Be clear when you manifest!

I haven't posted recently. Iv'e been so busy. I went on a trip and left my sleepy town of Siem Reap, Cambodia. The place I had called home for the past 6 years and was headed back to my home roots.... sunny Australia, for a workshop for work.

You see, I had been/am on a midlife spiritual journey. I had been including manifesting into my daily life, practicing each morning on the 40 minute bus ride to work. Visualizing my family heading back home for a short break was one of my many intentions I was working on.

I have learnt with the power of manifestation you really have to be clear! Within a few weeks, I was offered to attended the workshop and my two eldest of five children were offered an expenses paid trip to visit extended family in the upcoming months. Not exactly what I thought of was thinking of, but maybe what we needed?!?

I haven't really traveled solo. I never really had the opportunity and want to with having a large family, nor do I enjoy the idea being away from them.....after all, I'm at my most happiest when I'm with them and what to experience new and exciting things with them.

My trip had quickly crept up. I was nervous and excited all at the same time, with the over whelming sense of mummy guilt. I left my bag right up until the last minute to pack. I couldn't believe I was stepping into a completely different world to Cambodia, I envisioned a space age of technology I was about to encounter, and in many ways I was right.

After a 5 hour stop over in Bangkok Airport and then a nine hour flight I arrived for another two over stop over in Sydney Airport, I wanted some fresh (ahem) air. After making it out past the security, I was faced with a barrage of glass doors with a clear exit sign. Although, even at the ripe age of 34, I couldn't work out how to get them to open. Without wanting to look like a I had been living in the stone ages, I waited until someone else had passed them and copied, then I was free .

Feeling tired and hungry and a little silly for not being able to work out the simple concept of a door by myself, I went in search of a coffee and breakfast.

Now, I knew Australia was certainly expensive in many ways different to Cambodia and although I had to remind myself that these were overpriced airport prices, I was still shocked to see a $22 breakfast at a small cafe. Was this the taste of things to come?

One more flight and we arrived in Adelaide. I was already missing my family, and was on a sensory overload. I could understand every detail of all conversations being had around me. Familiar smells that woofed through the streets and the homes of Australian families brought a flood of memories back. At times I found my self wishing we had never left, then there were times was quickly reminded why we chose to leave behind the chaos of a privileged western society and embark on our journey in the first place.

Adelaide is a beautiful clean city. The streets are alive. Full of artists and musicians busking, showcasing their raw talents. Activists protesting from all their different causes, hoping to be understood and have their voice be heard. Families and children bustling through their regular lives, racing to keep up with their ever increasing schedules with phone and tablets in hand.

But what I couldn't wrap my head around was the homelessness sprawled across the streets. Here I was standing, in a huge city in a first world country. With so many people and so much opportunity, how can so many people still be living like this? Sadly, unable to know what if anything, even small that I could do to help. So, I also joined the crowd and turned my head slightly, didn't make eye contact and continued walking. Pretending that this doesn't exist in our world today.

I was missing my family dearly. As much as I can see how technology is changing the way people interact with each other and stands in the way people from actually being present in a moment, it certainly pulled me through. Nothing like seeing the face of your love ones you crave so much and I couldn't believe the whole inner city had free wifi.

I had completed my workshop, shopped up a storm and the end of my trip had finally arrived. I had left my workshop highly motivated and enlightened. I had spoiled my children with purchases of trinkets and toys we couldn't get in Cambodia.

I had also learnt a few personal lessons about myself and my own views on life on this short trip away. But I was ready to come home. To my home in Cambodia. To my life that isn't a perfect life, but is perfect for me. Where we may not "have it all", but together we have it all. Sweet Cambodia, I am home.