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Travel: Exciting or Frightening?

Do Your Fears of Travelling, Stop you in Your Tracks?

What is the mind chatter that goes through your head, when you think of taking a trip? Do you find the prospect of travel exciting or frightening!  Is your inner talk ‘fear-based’ or ‘your imagination running wild with excitement?’ Do you think thoughts like: What if I will get lost? What if I can’t understand the locals? How will their food taste? Will I enjoy it, or will it make me sick?

Do thoughts like these stop you from booking your dream holiday?  Or even simply putting travel off…. till its safer, or you have more friends to go with.

Or are you quite the opposite: Your insides ‘bubbling” and you can’t wait to get on the plane! You look up photos of places you will see, googling the food, the people, everything looks so different and exciting!

Our world is an amazing place, filled with wonderful places to visit, historical sights and full of people, just like you, who live the same as we do, just ‘doing life’ in their own way! Every culture has similarities but it is the differences that are so intriguing!

Here are some simple travel tips to overcome your concerns……

No: 1 – PLAN…

You have to know where you are going. Do some research! You don’t need to have a very detailed plan.. But knowing where you are going and a couple of ‘check-in points’ are common sense.Plan your Trip

THINK about: How long will you travel for.. WHAT do you want to see? WHY are you going to ‘that’ place? What do I want to see, do and experience?
ASK Yourself: How can I add value to the people I get to meet?

WHO will I travel with? Myself, with a friend/partner; in a group, or self-managed?
Where we go and what we want to experience plays a big part in this step in the planning.
RESEARCH… What are the highlights?
Does it fulfill any dreams or goals? Is there any safety concerns? can I do and see what I want to do? SECURITY! Travel partners- big or small group! Ages!
Be consciously aware of the possible hazards you may encounter and be prepared.
a. Food – chances of getting ‘runny tummy’…. anywhere in Asia/South America… the chances are pretty good.

No 2: PACK a medical kit – just in case stuff!

No3: TRAVEL with a friend.

Travel safely in a group

Having a buddy when you travel to look after you (and you look after them) is smart when traveling in a foreign country. Especially on your first trip and essential if you know no-one there.

No 4: Get insurance.

Travel insurance is a good investment. Buy an Annual policy it’s way better value for money. Shop around but check the benefits.  You are buying ‘Peace of Mind’  reducing the fears of travelling.

Take a small step. Go somewhere close for your first trip. Then, take a bigger step!
Get inspired, have a vision board where you want to go or have a diary..

How Do I Plan My Travel?

I have a Dream book where I paste amazing places I would like to visit, so does my husband.  We plan to have a ‘break’ or holiday once every year.  So we need to decide where to go … so this is how we do it!

We have a Joint Bucket list. It has three columns:

a: Places we want to see/ things we want to do.

b. How long do we need to spend travelling?  (Length of holiday)

c.  Can we combine a few things or places?

d. How much it will cost to travel there for that period, to do those things?

When we plan a holiday we go to the list…. and match up time and money and …. when we match up….    we are done and ready to go!

This process allows us to advance plan our trips.  This builds up anticipation and builds up excitement, sometimes years in advance…. and

Solomon Islands

Go Slow in Solomon Islands

we almost ‘know’ the destination by the time we get there as we have researched so much. You can do the same whether it is for a 10 day break or moving countries…. we have done both many times…. the process is the same! Know where you are going, what is there, the things to see, things to be aware of and fear is no longer in your way!

Do you have fears of travelling? How do you overcome them?

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Retreat – Transform You in Bali – May 2019

May Bali Retreat –  WOW, WOW, WOW!!!

What fun did we have at the Transform You Retreat in Bali!  7 days of relaxation, rejuvenation, and re-setting our plans for the future.

So what did we do?  ‘A Lot’  is the short answer, but let me go through the Retreat highlights.

Everyone arrived at the Retreat venue on Saturday 18th on schedule and were escorted to their room to freshen up, unpack and relax a little before our first get together and Welcome Ceremony.  The OO’s and ahhh’s as the ladies walked into their rooms was gratifying as one can never tell how the retreat venue will ‘rate’ to the guests but everyone was very happy with their room, location, and inclusions.Retreat Bali 2019

After our Welcome Ceremony, the Management and staff invited to attend a special Balinese Blessing Ceremony to ensure we had a safe and happy visit to the Resort.   It was very special as we were linked and blessed.   I will remember this ceremony for many years to come.  It was so unexpected and very beautiful.  It will be an inclusion in every Retreat package in the future at this venue.  The ceremony set the standard for the exceptional service that we had from each and every member of the Alam Sari team.

Each day of our retreat started with peaceful meditation or laughter yoga, followed by a delicious breakfast.  Fueled for the day, we had our retreat workshop, which over the week included, hypnosis, exercises, and tasks to reset our thinking.  Over the years, we build habits around everything we do.  Planning is no different.  Eventually, we do things, automatically, almost by remote.  So it is the same process, we don’t even think about, and even if we didn’t achieve goals last year, we set them the same way this year.  The retreat workshops are designed to change the way we think, and thereby change the results we are getting.

 Retreat Highlights

Pyramids of Chi.

This was an amazing experience.   The timing of this Retreat meant we were lucky enough to be visiting the Pyramids during Full moon, so the package was upgraded to include the Full Moon Ritual.  Amazing!  We started with a short introduction to the process, so we knew what to expect.  Then we were ‘smoked’ to cleanse our energy and spirit!  We formed a circle around a huge open  fire pit,

Spiritual Sound Healing Experience

the spirits, birds, and animals of the 4 directions were called in to join us!  (An amazing Shamanic experience) we burnt our sabotages and let them go plus offered our dreams and wishes to the spirits to bring us guidance on… as part of the fire ceremony.

Then it was into the Pyramids for Sound Healing.  If you have never experienced this, you should, it is amazing.  You will resonate to one or many of the sounds.  Everyone agreed…. the whole experience was life changing!  Beautiful, emotional, time stopping!  Just very hard to describe!      Afterward, we were treated to a fantastic vegetarian meal of musleman curry, rice, dessert, and a sweet drink.

All in all, a wonderful night out and confirmed The Pyramids of Chi as a definite inclusion in any retreat hosted in Bali!

Karsa Spa Pampering Package

Included in the Retreat package was 2 – 3 hours of pampering.  I choose for the group a ‘special’ Buddha Package that included a 60-minute massage, a Chakra Healing and a facial.  Wow and more Wow!   The staff at the Karsa Spa were brilliant.  Relaxation +  and topped off with the Chakra Healing – everyone was in blissful land ……

Cultural Excursions

We visited an elementary school as we had brought with us donations of rubber balls, reading books, pencils, paints, crayons, etc for the kids to use at the school.  The kids loved the balls.   The teachers loved the art equipment and reading books.   We loved the joy on the faces as we sat and chatted to them.    It is an inclusion in each Life Change Retreat to give back to the communities that we visit in some way.  So, this visit definitely ‘ticked’ my boxes for the contribution!

Monkey Forest

Great place to visit, in fact, I would say, a must do, in Ubud.  We saw small (tiny) baby monkey’s, grumpy old monkeys and every type of monkey in between.  They tried to steal the bags, water, and phones off unsuspecting tourists, but fortunately, we had our wits about us and escaped in tack.   It was a lovely place to visit.

Tirta Empul Temple

On our tour around we came across the Tirta Empul Templand where, if you wish, you can take part in a purification ceremony. Tirta Empul Temple Lorraine and Vanessa decided this would be a great challenge.   The water is freezing cold and you have to be for about 45 minutes.  The ceremony included changing into bright green robes, creating a blessing, giving blessing to the temple.  What a wonderful experience this was for the two ladies.

I am going to include this as part of the next Bali Retreat.  They came out with smiles, ear to ear, very reflective and very happy that they took the plunge and trusted their intuition and just went for it.  Those of us who watched from the sidelines were quite envious!

 

Markets – Shopping and Eating,

Every retreat must have shopping included!  and Ubud is an amazing place to shop.  You have choices of markets, boutiques and very exclusive outlets to venture into and save yourself some serious money.   We spent time in the markets – everyone filled their souvenir lists; we visited silver factories; batik factory and lots of specialty shops.   Bracelets, essential oils, pottery, buddha’s, yoga equipment and really anything you can imagine they sell somewhere.   Shop till you drop …….. so we did and the ladies certainly got their fill!

The restaurants are amazing and whether you want local Balinese food or international cuisine you will find your choice in Ubud.  Alam Sari kept us very satisfied with a very extensively breakfast, generous and tasty lunches (different taste every day) and we ventured out at night!

The Shaman

The Shaman was a Retreat optional extra!  All the ladies decided “Why not?” and what an experience for them all!

The stories left us in awe and laughing at his antics so no recap of our adventures will ever be complete without mentioning the Shaman. Such a character.   If you have seen the Pirates of the Carribean you have ‘met’ the Shaman!  He was amazing.   Look for the Video I have uploaded of him sharing a ‘laugh’ with Vanessa, the Laughter Yoga Lady.

Transform You Retreat Summary

We had fun and laughed so loud.  The Balinese culture – the dancers, the Shaman, the staff, the kids, all were memorable moments!  The friendships built added so much value to us all and the enjoyment of our retreat.  We arrived as strangers and left as family, knowing that we would keep in touch and meet up again regularly.

Check out the Testimonials on the Review Page.         For More information on Retreat Bali 2020 Click here

 

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Where Are You Going?

The biggest temptation in life is to settle for too little – Thomas Merton

Are you moving through life without a clear direction? Are you letting events and other people’s needs take priority over what you want to do?  Do you have a plan, or are your days being filled with ‘doing’ rather than ‘being’?

Is Life Passing You By?

Twelve months ago, I found myself complaining that ‘life seemed to be passing me by!’  I was bored, frustrated and totally unfulfilled!  I’d had a health scare which had been a big wake-up call and suddenly I was looking at life differently.

I would wake up in the morning and my calendar would be fill.  It was filled with:  picking kids up from school, banking, shopping, doing this and doing that… but none of it was my plan.  My husband would tell me to ‘take the day off and do something just for me!’  But, that was my biggest problem!  I had spent so long working and doing for others, helping, solving problems and ‘just being there’ for everyone else, I had forgotten what I enjoyed doing!   Can you relate to that?

Plan for Your Life

As a coach I knew that your best chance of having the life that you want is to know precisely where you are going. This applies to every area of your life: your health, finances, social life and anything else that is important to you.  Some of us plan this intuitively but very few of us sit down and really plan it and have a clear idea of exactly where we want to go.

Most of us will spend more time on planning a holiday than we will on planning our lives and where we want to be in 5 years’ time.    We may have paying our home off planned, but that is called mortgage repayments!   We may have our Superannuation planned, but that is compulsory planning via the Government program!  I know many small business owners who have never contributed on their own behalf into their Superannuation.  There are other areas like career, education, having children, where most of us don’t plan what we want and where we want to be at different times in our lives, we just keep hoping that over time we will ‘get a lucky break’ and things will be ‘sweet!’

When we do not spend time on planning our lives we are like a yacht without a rudder, we have little control, and we pretty much must go where the wind blows.  We are at the mercy of the elements, other people, circumstances etc. Goals Dream & Achieve

Do You Know What You Want?

Many people are doing things they have to do in their lives because they have no choice, they live lives of quiet desperation. They know what they don’t want but have no clue what they do want.   This is where I was.

Deep down, we know what we would love to do, but often we can’t see a way that its possible, so we push the thought into the background, trying to hide the idea even from ourselves.   We disregard our most inspiring dreams and goals and settle for whatever seems reasonable or whatever comes our way.

This is the position I found myself in 12 months ago.  My lack of planning was in the ‘spiritual’ area of my life!   What makes my heart sing?

When you are doing what you love and have a plan of how you are going to do it, you never need motivation or inspiration.  You can’t wait to get out of bed in the morning and you live a life of purpose.

To get myself back on track, I sat down and asked myself the following questions?  I encourage you to do the same, in each of the 7 areas of your life – Spiritual, Career, Finances, Social, Health, Family, Vocation –  take some time by yourself to ask yourself the following:

  1. What do you want?
  2. Why do you want it?

Notice I have not said ‘how you are going to get it’  Once you are crystal clear on what you want and why you want it,  the how’s will appear.  The ‘how’ is the easy part!

It took me a couple of months to figure what I really wanted to be doing… but now on I am on track!  Here’s a little clue to where to start looking….. ‘When I was a teenager, I wanted to travel and show people the world – most of my life I have been a ‘coach’  …. Now, I am running Life Change Retreats and Journeys’  I have combined my two passions into my dream job!  It is what I was born to do!

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Do You Become a Bogan in Bali?

Is Bali the World’s Bogan Capital?

There is an unfortunate joke around the world, that when you arrive in Bali it is okay to lower your normal standards, act inappropriately, in fact, just join ‘everyone’ else and become a bogan!  What is a bogan, I hear you ask…  Well acting like a bogan is being ‘unsophisticated, acting as having low social status, or being offensive’ in public or to those around you.

It is a stereotype that Australians seem to be labelled with, but is it justified?

I have travelled to many countries and different places seem to attract ‘labels’ for nationalities.  I am not sure why! However, although in some places of Bali, like Kuta, there is a ‘party’ atmostphere;  in other areas a ‘surf and beach’ culture, overall I find Bali and the typical tourist similar to any island beach resort.   Yes, of course, there are those who drink to much and leave their manners at home!  Then there are those who are still living in the 70’s and look like they have lost touch with reality.. but they are fun to talk and listen to.  There are tourists who are rude and dis-respectful.  But we all have these people in the towns and cities where we live.

Here are some hints and tips on how to create a new and positive stereotype for Tourists in Bali!

Explore More.

Your Vibe attracts like minded people.  One of the best ways to really enjoy Balinese Culture and your trip is to avoid the tourist traps of Kuta, Legian, Seminyak and Canggu and get out and see the real Bali.    North and West Bali have sensational sights to see, its almost a different culture. Climb the Volcano at dawn; visit a temple; eat some street food, and of course, sample the local beer.  Remember to try the boutique beers flavored with local fruits, herbs, spices and vegetables.  There’s lots to do, eat and taste!

Travel Responsibly

Be conscious of what you are “leaving behind”.   Take a reusable water bottle with you.  Don’t drop your litter or plastic bottles ‘anywhere’ but a rubbish bin.  Volunteer to help anywhere you see an opportunity.   Life Change Retreats has a “Pack with a Purpose” motto and we pack and donate school supplies to local schools near the resorts we stay in.  You can do the same.  Every kid like new pencils, books etc…. they don’t take up much space.  Pack a few things to give away while you travel around.

Dress Appropriately

The Balinese dress more conservatively than we do, so dress like you are on holiday, but think ‘culture’ before you step outside… looking half-dressed to the local people.   If you are on a motorbike (you shouldn’t be – your travel  insurance doesn’t cover you unless you have a licence) realise that your sarong will blow in the wind and you will be exposed to sun and people.  Also, be aware of the sun, use protection – a hat or sunblock.  Keep your shirt on everywhere except on the beach.  Respect the culture!

If You Ride a Scooter…

Be careful and aware.  Know that Australian Travel Insurance does not Cover you unless you have a current Australian Motorcycle Licence (Check your policy) Wear a Helmet.  Avoid getting burnt by the Sun or the exhaust when stepping off the bike.  Don’t be tempted to drink and ride or do dumb stuff you wouldn’t do at home.  Always, put your gear under the seat, so you do not suffer a ‘drive by’ robbery.    When you are riding around,  remember, road rage has no place anywhere.  It will be frustrating, remember you are on holiday… you have plenty of time.

Have fun!

Bali is a fantastic place to visit, to explore and to let your hair down.  Don’t have fun at the expense of others.  Be respectful.  You will enjoy your memories for years to come more comfortably if you are not secretly ashamed of any of your actions.    Let’s become the new generation of tourists in Bali…

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Change Your Life in 4 Steps

When you are feeling Stuck, bored, depressed or even feeling as it life is not worth living, it is time for you to change your life.  Routine is boring.  Habits keep us in our comfort zone. Variety is the spice of life… so if you are feeling stagnant, it is time to do something different!

1.Change your routine.

Your reality is created by the ‘routine’ of the things you do daily.  If you want your life to change you need to ‘shake it up a bit’. Change the Routine!Change Your Life

Add an activity or delegate a task you normally do.  Start going for a walk; join the gym; eat breakfast for dinner!  It doesn’t really matter what you do, so long as you break your boring habits.  Your Life can’t change unless you do something different!

2. Examine your Goals.

Do they align with your values?  Do you even know what your Values are?  If you align your goals with your values you will instantly change your life and your energy.

What are your passions, your interests, and your priorities?  What sort of legacy you want to leave behind.  This question applies not only to your career, but to your relationships, to your finances, your health principles.

How do you want to be remembered by your family, friends and associates?

3. Improve Your Relationships

Regardless of how much money you make or how great your successes are, if you have no one to share the experiences with, you will not fully enjoy the achievements.

Work on the relationships you already have.  Spend quality time with your loved ones.  Learn to compromise!  Admit you are wrong when you make mistakes. Nurture your relationships.  They are precious!  You will never realise how valuable, until you lose them.

Make new meaningful connections with others.  If you are feeling lonely, you must take matters into your own hands, get proactive.  Put yourself in social situations.  Attend meetings or functions.  Set a goal to make connect with one person at least per day, or at least per week.  Strike up conversations. Put a smile on your face and say hello, it is the best way to make a new friend!  A new friend will change your life.

4. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone!

Humans need variety to be happy.  You can’t have variety if you are stuck doing the ‘same old, same old’ routine every day.

Try to do something new every day!  Go to different shopping centre; talk to stranger; eat something new.  Use your non-dominant hand to clean your teeth.  Anything, to break the comfort of routine!!!

Start a new hobby or travel to a new place.  If you go to the gym, use different equipment!  If you run, take a different route and push yourself to run a little further each day.  Set a new goal.

Find ways to meet new people.  Join a club, go to the theatre, the ballet, the movies.   Anything that will create interest and variety in your life and breaks your routine, takes you out of your comfort zone will change your life.  It will, or may, bring up a bit of fear, just “Do it Anyway”  there is no point in living if you are not ‘alive’ while you are doing it!

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