Hello my friends,

It feels so good to be back home in Mexico after an unforgettable two months abroad. I had the joy of leading three incredible retreats in Italy, (one with my wonderful family), and exploring the Greek islands on a scouting trip for next year’s adventures. I made new friends, picked up a few Greek words, and (as always) came home with some fresh life lessons. There were a lot of “firsts” on this trip — some exhilarating, some downright uncomfortable. Let’s just say international travel will stretch you in all the ways.

And it got me thinking… about expectations — the ones we pack without realizing it, and how they shape our experiences.

Let’s be real — we all carry expectations.

They get packed quietly next to our swimsuits, sunscreen, and journals… and they come with us everywhere. Into conversations. Into relationships. Even into sacred spaces like retreats and women’s circles.

We expect the trip to be smooth.
We expect to get along with everyone.
We expect to feel transformed by Day 3.
We expect the magic to show up on our timeline.

And when it doesn’t?

We question ourselves.
We question others.
We question the entire experience.

After leading dozens of retreats, here’s what I’ve learned:

Expectations live in the future cuddled up next to anxiety.
They dwell in “shoulds” and "perfectly planned scenarios.”
They come from a need for control — a way to feel safe in the unknown.

But retreats — and real growth — ask us to do the opposite.

They ask us to be here.
To trust what’s unfolding.
To surrender to the magic in the missteps.
To find beauty in the breakdown.

I’ve seen this play out over and over again…

The woman who cried for two days thinking she was failing — then had her breakthrough on Day 4.
The one who came for peace but found chaos — and met her truest self in the mess.
The woman who longed for connection, but didn’t expect the fear of being truly seen.

Sometimes the thing we’re resisting the most… is exactly what we came for.

And when we step into sisterhood, it can feel even trickier.

We expect to be accepted instantly.
We want effortless connection.
We hope there’s no awkwardness, no hard conversations, no emotional landmines.

But real sisterhood is a practice.

It asks us to:
-Communicate with care
-Own our triggers
-Take up space and make space for others
-Stay open when it would be easier to shut down
-Consider the whole, not just our part

And when we travel?  Well… definitely expect the unexpected.

The ferry leaves early.
The luggage doesn’t show up.
The weather shifts.
A casual wine tasting cracks your heart wide open.

When you release the plan, you find your presence.
You become more adaptable, more grounded, more you.
You learn resilience & resourcefulness.
You move from control to inner leadership. “I can do hard things”

So this month, I’m inviting you into something deeper:

-What invisible expectations are you carrying into your next adventure?
-What assumptions show up in your relationships or group dynamics?
-What if the real magic is hiding in the awkward, the slow, the not-what-you-planned?

This is the work we’re doing this month inside The Sisterhood Rising — and it’s the heartbeat of every retreat I create.

We’re not here to perfect the experience.
We’re here to live it — fully.

With curiosity.
With grace.
And with a willingness to let go.

With much love,
Cheryl

PS. Tulum and Greece retreats 2026 will be opening for registrations soon!  You will be able to get all the details here:  http://www.cheryldavenport.com

 

Greetings my friends,

As we approach the end of another transformative year, it’s a perfect time to reflect on our journey and set our intentions for the coming year.  The new year invites us to step into our full potential and create a life full of meaning and service.  As we prepare to welcome 2024, let’s embark on this journey together with open hearts and a shared commitment to healing, connection, and transformation.

As I reflect back on 2023 I am grateful for the challenges and the triumphs. I made some big strides this past year and I’m proud of myself for taking the leap to grow, not only personally, but my coaching practice and retreat company too. I started working with a coach again this year, which has helped me tremendously.  I have stepped way out of my comfort zone and taken some pretty big risks. Whew!!  I certainly can't encourage you to do things that I wouldn't do!  

I usually host 1 retreat in Bali, but this year I hosted 2, which was definitely a big leap of faith.  I am so grateful to have had 16 amazing women beside me on that healing journey.  We all connected on such a deep level and remain a great support system for each other.  I offered complimentary coaching at the retreats to help the guests process and gain clarity around what was coming up for them.  I also created a follow up support program for guests after they go home and I’m so pleased to see the results the ladies are experiencing as we continue the coaching process!  Being able to purchase sessions one at a time as needed has made the process much easier and very affordable for my (past or future) retreat guests.

I also launched and filled 3 new retreats for 2024!  Expanding into Italy next year, returning to Bali and looking into a more compact wellness retreat in Mexico.  Stay tuned for those details!

I am fully stepping into my gifts this next year so that I can in turn bring so much more value and service to you! I’m saying this here so you can hold me to it!

I also spent 4 months in Bali and the surrounding islands, traveling solo, and with friends. I focused deeper on my morning practice of meditation, journaling and exercise, which in turn helped me to calm my nervous system, sleep better and feel amazing!  I read at least 12 books and listened to hundreds of podcasts, all to benefit my knowledge base around coaching, health and creating life changing international retreats.  I am doing the work with you my friend!  We are all a beautiful work in progress and perfectly imperfect as we are!

I’m curious how you would like 2024 to look for you?  If it were to be your best year so far what story would you be telling friends and family at the end of next year?  I’d love to dive into that with you and peel back the layers to reveal your biggest dreams and help you to navigate a course to creating THAT life!  We do get to curate this life, it doesn't just happen by luck or happenstance… I’m ready, are you? Click the link for your complimentary discovery call. Coaching Discovery Call

I wish you a holiday season filled with so much love, laughter, family, friends and abundant blessings!  Don't forget to kiss someone special under the mistletoe too!

In gratitude always,

xo
Cheryl

Coaching & Retreat Info Here

Hello my friend,

This has been on my mind a lot lately and I wanted to share a few insights with you, in case you've also experienced some of these feelings about traveling alone.  
Solo travel can be an incredibly empowering and enriching experience for women. While some may have concerns about safety, with careful planning and preparation, solo travel can offer many benefits that are worth considering. In this newsletter, we will discuss some of the benefits of solo travel for women.

1. Boosts Self-Confidence

Solo travel allows women to step out of their comfort zones and take control of their experiences. This can be incredibly empowering, and it can help women to develop a greater sense of self-confidence. Traveling alone means relying on yourself to navigate unfamiliar surroundings, communicate with locals, and make decisions. As you successfully navigate these challenges, your confidence in yourself and your abilities will grow.

1. Fleibility and Freedom

When you travel alone, you have the freedom to make your own decisions and change your plans as you see fit. You can decide where to go, what to see, and when to do it without having to compromise with anyone else's interests or schedules. This level of flexibility and freedom allows women to tailor their travel experience to their own desires and interests.

1. Opportunity for Self-Discovery

Solo travel provides an opportunity for women to discover more about themselves. Without the distractions of others, women can take the time to reflect on their thoughts and emotions, learn more about their values, and gain a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. This can lead to personal growth and a greater sense of self-awareness.

1. Cultural Immersion

Traveling alone allows women to immerse themselves in the local culture fully. It offers an opportunity to connect with locals, experience the local customs and traditions, and learn about the local way of life. This can provide a more authentic travel experience and a deeper appreciation for the culture and its people.

1. Overcoming Fear and Anxiety

For some women, solo travel may seem daunting, and they may have fears or anxieties about traveling alone. However, by facing these fears and stepping outside of their comfort zones, women can develop a greater sense of resilience and self-reliance. Overcoming these challenges can be incredibly empowering, and it can help women to face other challenges in their lives with greater confidence and courage.

In conclusion, solo travel can be an incredibly empowering and enriching experience for women. While safety is always a concern, with proper planning and preparation, women can enjoy the benefits of solo travel, including increased self-confidence, flexibility and freedom, self-discovery, cultural immersion, and overcoming fears and anxieties. By embracing these benefits, women can embark on a journey of personal growth and discovery.

I  have 2 retreats for women in Bali this year if you feel called to experience some solo travel combined with meeting other similar women in one of the top travel destinations in the world. Please check out our retreat page here: https://www.cheryldavenport.com/retreats  
Bringing women together in beautiful destinations around the world!

I also offer life and business coaching for those that need some guidance in creating an extraordinary life, moving through a new life transition or gaining clarity on your next steps.
https://www.cheryldavenport.com/

In gratitude,

xo
Cheryl