About Me
My Journey of Healing, Empowerment, and Purpose
Hello, I am Chantel, and welcome to Finding Chantel—a space where I share my journey, the lessons I have learned, and my mission to help others find their path to healing and strength. Find out more about Chantel below.
The Meaning Behind Finding Chantel
When I first thought of the name “Finding Chantel” back in 2021, it represented something deeply personal—the journey of rediscovering myself. I had a profound moment of clarity while sitting by the river one sunny day, reflecting on everything I had been through. It was in this moment of stillness that a bee landed on my arm. We locked eyes, and as I started walking home, the bee stayed with me, not budging. I showed my husband when I got home, and he laughed, saying, “Here you go again, the animal whisperer.”
But to me, it was a sign. That bee—silent, still, and persistent—became a metaphor for my journey. It reminded me that sometimes we must stop and listen, in order to understand what our next steps should be. That’s when I knew I had to create a space where I could share my story, the lessons I’ve learned, and the wisdom I’ve gained from both my struggles and the stories of others.
My Story
Overcoming Adversity, Finding Strength
I’m no stranger to hardship. A few years ago, I found myself trapped in a toxic, abusive relationship with a narcissist while living in Cambodia. It left me with brain damage, forcing me to undergo surgery. The recovery was long, painful, and incredibly challenging. But through sheer determination, I regained my strength.
In addition to this, I’ve also struggled with bulimia and emotional abuse. These toxic experiences took a toll on my mind and body, but I refused to let them define me. I worked hard to rebuild my life, and today, I’m here to tell you that no matter what you’ve been through, you can heal, you can grow, and you can come out stronger.
That’s why I created Finding Chantel—to help others who are facing their struggles, whether it’s overcoming abuse, healing from trauma, or simply finding the strength to start over.
Want to read more about how I overcame adversity? Check out my blog post on Brain Injury And Abuse Survival | From Broken To Unbreakable
Helping People and Animals
A Holistic Approach to Healing
Now, I live in Cambodia, where my mission goes beyond just sharing my story. I am deeply committed to helping others in my community—whether they are Khmers or Westerners living here. Through offering support, sharing my experiences, or simply lending a listening ear, I aim to make a real difference in people’s lives.
But my mission doesn’t stop there. I’m also passionate about helping the animals in my village. Every month, I provide free medicine to treat ticks and mange in strays and pets. But I know I can do more, which is why I’ve created this website—to reach more people, raise awareness, and create opportunities to help both the people and animals in Cambodia.
I truly believe that helping others is one of the best ways to help ourselves. Life is an endless journey of self-discovery, and through acts of kindness, we get closer to ourselves, nature, and one another. By sharing my story and offering support, I hope to inspire you to find your strength and healing—just like I did.
Learn more about how you can help the street dogs in Cambodia by donating today.
“ Remember that man lives only in the present, in this fleeting instant; all the rest of his life is either past and gone, or not yet revealed.”
Why I’m Here
Join Me on This Journey
I created this website as a platform for connection and healing. Whether you’re here to read about my journey, find support, or learn how to give back to your own community, I hope you’ll feel welcomed and empowered.
Thank you for visiting Finding Chantel. If my story resonates with you, or if you’d like to share your own experiences, I’d love to hear from you. Together, we can create a ripple of positivity, healing, and strength.
Follow me on my journey and join the conversation on social media:
With love,
Chantel
Mindfulness
