are having this meditation with the intention to align with this monumental event. When we come together our energies converge to create a powerful magnetic force that attracts the universal energies. Together we are more than the sum of its parts. We do this in support of the transformation and growth which we hope to maintain in the coming year of 2013. This event will never be witnessed by us or by many generations that follow us. We cannot afford to miss this opportunity for honouring and letting go of the Old with grace and gratitude, and embracing the New in trust, surrender and joy.”
I had never been to anything like this before and I was excited to go. It felt really strange at first, just because it was all new to me but I felt I really embraced the event with all my heart. When I came home from the event I drew the following picture of “Love“, at the time I never fully understood what I was drawing, I was…..well, just drawing because it felt right at the time. Now, as I read more on the subjects of “The Quantum Field”, “The Law of Vibration” and other related topics, I am really starting to understand what my drawings mean.
What does love look like to you? If you had to draw a picture of “Love” what would it look like? I’m cheating now because that is more questions. :-)
I will leave you with those thoughts of love.
Much love to you today as always, Clarabelle.
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:
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 to the core of who you really are. Personally, I really love it and I will continue every day to develop my soul.
What will you do today to honour your soul?
Wising you a beautiful day filled with smiles, joy and happiness, may your soul shine with great courage, true spirit and unconditional love.
Much love to you today, Clarabelle.
True Happiness
I believe “Happy Ever After” has nothing to do with the “after”, I believe it is in the now, right at this very moment, because this moment, right now, is always we have. I created a poem this evening about “What is Happy Ever After?” and I also recited it on Youtube for you. I hope you like it. May this moment, right now in your life, fill you with true happiness, lots of love Clarabelle.
What is Happy Ever After?
Peace from within, joyful inside,
Gratefulness in the moment, being your guide.
The brightest star, shining on you,
The rainbow smiling, on what you do.
The deepest love, you ever could feel,
Hugging each other, on the family and friends wheel.
A kiss, a cuddle, a warm embrace,
Being in the now, no happiness to chase.
Calmness in the soul, free from stress,
Creating space, living with less.
So on this journey of life, enjoy the laughter,
This is my answer to, “What is Happy Ever After?”
Created by Clarabelle on 27 August 2013
Have a heart of gratitude today, count your many blessings and feel the warmth of gratitude breathe inside of you, nourishing your every cell. Lots of love to you today, Clarabelle
“If the only prayer you said in your whole life was “THANK YOU” that would be suffice.” Meister Eckhart (c. 1260-c. 1328)
You are reading this right now because our energies are in alignment, how beautiful is that. Thank you. Love Clarabelle
Study Tour
In June 2010 I led a small leadership and personal development study tour to New York City. It was such an amazing experience and I learned so much. “Great minds think differently” is a quote that was displayed brightly on an a massive advertising sign in the middle of Times Square and I resonated with it at the time. On the Study Tour, we met up with other leaders and professional coaches whilst over there. We went from Wall Street to Princeton, New Jersey to Westchester to Hoboken to Staten Island, you name it we were there. We also got the wonderful opportunity to sail on my friend’s boat on the Hudson River and I was given a complimentary helicopter ride over the very stunning New York City by another friend of mine. My friend Maritza also got us a private tour around the United Nations building, that was really amazing.
I produced a whole brochure on the experience of leading and participating in the Leadership Study Tour and if you are interested in receiving a complimentary copy, please just email me and I will email it to you claire@murraypeople.com
Energy
The reason I am sharing this with you is because I came across the beginnings of a video I produced from the trip (see below). I always get so much energy from visiting New York City as it holds a very special place in my heart and this is were I also met my first love in 2007. We are not together now, for the right reasons I believe but we still remain distant friends.
In relation to the Youtube video, for anyone who is not familiar with the drink “Irn Bru”, it is a well known and very popular soda drink (pop) here in Bonny Scotland. It is often called Scotland’s Other National Drink!! I took it over for some of my American friends to try, hence Donna’s comment on the video of it tasting like “liquid candy“. 🙂
New York, New York I’ve been there five times now since 2007 and I know I will visit it again, I have many great connections over there and I am sure will be doing some work over there soon.
What place do you like to visit and why? I’d love to know.
May your day today be filled with beautiful loving energy, lots of love, Clarabelle
Just for you 🙂
Think Feel Do
I want you to think about this, how do you usually respond to the people and circumstances around you when you are in a low mood? Chances are if you’re anything like me, not very positively. Wouldn’t it be best then to wait until your mood changes to a much more positive mood before you respond to situations. Yes, I know you can’t wait forever because this is life and you will want to be getting on with things, but if you take ‘time’ out of the equation and focus more on changing your thinking about the situation then ‘time’ will not be the main issue……you just have to change your thinking. You see it’s all really about THINK, FEEL, DO – let me explain. Your thinking comes first, which then determines how you feel which is then followed by what you do, so if you don’t like what you’re doing or how you’re feeling change the way you think.
High Mood
I want to encourage you to really think about what you’re thinking before you respond to anything in your life. When you are in a high mood you will be thinking good thoughts and good feelings and behaviour will follow. When you are in a high mood you are much better equipped to tap into your true wisdom and you will find it much easier to come up with the solution to any problems you have.
Hopefully this post will give you some food for thought.
“When you’re in a high mood, life looks good. You have perspective and common sense.” (Richard Carlson)
I encourage you today to think your way out of a low mood and into a high mood, then respond to what needs done, I am sure you will get much better results all round.
Lots of love to you today, as always, Clarabelle.
You are really special, I want you to know that, yes YOU, yes you are, you are so very special, always believe that, always know that because you are. Here is a little poem just for you 🙂 Love Clarabelle
Where is tomorrow
Where is tomorrow?
To brighten up my soul
Where is the light?
To help me see my goal
My friend I want to tell you
Don’t put your life on hold
Tomorrow waits for no one
Today you really are pure gold
poemsbyclarabelle, 11 August 2013
Top Ten Bucket List Poem
Since I turned 40 a few weeks ago I have been thinking about creating my very own bucket list but the more I think about it, I feel what is most important to me, is what these experiences give me. So I thought about it a little bit more, as I always do and I came up with the following Top Ten Bucket List poem. I hope you like it. May all your dreams come true and fulfill you in such a meaningful and purposeful way, love Clarabelle
Top Ten Bucket List
In my bucket list of life
I will take these things
First is love and the joy it brings
Second is faith into the light
Third is truth shining bright
Fourth is beauty from inside it glows
Fifth is gratitude where magic grows
Sixth is kindness because I like to give
Seventh is freedom of choice to live
Eighth is wisdom to give me trust
Ninth is patience, this is a must
Tenth is happiness, fulfillment too
My top ten bucket list, I shall do
poemsbyclarabelle, 6 August 2013
Ponder, Think, Reflect
I am 10 weeks into my 16 week marathon training programme and my long runs at the weekend can be quite challenging. Yesterday, I had to do a 16 mile run, this took me about 2 hours and 45 minutes. I stopped taking music with me on these runs and I now use the time to ponder, think and reflect on whatever comes up for me at that time – very often these thoughts turn into a blog post, just like today.
Carfin
My running routes are through my local town and often take me into other connecting villages and towns. Yesterday I found myself running in the village of Carfin that I was brought up in and where my mum lives.
Whilst running up hill towards my mum’s home I thought about the times when I visit her and then a sad thought came over me, one day I will not be visiting my mum in her home, because one day my mum and just like the rest of us will not be here. I didn’t ponder this for too long because I didn’t want to make myself feel too sad. I suppose that is life and that is the reality of it all but it did make me think about me really wanting to spend quality time with my mum whilst she is here and whilst I live so close to her. I then immediately thought of all the nice things we could do together, places we could go and visit, conversations we could have, holidays we could go on…..lots of special time together. So I now have a little plan of action to put all of this into place.
Loved Ones
Sometimes in life without even realising it we can take our loved ones for granted, especially when everything is going well with their health etc.. My run towards my mum’s house yesterday made me really think about that, I want to spend as much quality time with my mum as I can and I will and I look forward to sharing those lovely fun stories with you on this blog.
If this post has made you think about a loved one, please give them a phone, visit them, drop them an email or text…..just connect with them and let them know you are thinking about them and are there for them, it will make you and that person feel great today.
Wishing you a beautiful day filled with love and happiness, Clarabelle
The image below says it all really. I wrote this next poem for you. May you never give up on all that you are becoming and more. Love to you Clarabelle.
Never Give Up On You
Never give up on you
Show them what you can do
Dream a little more
Opportunity will knock on your door
Abundance awaits for you
Keep going, see it through
Step closer to your goal
Sweet diamonds come from coal
poemsbyclarabelle, 4 August 2013
Time stands still for no one, tick tock, tick tock, tick tock….second after second life goes by, tick tock, tick tock, tick tock, there goes another moment. STOP!!! THINK!! and ask yourself this question, “What are YOU going to do?” Remember it’s still ticking, every breath you take, every blink of an eye, the second hand on the clock goes round. ACT!! Just do what you need to do to challenge yourself and make your life better today. Be brave, be bold, step out of your comfort zone and just you GO FOR IT!! I know I am. This next poem is for you my lovely friends, I hope you make each moment count today. Lots of love to you Clarabelle.
Face the Music
I hear it play
I know its sound
From up above
And underground
I feel it move
Shift a beat
I feel its presence
Dancing in my feet
The candle burns
The clock ticks by
Around it goes
Flying high
Face the music
See its light
It is with you
Burning bright
This is your time
Know this and more
Building bridges
A new path to explore
There’s no straight line
No end, no beginning
There is only love
Your heart is winning
poemsbyclarabelle, 2 August 2013
At the beginning of every month I give you a question to ponder and considering answering for yourself and I also share my own answer with you. Below is this month’s question:
Question:
When was the last time you laughed and I mean like a good old “belly laugh”?
My Answer:
I honestly do laugh every day, however the last time I remember having a good old “belly laugh” was when I visited my mum recently for a cup of tea, we were having a nice chat and she said something that surprised me, it was so unexpected I could not stop laughing and because I was laughing so much she couldn’t stop laughing either. I am even laughing thinking about it now.
Life can be oh too serious at times and sometimes you just need to laugh out loud, go on have a laugh with your friends today, watch a funny movie or listen to your favourite comedian, whatever it is just you make sure you laugh then I know you will feel amazing.
May this month of August be filled with sweet laughter for you.
Love Clarabelle
A New Hello
She said her last goodbye
Not a tear she did cry
For she knows, the time is right
A better future, a star so bright
Footprints in her heart, pave the way
A blessed tomorrow, is cherished today
And forever in her soul she holds
Secret whispers, painted gold
The sound is clear, reflective and true
Mystery is beyond, the sky so blue
The happy sun, makes her glow
Goodbye friends, she has a new hello
poemsbyclarabelle, 22 July 2013
I had this thought whilst out running yesterday morning, it certainly made me think and maybe because I am very much a ‘people person’ i.e. I love people, is why I think this way.
Golden Summer Meadow
Imagine you were walking alone through a beautiful golden summer meadow, beneath the bluest of skies, with the sun beaming down on all the colours of the flowers around you, the scenery is so stunning it has a white haze around it, as if you were in your own beautiful dream.
You feel lots of love around you, you feel happy, contented and at peace, you are grateful for this moment, you feel very blessed indeed. Imagine that moment for yourself right now, if you’re anything like me, you feel so happy and have a soft smile upon your face. What is it that makes you feel that way, when you walk through the golden summer meadow, what makes you feel at one?
Think About This Now
Now I’m going to switch this up a little bit, imagine everything is the same as above but the only difference is, you now know that you are the only person living in this world whilst walking through the beautiful golden summer meadow, think about this now, how does it make you feel? I thought about this, the surroundings have not changed but for me, now I feel alone, now I feel lifeless, now I feel lacking in energy, now I feel dead inside……why do I feel this way?
No Life But Your Own
For me, it is because there are no people to share this experience with, no family or friends to go home and talk to, no conversations to look forward to, no laughter shared with another, no life but your own, no relationships to nurture, no one to give your love to, no one to love, just to give love to yourself.
So I am thinking, that you have can as much self love within you to reach the stars and back but if you don’t have other people in your life to share it with, to give your love to, it becomes dead, it doesn’t thrive, it doesn’t grow.
Field of Love
You see this made me think about how we are all connected, we are all connected with that invisible field of love, love’s energy is keeping this Universe alive and the best way for the Universe to grow and thrive is to share your love with others and in doing so you get more love.
A little love goes a long way, you will never be alone in the beautiful golden summer meadow as long as there is love inside of you and the knowing that it is reaching out to others.
Your love is so powerful, more powerful than you will ever know but I feel the key is to ensure you share it, you give yourself the opportunity to express it, you give it, this I feel is what will ignite the inner flame of your own love, it will take root and nourish every part of your very being.
Another way of looking at it is this, imagine you’re the only person in this world with a loving heart……..I think that’s another blog post.
Thank you for taking the time to read my running reflections, would be good to know what you think of it all, I’d love to know.
Wishing you a beautiful day filled with love, Clarabelle
Inspiration is Everywhere
Inspiration is all around
Up above and on the ground
In your heart and in the sun
Colourful flowers and kids having fun
Starry skies and oceans of blue
Walks in the park, all that you do
All that you think, all that you feel
Inspiration, can help you heal
Open your mind, body and soul
Inspiration will make you feel whole
The strangers on the street, have it too
The lonely kid, staring at their shoe
Awake in this moment, know that it’s there
Inspiration is everywhere
poemsbyclarabelle, 24 July 2013
This is a follow-on blog post from yesterday, as I come towards the completion of the final chapter of the book “Discover the Gift” by Demian Lichtenstein and Shajen Joy Aziz. I did say yesterday that I loved this book and I love it even more after reading the latest chapter because it is all about love. The book shares, that to have love is the ultimate gift and I cannot agree more. When I think back to everything that has happened in my life, ups and downs, good times and bad times it has always been connected to love, whether it is giving love, having love, losing love, fear of love, being love and/or doing love. Let me share this beautiful story from the book:
Love, Wealth and Success
SHEILA R. MCKEITHEN: I once heard this story: Love, Wealth, and Success knocked on a door, and two grandparents answered. “Come on in!” they said. But the three visitors said, “We can’t all come in. You can only invite one of us in.”
“Love, Wealth, Success: who do I invite in?” the grandfather asked the grandmother. But before she could say anything, their little granddaughter answered. “Invite Love in!” she shouted. They did, and when Love, walked in, the other two followed. Grandpa exclaimed, “But you said only one of you could come in!” And Love responded, “Where I go, they follow me.”
What a beautiful, heartfelt story and I feel it really does make you think. Let love in today, open the door and welcome it with open arms the rest of what you need and want in life will follow, I am sure of that.
Much love to you today, Happy Friday, Clarabelle
A smile can bring comfort to the deepest pain and a smile will warm your heart until full happiness returns again. This next poem is just for you……”Just Smile”. I wish you a day filled with rainbows and smiles. Love Clarabelle
Just Smile
When times are tough and you’re feeling rough
Just smile
When thunder roars and the rain pours
Just smile
When happiness goes and the wild wind blows
Just smile
When you’re lost in the crowd and don’t feel proud
Just smile
When hope departs and there’s broken hearts
Just smile
When the bee stings and no one sings
Just smile
When darkness falls and there’s only brick walls
Just smile
When you want to be you, when you want to be true
Just smile
When you smile, you bring love and light
Smile with your heart, win the fight
poemsbyclarabelle, 12 July 2013
Today I have been in creative mode, I have written two inspirational songs so far and I am very pleased with the outcome. The songs are entitled “YES YOU CAN” and “YOU ARE THE KEY”, once I have had my songs registered with BMI and recorded on YouTube I will share them with you on this blog.
I am excited to share these songs because I believe that if you are having a tough day and you then listen to these songs, I am hoping the lyrics will connect with you in some way and uplift your spirits. We all need a little morale boost now and again and I feel the essence of these two songs is all about that.
Make today be a “YES YOU CAN” day for you because “YOU ARE THE KEY” to turning your life around for the better.
Wishing you a day filled with happiness and joy, love Clarabelle.
Don’t let life pass you by, do all you can to make it a great life, think about who or what inspires your soul, what connects your spirit to another dimension, what gives you that feeling of excitement inside……..hold on to that thought, embrace that special feeling because that’s who you are, that’s what makes you YOU.
There is a special something inside of you, a precious gift that is waiting to be unwrapped, unfold it gently and release its magic into the Universe. I see it now, I see you sparkling and glistening, touching other happy spirits and uplifting the temporary broken ones.
Close your eyes right now, feel that special gift inside of you, let this unique feeling penetrate every part of your being, let it flow, let it out, let it dance with the stars under the moonlit sky……your light is special, like no other light, let it glow.
I know you are smiling now, you feel it, you believe it, now let the people of this world welcome it with open arms.
May you have a truly magical weekend, only you can make it magical, do it and don’t let life pass you by.
Thank you Universe for making this a truly MAGICAL weekend for me and for you.
Much love to you today, as always, Clarabelle
Sometimes when we are going through the deepest of pain, your best creative work can be produced. Right now this hurts, it is a live experience for me, however, I have an unbelieveable amount of inner strength, I express what I feel and I become stronger. We live, we love, we loss – we give, we love, we gain. I hope you enjoy this next poem, love Clarabelle.
What do you do?
What do you do, when faced with deep pain?
Emotional hell, love lost again.
What do you do, when all trust has gone?
Before you thought of someone, from dusk till dawn.
What do you do, when your heart is so sad?
You want to hold on, but that would be bad.
What do you do, in the midst of it all?
You build up more barriers, to create a brick wall.
Let me tell you, when tears they do fall,
There is a reason, for you to stand tall.
Life is not easy, love can turn cold,
Be confident in your soul, be bright, be bold
Nothing can break you, nothing at all,
This sadness is temporary, hear my call.
A new love will come, and shine like a star,
Reaching out to you, so special you are.
Keep your self-love, respect all of you,
A passionate heart, will always break through.
Love grows from within, it travels afar,
Needing no transport, train, plane or car.
Your love is pure, gentle and true,
It will always find, the right person for you.
So smile in the morning, wipe away the tears,
A new love will be born, staying with you for years.
poemsbyclarabelle, 24 June 2013
Words of Wisdom
You may remember a post I did recently called “The Zig Zag Way of Life”, so I thought I would directly apply my own words of wisdom, which I did yesterday.
As I have previously shared on this blog, I am training for the Loch Ness Marathon in September this year and I am following a strict marathon training programme where yesterday I had to run 7 miles. I had a specific running route pre-planned in my head, however whilst thinking about my zig-zag post, I decided to go on a zig-zag route rather than the usual straighter route. So there I went zig-zagging my way across the local town, when I suddenly realised I was approaching the Cemetery where my Dad is buried. I decided right there and then I would run into the Cemetery and visit my Dad’s gravestone.
It Also Felt Right
It was a strange kind of feeling at first running into the Cemetery, but it also felt right. I run up to my Dad’s gravestone, kissed it and said “Thank You Dad” and I tearfully ran off again to finish my run. When I run away from my Dad’s gravestone I immediately choked up with tears, I honestly couldn’t breathe for the heavy sadness I felt. I love my Dad and I miss him dearly and I was, for just a short few seconds, overwhelmed with the deepest emotion – 10 seconds later I was absolutely fine.
I felt so good the rest of the day and I will tell you why. I am learning a lot about the power of saying “thank you” in a meaningful way and I don’t think I ever properly said it to my Dad when he was alive, I am sure I always felt it, but I never said it to him and for me yesterday, I just had this deep urge to tell him “Thank You”, so I did.
Zig-Zagging
So my decision to change the route led me to zig-zagging my way to saying thank you to my Dad, I know his happy spirit heard my loving whispers.
Who do you want to say “thank you” to today? Who do you want to thank for being in your life? I do hope this post encourages you to do just that.
Thank you, thank you, thank YOU for reading this post, it really does mean a lot to me.
Much love to you today, Clarabelle,
“Hold in your heart the truth. Now live by it”. (Clarabelle)
Much love to you today, Clarabelle
You have a good heart, remember that and it is always with you. This next poem is inspired by just that. Have a lovely day with your heart today, Clarabelle
Me and My Heart
Me and My Heart, we travel together;
No matter what time, no matter the weather.
We are strong in the sunshine, stronger in the rain,
When we laugh out loud, we are free from pain.
Sometimes we are heavy, closed off to it all;
Sometimes we are happy, having a ball.
But one thing’s for sure, I’ll never change mine;
For me and my heart, we’re simply divine.
poemsbyclarabelle, 17 June 2013
Here is another song I created recently, it is entitled “Together” and it is about meeting the right partner and falling in love.
I LOVE, love, I always have and always will. I think this would make a really good wedding song for the happy couple on their special day. I hope you enjoy the lyrics and melody I created. Below is the YouTube video of me singing the song and I have also included the lyrics of the song below, thank you so much for listening, I am very grateful indeed. Much love to you today, as always, Clarabelle.
“Together“
Verse 1:
When love comes your way
Be open
When sparks lift your heart
like lightning
Release your spirit
Shine today
Love forever
Hear for me say
Chorus:
Let the Church bells ring for us
Together we’re in love
Let the music play our tune
Together, we’ll be soon
Let your heart, entwine with mine
As one we are divine
Let your smile give warmth to me
Together, we will be
Verse 2:
When your heart sings with joy
Be happy
When the sun shines on you
Its energy
Free your spirit
Glow today
Bloom forever
Hear me say
Chorus:
Let the Church bells ring for us
Together we’re in love
Let the music play our tune
Together, we’ll be soon
Let your heart, entwine with mine
As one we are divine
Let your smile give warmth to me
Together, we will be
Bridge:
Happy, Happy
Together in love
Knowing, showing
Smiles from above
Happy, Happy
Together in love
Knowing, showing
Smiles from above
Chorus: (to fade)
Let the Church bells ring for us
Together we’re in love
Let the music play our tune
Together, we’ll be soon
Let your heart, entwine with mine
As one we are divine
Let your smile give warmth to me
Together, we will be
Copyright, Claire Marie Murray, a.k.a Clarabelle, May 2013
A little bit of inspiration goes a long long way. I came across this YouTube video a few weeks back, you may already have seen it but I feel I just had to share it on here, it is very empowering indeed. Arthur in the video is such a true inspiration to each and everyone of us, may his story inspire you to take on what others see as the “impossible”.
Much love to you in this very moment, we all need a little bit of love to come our way, Clarabelle.
I am having a serious chat with myself today, I have the energy and enthusiasm to really move forward in life, to achieve all that I want to achieve, to embrace life and all its challenges and to breathe in the most beautiful view from the top of the highest mountain.
The conversation I am having with myself today is this:
“Out with the old and make room for the new“, this is a MUST for me, old everything is going, I have to make room for the new, it needs the space to thrive, it needs space to breathe and it needs me to create the space for it. This new energy will bring an abundance of everything I’ve ever wanted and I know NOW is the time to make room for it. I need to get out of my own way and just do it. This is serious stuff, this is MY LIFE, there is no going back, there is only right now and the dreams that I hold in my heart. I will make this change for myself, I will clear out ALL of the old and welcome the new with true love, open arms and a warm smile.
YOU
I sincerely challenge you today, to have a serious conversation with yourself:
What do you need to do?
What do you need to commit to?
What fears do you have to face that are holding you back?
Now is the time, this moment is all we have, DO IT FOR YOU, it’s your life GO GET IT!!
Wishing you a beautiful day today filled with committed action and inspiration that will live in your heart forever. Lots of love, Clarabelle
I came across this video on YouTube just now, I just loved it, I can relate, I feel it is happening to me and I just thought I would share it with you today.
Much love to you today, as always, Clarabelle
“Be grateful for all that you have NOW, just be truly grateful and the magic of abundance will come to YOU.” Clarabelle
I am currently on holiday right now, so that is why I have not posted for a few days. I want you to know that I have been thinking about you and I have some great posts to follow soon, when I come back. Here is a short quote from me to you,
“The sun is always shining in your heart, let your inner rays warmth the soul of another, be bright, light and glow forever.”
Love to you from the Island of Ibiza, Clarabelle
I was at my cousin’s very beautiful wedding on Friday, it was such a glorious day and I could really feel love’s energy in the air, it was like being constantly cuddled by someone you love.
The wedding ceremony was so very special and the wedding party looked stunning. The Pastor who married the couple did a sermon at the end of the service and it was based around the theme of ‘love’ and I loved what he said. During his sermon he said “love does not look back” and then he went on to talk about what that actually means in a relationship. It really did make me think and I believe that I was meant to be there that day and to hear that message.
Friday was definitely a day filled with love and it was so lovely to be around. I want you to really think about what that statement means for you today and how you can apply that to your life right now in such a positive way, I know I did and I will hold on to this beautiful message forever.
Much love to you today, as always, Clarabelle
Progress
I set myself high standards because I want to be the best that I can be. I want to become a better person every day, sometimes I get this right, sometimes I don’t, but as long as I learn from it and apply the learning going forward, I know I will progress.
I don’t strive to be perfect, what is perfect anyway? To me the closest thing to perfect is in the imperfections, that I feel is our uniqueness. I don’t want to be like anybody else, I just want to be me, I like being me and I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way.
Today, I want you to embrace in the fullness of this life, the wonderful person that is YOU, everything about you is special, believe you are the miracle of all miracles. Believe in YOU, in all that you do, let your spirit fly and let your imagination free your soul into the Universe. This energy will take shape and form into something that may be beyond your belief right now but I want you to have faith and hold onto that vision because you are a magnet for it and it’s making its way to YOU.
Much love to you today, Clarabelle
Being Brave
This is a breakthrough day for me today, a day where I put my energy and heart out there to the world. I say this because I am being brave and courageous and putting myself out there to the Universe in a different way. I am sharing with you one of the songs I wrote recently for my new Album called “The Becoming of Me”. This is the first time I have ever sang on video with the intent to demonstrate the power and unfolding of making my dreams come true. This passion has indeed been locked inside of me for over 30 years and now I am embracing the moment and creating opportunities for myself. I have no idea where this may lead to, all I know is that it feels right to share with you today.
TRACK 1: “I AM HERE”
This song is about the loss of a loved one (my father) and also about having a loved one who lives very far away from you, like in a long distance relationship or family living “Across the Miles”. It tells the heartfelt story of the strong innner desire to have them so close to you, in that very moment, imagining them so close that they are actually there, then feeling the heartbreak of the reality that they are not there and are never coming back or will not be back for a long time.
Here is the YouTube video of me singing the song in acapella, I do hope you like it.
Here are the song lyrics:
Verse 1
The night is cold tonight
I feel you here
And I just want you now
I want you near
But you are far away
From me
My heart is silenced now
It’s history
Chorus
And I am here
For you
I am close
Can you feel me too
Your love
Is all I need
Heaven open your gates
This I plead
Verse 2
The starry sky so bright
Watches me
I feel your presence here
Let this be
You may be far away
From me
My heart is open now
Set me free
Chorus
So I am here
For you
I am close
Can you feel me too
Your love
Is all I need
Heaven open your gates
This I plead
Heaven open your gates
This I plead
Encore
I once had hope
That I held you
Tight in my arms
Loving you
I see your smile
I see your eyes
Loving me
Beyond the skies
Chorus
And I am here
For you
I am close
Can you feel me too
Your love
Is all I need
Heaven open your gates
This I plead
Heaven open your gates
This I plead
Copyright, Claire Marie Murray, a.k.a. Clarabelle, May 2013
I would really love to hear what you think of the song and lyrics, it will help me develop into the Artist that I am becoming.
I truly thank you for listening and may you be brave and courageous today, wherever you are in the world.
Much love to you, as always, Clarabelle
True Story
I would like to share a true story of mine with you today.
When I was 16 years old, my first full-time job was as an Office Assistant in a Solicitor’s Office in Glasgow City Centre. I really loved that job, mainly because I really loved the people I worked with, it was really fun at times and I learned so much with it being my first permanent job.
Escape
Unfortunately, I was in two serious car crashes when I was 18 years old and was in crutches for a year and half and sadly, my position at the Solicitor’s Office had to be terminated because there was no real indication when I would make a full recovery and was likely to return. So there I was at the age of 18, in crutches for 18 months, no job and no real indication from the Doctors at the hospital when I would get fully better. I could have been really depressed about being in that situation, but I wasn’t. I decided to use the extra time I had to read lots of books from the library on subjects I was interested in at the time, it helped me escape from my current reality.
A Christmas Gift
There is a significance to me telling you this story and that is because of a Christmas gift that was given to me when I was 16 years old from the staff when I was working in the Solicitor’s office. They very kindly got me this lovely mug, that I totally treasured, it had my name on it “Claire” and a short poem about the meaning of name. Here is the little poem:
CLAIRE
MEANING: LIGHT
You’re quick to solve puzzles
Without hints or clues
And shed light on situations
Known to confuse.
The inner glow you have
Because of your name
Makes your life a lighthearted,
Whimsical game.
You’ll always know happiness,
Love and delight,
For you follow a lifelong path
Cheerful and bright.
It was my job to make the coffee and tea for everyone throughout the day in the office and every time I made myself a quick cuppa, I would read the little poem and smile with delight, I really loved it so much.
However, when my employment got terminated at the office I never seen my treasured little mug again….until 15 years later, yes my little mug came back to me and here is a photo of it below:
So how did it find its way back to me? This next true story is fascinating.
My younger sister, Leanne met her husband to be Cameron when she was 22 years old and Cameron was 18 at the time. My sister and I had both decided to spontaneously go out the evening she met Cameron, they instantly fell in love with each other and are now very happily married with three beautiful children. The interesting fact here is that Cameron had lived in Cape Town, South Africa all his life and him and his family emigrated to Scotland to live, the year Leanne and him met.
Our Claire
A few years after they met, Leanne and Cameron got married and it was a very beautiful wedding. Shortly after the wedding, Cameron’s mum, Joan, who works in an Accountant’s office, was showing her friends in work the wedding photographs, she then also showed the ladies in the office downstairs the wedding photographs. Whilst looking through the photographs, one of the ladies said, “Who is that bridesmade girl?”, and Joan said it was Leanne’s sister, Claire, they said that’s “Our Claire”, “She worked here when was 16 years old…..we kept her mug, please give her mug back to her and tell her we are asking for her”. WOW, Joan had been working in the Accountant’s office upstairs from the Solicitor’s office I worked in when I was 16 years old and none of us knew.
Joan, surprised me one day, she turned up with the mug for me and told me the whole story, what a truly wonderful surprise it was….after 15 years, they kept the mug and it was returned to me.
I still find this story very fascinating and especially that the mug has poetry on it…..which for me as you know, poetry, if part of my life, it is part of who I am.
24 Years Later
I have visited the staff in the office since then, some of the original staff who worked there when I was 16 are still working there, almost 24 years later. They have also allowed me the use of their offices to hold coaching sessions in…this time I am not the receptionist, I am the business owner meeting with my own clients…..I feel I have come along way since those days as an Office Assistant.
True Love
I am not exactly sure what the moral of the story is here, I think you will have your own take away from it. All I know is that, my “Claire mug” was meant to come back to me and it took a family to emigrate to Scotland from Cape Town, South Africa and a real love story to make its way back to me…..how lovely indeed. I really treasure this “Claire mug” with all my heart, I believe, true love brought it back to me and now I share this story with you today.
If you have an uplifting true story you would like to share, I would really love to here it, why don’t you share it on my blog, I would be happy to dedicate a blog post to it for you.
Lots of love to you today, Clarabelle
Love, Care and Attention
“Out with the old and in with the new”, that’s my current mode of thinking at the moment. I’m mainly referring to the refurbishments I am getting done in my home right now, both inside and outside the house and I feel that is a true mirror reflection of what is going on inside of me also. Leading up to these home refurbishments I had been strongly visualising for a while what I specifically needed and wanted done i.e. whole house painted in white, new red sofa, new wall paintings,outside garden to be looking great, trees felled, hedges trimmed back, be gone with the old shed….basically a full makeover with lots of love, care and attention given to the tasks at hand.
Inside of Me
I feel that work didn’t properly happen until I worked on the inside of me first and I have been on a major self-improvement plan, really quite seriously since October 2011. I have been doing lots and lots of things to make me a better me and I can honestly say I am feeling the best I have ever felt since probably 2007. I sorted myself out, put my health and wellbeing at the forefront, focused on my learning and development and went to work every day on me. It wasn’t an easy job, some days I had to force and push myself to take action, but I did it….I am doing it and I becoming the person I want to be. I feel an abundance of positive energy flowing through me, there is sunlight beaming from my heart and soul and it is now penetrating into everything I do. An abundance of opportunities are unfolding in front of my eyes and my self-belief has soared to the greatest of heights. My confidence in me and my capabilities is second to none and because I have raised my standards I am getting better results for me.
So why am I sharing this with you?
Well, as I have personally experienced and as we all know, life is not always a bouquet of roses and set backs come our way, we lose faith and hope in ourselves and humanity and we struggle to get out of the gutter. Our minds are saturated with the pain of negative thoughts and our heart feels abandoned. If you are reading this part and you can relate to it right now, believe this….positive change for YOU is on its way and I encourage you to take the first baby step towards freeing yourself from the quicksand. It might be even something simple like making a phone call, speaking to a friend, or like me, expressing your thoughts in poetry. You will have your own unique way that works for you, but you need to “start with the end in mind”, right now, visualise the positive change you want to see happen for yourself and combine that with deliberate personal action.
Inner Spirit
Yesterday has gone, it’s not coming back, do one thing today that will make a difference to your tomorrow, maybe even your now. What will that be for you? Your body, mind, heart and soul is always connected to your inner spirit, dust away the cobwebs, breath in the fresh air and let your inner light guide you on a path that will not only change yourself for the better but will inspire other hearts along the way.
By reading this, you already have the energy of my love igniting your heart……I do hope that’s a nice thought for you and that you will keep the fire burning.
Much love to you today, as always, Clarabelle
You are…….
You are amazing, unique and very special indeed, there is no one else exactly like you. You have the capacity to achieve all that you have ever dreamed of, I want you to visualise that now, see yourself in that place of abundance, love and lots of beautiful laughter. Yesterday is now a distant a memory, tomorrow is not here yet, embrace today, welcome the NOW with open arms, go out for a walk and let the gentle breeze outside blow away the remaining cobwebs.
Awakening Your Soul
Right now, I want you to take 3 long deep breaths, inhale positivity and exhale worries and stress, give yourself a pat on the shoulder and smile……this is your first step to feeling alive in this moment, awakening your soul and freeing your spirit to the thriving energy of the Universe.
This next poem is for you, I wrote it especially for you, because you are so special to me and you are truly loved in this world, more that you will ever know. Believe that someone out there right now is thinking of you and holds you very close to their heart.
Have a beautiful day today my friends. Much love to you Clarabelle.
The Key to Change
Stop, think, listen so deep,
The key to change, is for you to keep.
The combination is simple, think out of the box,
Discover the opportunity, under the rocks.
At the centre of the cave, a heart beats strong,
A musical drum, dancing to the song.
A mystical moment, so special and rare,
The magic is within you, uncover and share.
poemsbyclarabelle, 21 March 2013
This is a blog post from an old blog of mine, I wrote this post in April 2010, 2 years prior to me starting this poetry blog. I thought I would share this with you because it is amazing how life evolves as we grow and develop. If someone had told me back then that I would now have a poetry blog and was so commited and passionate about it, I would never have believed them…..my creative writing desires are stronger than ever. We are all on a journey of personal evolution, much of this will be invisible for you right now, who knows what great things you will be part of in a few years from now. Much love to you today. Clarabelle
Something Magical Happened
And just when she was about to give up, something magical happened, just like she always believed, exactly how she had envisioned it and precisely what she had written down. It had always been there, but she didn’t see it at first……then when she opened her heart, all was revealed.
Be Prepared
Trust in the absolute power of the universe, have faith that everything will work out just the way it is supposed to and know that every false start gets you closer to your goal. Be prepared as much as you can, because when lighting strikes and it surely will, I want you to be ready, to be at your very best, to embrace each opportunity and share the wisdom that grows from this life changing experience.
And as you go forward on this journey of life……
May your imagination shine like the sun,
May your intuition guide you like the North Star,
May your soul sparkle in the moonlight,
May your happy spirit, take your breath away and
May your heart dance on the waves of love.
poemsbyclarabelle, 27 March 2013
Guest Poet: March
Every month I shall be posting a poem/article from a guest blogger. If you are interested in becoming a guest blogger on this blog, please note your interest on the comments section below or email me at claire@murraypeople.com
May I introduce you to a wonderful and talented poet, Maureen Turner. I know you will love Maureen’s work, she is such a beautiful and heartfelt writer.
Maureen Turner
Having had tragic circumstances to deal with in my life with the sudden loss of my twin brother, husband and father all within a close space of time, I felt I had to write down some of my thoughts in the form of a poem to try and give me strength to get through such sad times, I feel that poetry helped me express my emotions and hopefully will encourage others to read them and take strength from them to carry on each day and look at every day as a blessing, I now try and look at life in a more positive way and have realised that through time we all get stronger.
Happiness
In our lives the sun may shine, some days I wonder why not in mine. with a spring in your step, you go about your day, but what about those who are not made that way.
Sharing your laugh and sharing your smile, means a lot to those who haven’t felt that in a while, they say try to be bubbly, try to be fun, but that’s really hard when you live a life where there is no sun.
Look in the mirror say what you see, tell yourself is that really me,the frown on my face those unlit eyes, what happened to that smile that could light up the skies.
Pick yourself up get back on track, watch out my girl or you’ll take a step back. So here I am smiling today and I have to tell myself ‘there is no other way’.
Copyright: Maureen Turner
Maureen has created a beautiful ebook of her own poems and if you would like to know more about Maureen’s work, please email me at claire@murraypeople.com and I will certainly put you in touch with her.
When I am out running, I often feel like I fall into some sort of hypnotic or meditative state, it’s hard to explain and put into words but whilst out running today I was thinking about it. Sometimes my runs are easy, free-flowing, effortless and natural (like yesterday) and sometimes my runs feel really tough (like today). Whilst out running this morning I was thinking about, what makes the difference in me? I know that when my mind is busy, like today, my runs are tougher and when my mind is silent, it feels like, as the runner, I become the run. This then got me thinking about other things that would also apply to, i.e. the lover becomes the love, the singer becomes the song etc.. etc.. Which inspired this next poem. Whatever you do today, may it feel natural, loving and in spirit. Love Clarabelle
Natural Flow
The runner becomes the run;
The laughter becomes the fun.
The walker becomes the walk;
The talker becomes the talk.
This is what I know;
This is natural flow.
***
The lover becomes the love;
The rain flows from the cloud above.
The singer becomes the song;
Solitude is where I belong.
This is what I feel;
This for me is real.
***
The artist becomes the art;
True spirit flows from your heart.
The swimmer becomes the sea;
Creative flow comes from feeling free.
This for me is true;
I believe for me and you.
***
This poem is part of the poet;
A gift and how I know it.
poemsbyclarabelle, Copyright 18 February 2013
The late, Mr Stephen R. Covey shares in his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, that love is a doing word not a feeling. This inspired my next inspirational quote for you…..just do love!! Clarabelle
“Be love,
Do love,
Have Love.”
(Clarabelle)
The heart doesn’t just beat, it dances, it sings, it smiles, it listens, it guides and nurtures too, and if you listen deeply to the music it plays, it will nourish your soul forever. For indeed the heart is like a full orchestra creating unique musical vibrations that can only be understood by you, that is why it is so important to silence your mind and listen to your heart. Dance to the sound of your inner music, this next inspirational quote is for you. Love Clarabelle.
“Listen to the sound of my heart,
for each note that it plays,
strengthens my love for you.”
(Clarabelle)
A little love goes a long long way. This next poem jumped out of my heart today and I share it with you. May you be showered with an abundance of true love today. Clarabelle
Two Hearts
Two hearts, beat as one,
Feel the energy, feel the fun.
Embraced with love, happy thoughts,
Smiles on our faces, stomach in knots.
Dance to the music, sing to the song,
Together in love, is where we belong.
The beauty of love is all around us, sometimes we don’t see it, sometimes we forget it is always there, deep inside of us, blooming like a flower in springtime. Every time you smile, love was there first, just remember that, I know you are smiling now. This next inspirational quote is for you…feel the love, Clarabelle.
“Love stirs your soul
and makes your heart smile inside.”
(Clarabelle)
You can also purchase Ladies or Gents T-Shirts detailing the above original quote by Clarabelle. Click on the T-Shirt images below for product description details, choice of colours/sizes available and how to purchase.
Below is a post taken from one of my other blogs, I posted this one on 1 March 2010 and I thought I would share it with you on here. Wishing you a day filled with an abundance of positive thoughts. Love Clarabelle
Full of Character and Excitement
I was looking after my 3 year old niece the other week whilst her parents went off to pick up their new puppy dog.
I love watching my little niece she is such a funny, cheery little girl full of character and excitement. She was happily looking out of the window into my back garden when she shouted “look Auntie Claire, they’re dancing”, I asked her what was dancing and she said “the trees are dancing” and she began to copy the swaying movements of the trees blowing in the wind outside. It was so cute to watch, I smiled and I thought to myself what a truly wonderful positive perception she has on Mother Nature.
Such an Amazing “Mummy”
Later on that day I kept thinking about my niece’s words and how she could have said something completely different using a more negative connotation, but she didn’t. I then thought about my younger sister, who is such an amazing “Mummy” and how positive and happy she is. I just know that my sister’s love for nature and optimistic outlook on life has made such a positive influence on my little niece’s young life.
It made me think about how important it is for us all to choose to have a positive mindset and positive take on the world. Like in those famous lyrics sung by Whitney Houston “I believe the children are our future” – I do hope the trees stay dancing!!
Love is always there, love is abundant, love is free flowing, love is your magical connection to everything…….love just is!!! This next inspirational quote is inspired by, yes, you’ve guessed it, love. May your day today be filled with love and happiness, Clarabelle.
“Where there is love,
there is me and my shadow,
softly dancing together.”
(Clarabelle)
I Discovered My Purse Had Been Stolen
I want to share something with you today, as I reflect upon the events of my weekend. Everything was going swimmingly well until I discovered my purse had been stolen. I was meeting a friend for coffee in a Hotel in Glasgow, paid for my coffee and by the time I was leaving the hotel, the purse was gone. I wasn’t really bothered about the money in the purse, it was only loose change anyway, however I was more sad about losing the sentimental things that were in it, such as little prayers, a poem from my sister which I had for 13 years, photographs of my niece and nephew, photograph of my dad which I have held close to me since 1997, a little medal that my best friend gave to me in 2007 to keep me safe when I was running my first marathon in New York City and lots of beautiful things like that. Also the purse which was a special gift given to me by another very close friend. I must admit I was feeling very sad and I allowed it to affect the rest of my day. I also felt a little downhearted that the purse didn’t show up, I really thought that if found in the hotel, someone would have handed it in…..no such luck, I’m afraid. I must admit my faith in humanity did sink a little, I guess because that is where my focus was at that time.
A Different Frame of Mind
However, today, I am of a very different frame of mind, after reporting the purse missing to the Police and to the Hotel, I was told of many stories were items of real financial value had been handed in, such as rolls of money containing thousands of pounds, iPads, mobile phones, bags, suitcases, bags of money etc….I smiled, my faith was restored because I had replaced my one bad experience with many wonderful stories where people have been honest and returned the items they found.
The Real Truth
I will never again doubt the honesty and integrity of humanity, because I know there is much more goodness in the world than not….we just don’t always hear about it and therefore don’t include it in our frame of reference. When we look at the world only through our own lens, we are in danger of excluding the real truth….that is, what could be and what is possible for each and every one of us. I take full responsibility for what happened to me on Saturday afternoon and it has taught me many lessons which I am very grateful for.
A Very Special Thank You
I would like to also offer a very special thank you to the staff members at the multi-story car park in Concert Square, Glasgow City Centre, they were so supportive when I told them I didn’t have my parking ticket (which was in my purse) and had no money to pay for the parking, they were very understanding and let me leave the car park for free.
Angels
I think Angels come disguised in many situations and it is not until after the event that we realised they touched our heart and soul. May you open your eyes to the goodness that is in the world today, look out for the success stories of kindness, love and encouragement and let them uplift your spirits today. Much love to you today, as always, Clarabelle
Happy Mother’s Day
It is Mother’s Day here in the UK and I want to send out a beautiful blessing to all the wonderful Mother’s out there, who bring much love and abundance to this world. This next poem is dedicated to my own beautiful mum, to your mum too and indeed, if you are a mum. Wishing you a very special day filled with love. Clarabelle
A Mother in a Million
Mother you are so beautiful, in every single way,
You brighten up each moment, and listen to what I say.
Your love is so very special, to each and everyone,
You’re a mother in a million, stronger than the sun.
I love you so dearly, more than you’ll ever know,
Thank you my wonderful mother, your wisdom has helped me grow.
Clarabelle Online Magazine 