So, I Went to Siem Reap, Cambodia

Last month, I made a bold commitment: to live my life fully aligned with my five core values—adventure, freedom, integrity, meaningful work, and wealth. Little did I know, the universe had plans to test my resolve.

An opportunity came my way—a chance to spend three nights at the luxurious Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort. Free accommodation. Breakfast included. It sounded like a dream, but guess who decided to crash the party? My stingy self.

That little voice in my head wasted no time: "You’ll have to buy a flight ticket, pay for meals, spend on sightseeing… Imagine how much you’ll need to take out of your bank account!"

I’ll admit it—I freaked out. I’m so used to seeing a certain balance in my bank account that the thought of dipping into it made me physically uncomfortable. But here’s the thing: I knew this wasn’t about money. This was about facing myself.

So, I decided to lean into my values. I applied for the visa, booked my flight, bought some clothes, exchanged pocket money, and wrote in my journal: I am going on an adventure—the kind of adventure wealthy women take.

When I arrived in Siem Reap, every part of the journey felt alive. From the airport, I took a bus to the city and then a tuk-tuk to the hotel. As I rode through the streets, everything was vibrant and new. My senses were fully awake. I felt a deep sense of freedom and gratitude, knowing I had said yes to life.

At the Sofitel, I was welcomed like royalty. My room was stunning, the service impeccable, and to top it all off, the bathroom was stocked with Karl Lagerfeld bath products—a line he created specifically for luxury hotels. That evening, I indulged in a comforting bowl of French onion soup, a small but meaningful luxury.

The following days were pure magic. I explored ancient temples, wandered through the awe-inspiring Room of One Thousand Buddhas at the museum, and visited the floating village. I treated myself to a spa session and spent an evening at the hotel’s champagne bar, sipping mocktails and listening to jazz music.

Every moment was a reflection of my core values:

• Adventure: Embracing the unknown and experiencing the world with open eyes.

• Freedom: Saying yes to opportunities that make me feel alive.

• Integrity: Honoring my commitment to myself and my values.

• Meaningful Work: Taking time to learn, reflect, and grow.

• Wealth: Living in abundance, appreciating luxury, and savoring life’s finer details.

  
  

This trip wasn’t just a getaway—it was a reminder of the life I want to live every day.

So, here’s my question to you: Do you know your core values? What do they stand for, and what do they mean to you? When you decide to live in alignment with them, even your daily decisions become more intentional and fulfilling.

Let your values guide you. You might be surprised where they take you.

With all my heart,

Salima