Posts tagged women supporting women
Making Space For What Matters

There’s something about the beginning of fall that makes me want to clear things out.

Maybe it’s instinctual.

Without really planning to, I’ve found myself cleaning out closets, emptying drawers, donating things I no longer use and letting go of clothes that no longer quite “fit.”

And I don’t just mean physically.

Some things simply don’t fit the woman I am today.

A certain style. An old habit. A commitment I’ve outgrown. A way of spending my time. Even certain relationships, expectations or patterns that may have belonged to another season of my life.

There is something so freeing about asking:

Does this still belong in the life I am creating now?

I’ve been spending more time at home in Baja lately, and I’ve been loving it.

I’m enjoying my home. My routines. Nourishing food. Exercise. Sunshine. Time in nature. Meditation. Occasional naps. Slow mornings. Meaningful conversations. Time with family and friends.

Nothing particularly dramatic.

And yet, it feels incredibly rich.

I’m realizing more and more that creating a beautiful life is not always about adding something new.

Sometimes it’s about removing what is taking up too much space.

Clearing the drawer.

Saying no to something that no longer feels aligned.

Putting down an obligation.

Creating more room in the calendar.

Spending less time with what drains us and more time with what nourishes us.

There is a kind of magic in empty space.

When our homes are less cluttered, they feel lighter.

When our schedules are less crowded, we can breathe.

And when our minds aren’t filled with so much noise, creativity has room to return.

New ideas come.

We hear ourselves more clearly.

We begin noticing what we actually want.

Lately, one word has been coming up for me again and again:

Devotion.

Devotion to my higher power.

Devotion to myself.

Devotion to my health and wellbeing.

Devotion to the people I love.

Devotion to the life I am choosing to create.

Not perfection. Not discipline for the sake of discipline.

Devotion feels softer than that.

It feels like tending to what matters.

Like watering the parts of our lives we want to see grow.

Maybe that’s part of what this season is here to remind us.

Nature doesn’t hold onto everything forever.

Leaves fall.

Gardens change.

Things complete their season.

And there is wisdom in letting them.

So perhaps September is an invitation to look around your own life and gently ask:

What am I ready to release?

What no longer fits?

What feels heavy?

What am I keeping simply because it has always been there?

And what might become possible if I created a little more room?

Maybe it’s a closet.

Maybe it’s your calendar.

Maybe it’s a habit, an expectation, a relationship or an old version of yourself.

You don’t necessarily need to know what will fill the space.

Sometimes the first step is simply being willing to create it.

Because a beautiful life isn’t something that happens to us.

It’s something we intentionally create, one choice at a time.

I’d love to know...

Have you noticed the urge lately to clean, clear, simplify or let go of something that no longer fits the life you are creating?

With love,
Cheryl

P.S. Something Beautiful Is Coming...

And speaking of making space for what’s calling us...

There’s a very special journey beginning to take shape for September 2027 — one that will take us back to a place that has held a piece of my heart for many years.

A Woman’s Journey Back to Herself will be more than a vacation. It will be an invitation to step away from the noise, reconnect with yourself, and remember the parts of you that may have gotten lost in the busyness of life.

Think sisterhood, beauty, culture, sacred moments, adventure, deep connection, a little magic... and plenty of space to simply breathe and be.

I’ll be sharing the first details with my email community very soon. 🤍

the Art of Creating a Beautiful Life

Hello beautiful friends,

We often think a beautiful life will arrive once everything is settled.

Once the house is finished.
The plans are clear.
The relationship appears.
Our health is exactly where we want it to be.
Or the next chapter is fully formed.

But perhaps the beauty isn’t waiting for us at the finish line.

Perhaps the beauty is also in the becoming—in the dreaming, rearranging, choosing, creating, strengthening, and listening for what wants to emerge next.

I have been thinking about this a lot lately because so much in my own life feels as though it is still becoming.

I’m shaping a new vision for my work and the retreats I want to create. I’m giving deeper meaning and language to my philosophy around The Art of Creating a Beautiful Life. I’m creating a little sanctuary on my balcony, choosing the furniture, pillows, plants, lanterns, and special details that make it feel like an extension of me.

And one of the most beautiful new parts of my life is becoming a GiGi.

That alone has made me think differently about the woman I want to be in this next chapter—healthy, strong, joyful, present, adventurous, inspiring and able to fully participate in the lives of the people I love.

Lately, that becoming has included a renewed commitment to my health, nutrition, and strength.

I’m calling it my midlife upgrade.

More and more women are turning midlife into a comeback.

We walk.
We lift.
We train.
We nourish our bodies.
We show up for our health.

Forget the midlife crisis. This is a midlife upgrade.

I’m proud of us.

Proud of every woman who has decided that her second half gets to be her strongest one.

This isn’t about trying to become who we were twenty years ago. It’s about honoring the women we are today—and preparing our bodies, minds, and spirits for everything we still want to experience.

I want to lift weights and hike beautiful trails. I want to travel, dance, date, laugh, lead retreats, explore new places, play with my grandchildren, and keep creating a life that excites me.

I want the strength and energy to enjoy the life I have worked so hard to create.

And I know I’m not alone.

Women over 50 are redefining what this season of life can look like. Our careers and businesses are flourishing. Some of us are enjoying the freedom of retirement. We are learning new things, starting over, traveling the world, falling in love, becoming grandmothers, changing our homes, strengthening our bodies, deepening our friendships, and listening more closely to ourselves.

We are surrounding ourselves with beauty—not because life is perfect, but because beauty nourishes us.

A vase of fresh flowers.
A peaceful corner of our home.
A strong body that carries us through the world.
Food prepared with love.
A long walk beside the ocean.
A gathering around the table.
A plane ticket to somewhere that calls to us.
Time with the people who matter most.

These may look like small choices, but woven together they become a life.

The balcony doesn’t have to be finished before I enjoy my coffee outside.

My body doesn’t have to be perfect before I celebrate its growing strength.

My future doesn’t have to be completely mapped out before I feel excited about what is ahead.

And I don’t have to know exactly what this next chapter will become to recognize that something beautiful is already unfolding.

Perhaps that is the invitation for all of us this month:

To stop waiting until everything is finished, certain, or perfect before we allow ourselves to enjoy our lives.

To notice the beauty that already exists.

To choose one small way to care for our future selves.

To become stronger—not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually too.

And to remember that aging does not mean fading away. It can mean becoming more fully ourselves.

So I’ll leave you with this question:

What are you becoming right now—even if it isn’t finished, polished, or fully understood yet?

Whatever it is, honor it.

It is your life.

And it can be beautiful too.

"A beautiful life isn’t something that happens to us. It’s something we intentionally create, one choice at a time."

With love & blessings,

Cheryl

PS…If you’d like to start your 2027 off with us at The Wellness Sanctuary I have opened registration for my past retreat guests.  Get all the details here: The Wellness Sanctuary 2027

PSS…I have 2 spots available for coaching if you are seeking guidance in creating your own Midlife Upgrade. Schedule a complimentary call here: Midlife Upgrade Call


 

Is It Time For Your Next Chapter?

TTTThe Courage to Begin Again

The Courage To Begin Again

Hello Beautiful Friends,

March always feels like a quiet turning point to me.

The days are getting a little longer, the light feels softer, and nature gently reminds us that life is always renewing itself. It’s a beautiful invitation to pause and reflect on our own lives… and the chapters we may be ready to begin again.

If you’ve been in my world for a while, you know my story.
Years ago, I walked away from a successful corporate career to follow a pull I couldn’t ignore. At 57, I packed up my life and moved to Bali without having all the answers.

I didn’t know exactly what the next chapter would look like. I just knew I was being called toward something different… something more aligned with who I was becoming.

Since then, life has taken me on the most extraordinary journey. Leading retreats around the world, building beautiful communities of women, coaching incredible souls through their own life transitions, and continuing to reinvent myself right alongside them.

And here’s what I’ve learned along the way:

Beginning again isn’t something we do once.

It’s something we do over and over again throughout our lives.

Every new chapter asks us to listen a little more closely to ourselves. To question what no longer fits. To trust the quiet voice inside that whispers, there’s more for you.

So many women feel that pull… but stay where they are.

Not because they lack courage or ability, but because comfort can feel safer than alignment. We convince ourselves that it’s easier to stay the same, even when we know something deeper is calling us forward.

This is actually the heart of the work I do.

Through coaching, retreats, and now retreat consulting, I have the privilege of supporting women who are standing at the edge of a new chapter — whether that means reinventing their lives, rediscovering themselves, or stepping into something they’ve been dreaming about for years.

Recently, I’ve also begun guiding other women who feel called to become retreat leaders themselves. Helping them bring their own visions to life and create meaningful experiences for others is incredibly fulfilling and feels like such a natural evolution of my work.

And the truth is… I’m still beginning again too.

Life continues to expand in beautiful ways. I’m currently developing more retreats within the United States, including shorter wellness experiences in California this September and October for women who want a powerful reset, renewal, or transformation without needing to travel internationally.

Because sometimes what we need most is simply space…
space to breathe, reconnect with ourselves, and remember what truly matters.

I believe with my whole heart that our lives are not meant to become smaller with time.

They are meant to deepen, expand, and become more meaningful as we grow.

No matter your age, your past, or the chapter you’re currently in, you are always allowed to begin again.

And sometimes the life you’re dreaming about isn’t waiting years from now…

It’s waiting for one brave decision.

A Question for You to Reflect On

If you allowed yourself to truly begin again in this season of your life…
what would you change, create, explore, or say yes too?
Sometimes simply asking the question opens a door we didn’t even realize was waiting for us.

A Few Opportunities If Your Heart Is Calling

If Greece has been whispering to you, there is still a small window of opportunity to join us. There are just a few spots remaining for the Goddess Rising Retreat in Greece this May and June, and registration will be closing by May 1st. You can get the details here: https://www.cheryldavenport.com/greece-2026

These retreats are truly something special — a beautiful blend of stunning Greek islands, incredible food and wine, cultural experiences, meaningful conversations, laughter, and the kind of sisterhood that often becomes lifelong friendship.

If you’ve been thinking about it… this might be your moment.

And if you’re feeling called to begin again in a different way, my private coaching is always available for women who are ready to explore what their next chapter could look like and want guidance, support, and accountability along the way.  Book your complimentary discovery call here: http://www.cheryldavenport.com

I’ll also be sharing more soon about a few shorter wellness retreats in California this September and October — perfect for women who are craving a meaningful reset but may not have time for an international trip.

Wherever you are in your journey, I hope you remember this:

You are never too late.
You are never too old.
And your next chapter is still waiting to be written.

With love,
Cheryl

The Weight We Don't Talk About: Expectations

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

 



What's On Your Life List?

Dear Sister,

I recently watched a movie that stirred something deep in my soul—The Life List.  Have you watched it?  It’s new on Netflix and I highly recommend it as a soul stirring and thought provoking movie.🍿 Oh, and don't forget the kleenex too.
It reminded me how easily we tuck away our dreams for “someday,” and how quickly life can pass us by when we’re waiting for the perfect time. NOW is the perfect time!

What if we stopped waiting?

What if we gave ourselves permission to say yes to the big things, the small joys, the adventures, and the soul-whispers—now?

This is what I’m inviting you to explore with me this month:
What’s on your Life List?
Not a bucket list of someday things… but a living, breathing list of what your heart is craving today!

Lately, I’ve been reconnecting with some of the dreams I’d quietly tucked away… dreams that once lit my soul on fire. I’m talking about far-off travel to places I’ve only seen in my dreams,☑️ wild creativity pouring out of me without hesitation or fear, belly laughs around a campfire with women who feel like soul family, swimming naked in a moonlit lake, writing the book that’s been whispering to me for years, tending a garden that feeds both body and spirit, slow dancing in the rain just because it feels good, and yes—feeling true, heart-opening love and partnership again. These aren't just fantasies. They are soul desires. And I believe they show up when we’re finally ready to meet them. I’m ready. I’m opening my heart, choosing courage over comfort, and inviting you to do the same.

✨ What experiences call to you?
✨ What parts of yourself are ready to be expressed?
✨ What dreams have been patiently waiting for you to say, “I’m ready”?                                  

✨What dreams did you have as a child?

Whether it's dancing under the moonlight, writing your book, taking that solo trip, learning a new language, or simply feeling more alive in your everyday life—this is your invitation to begin.

And you don’t have to do it alone.

Join me for our next Sisterhood Rising Circle on Friday, May 3rd at 9:00am PST, where we’ll dive into the theme of “The Life List—Living, Not Just Dreaming.”

We’ll journal, reflect, connect, and each leave with one inspired step toward a life more fully lived. I even have a really fun bit of ‘homework’ for you, if you're up for it!

Let’s stop postponing joy. Let’s dive head first into the life that’s been waiting for us.

PS. If Bali is on your Life List I have a few spots available for our 2025 retreat, “A Woman’s Journey Back to Herself” You can get all the details here 👉 www.cheryldavenport.com/retreats

With love,
Cheryl
Founder, The Sisterhood Rising & Cheryl Davenport Retreats

🌺 Mark Your Calendar:
Sisterhood Rising Call – May 3rd at 9:00am PST
“The Life List – Living, Not Just Dreaming”

REPLY “Life List” in the comments to let me know you’re coming and I’ll send you a personal invite and some thought prompts to get you started. Let’s create magic together!

I Wish I'd Known This Sooner

Hello dear friends,  

If you missed the kick off call for The Sisterhood Rising I’ve done a little recap for you.  We had 25 incredible women on the call, we laughed, we cried, and we connected deeply to each other. My heart is full. 💖 
It was a vulnerable share but I felt like I needed to share a little bit of my back story...

My Story: From Feeling Stuck to Creating a Life I Love

I know what it’s like to feel stuck, alone, or unsure of what’s next. But I also know what’s possible when you surround yourself with the right people and have support!

In 2015, on the outside, my life looked incredible. I had a beautiful home on three acres, a great corporate job, financial security, and my daughters were living their own amazing lives. But I felt empty and out of alignment with my purpose. I had played it safe for far too long.  I was stuck, unsure of who I was or what I wanted next.

A pivotal moment came when I went through a painful breakup. I had built a life that demanded I work two jobs just to sustain it. Was this really it? Was this what I was meant to do until retirement? Overwhelmed, heartbroken and exhausted, I knew I needed a major shift.

So, I did something radical. I booked a solo 17-day trip to Thailand and Bali. That trip changed everything. I fell in love with Bali and started a side hustle—a clothing business. Five trips and two years later, in 2017, I took the leap. I left my job, sold my home, and moved to Bali with just two suitcases.

That year became a deep journey of self-discovery. Yoga, meditation, healers, therapy, workshops, coaching—I treated my healing like a full-time job. Those first two years I also built my clothing business, got my coaching accreditation, and hosted my first retreat in 2019. I was on my way…or so I thought.

Then 2020 hit. The world shut down. I returned to the U.S. with no home, no job, no income, and no plan. I had to start over. Fear was a constant companion, but I kept moving forward. I built my coaching business, moved to Mexico, and started planning my next retreats. I lived with one foot on the gas and one on the brakes for years. But mindset work, intention, action and lots of meditation helped me push through. Faith + Action = Miracles

Fast forward to 2025: I now lead retreats in Bali, Italy, Mexico, and Greece, coach women through major life changes, and split my time between Mexico, Bali, and Italy. But there was still one thing missing—a way to support women beyond the retreats, to help them continue their growth and connection and to support the women that may not be able to join us on retreat.

That’s why I created The Sisterhood Rising.

Doing It Scared, Doing It Awkward, Doing It Anyway!

How do you want to FEEL in 2025?

Your energy is everything. Have you ever met someone who lights up the room without saying a word? Or someone who leaves you feeling drained? That’s energy. Everything is energy. It’s either flowing or resistant.  When your energy aligns with your desires, you become a magnet for what you want. That is why we need to focus on the FEELING.

Let’s align with that energy now:

  • Think of a time when you felt the way you want to feel in 2025 or a moment you felt so much gratitude. Let yourself sink into that memory. Feel it.

  • What made you feel that way? What can you do more of?

  • Meditation can help shift your energy. Even 10 minutes a day can take your foot off the brake and allow flow into your life. 

If you fully trusted yourself, what bold move would you make this year?

Why are we not all doing this and what gets in the way?

Fear & Limiting Beliefs:

Fear can paralyze us. The bigger the dream, the bigger the fear, the more we grow. We grow to size.  Can I share something…I’ve wanted to create this Sisterhood since 2019. What took me so long? Fear! But I’m doing it scared anyway. And that’s okay. You don’t have to do it alone. When 1 woman makes it and pushes through her fear she makes room for other women to come with her!  It’s not ‘look at me, it’s come with me’!

Ask yourself:

  • Where do I feel the most resistance?

  • Is this fear really true?

  • What’s one small step I can take?

Your thoughts create your results. Circumstance ➔ Thoughts ➔ Feelings ➔ Actions ➔ Results. Shift your thoughts, shift your life.

An Invitation to The Sisterhood Rising

If you’re craving deeper connection, growth, and a community of women who support each other, I invite you to join The Sisterhood Rising. This is just the beginning. We are all stepping into the next chapter of our lives together.

Our next live call is happening on April 5th at 9:00 AM PST, and we would love for you to join us! This is a powerful opportunity to share, learn, and be inspired alongside like-minded women who are ready to rise together.

How to Join: Simply reply to this email with the word “Sisterhood”, and we’ll send you the link to our upcoming call!  It’s FREE…so check it out!

In the meantime, stay connected with us on Instagram & Facebook @TheSisterhoodRising for daily inspiration, updates, and sisterhood support.

We can’t wait to welcome you into this space of empowerment and connection. See you on the call!

With love & courage,
Cheryl

PS. If you are interested in a deep dive into healing, transformation and connection, I still have a few spots available for our retreat in Bali!  Get all the details herehttps://www.cheryldavenport.com/retreats

The Conversations Every Women Needs--But Rarely Has!

Dear Sister,

Have you ever felt like your navigating life’s biggest changes alone? Whether it’s aging, relationships, health shifts, or the deep desire to rediscover yourself—you’re not alone.

The truth is, we weren’t meant to figure all of this out by ourselves. Women thrive in community. When we support each other, we rise together.

That’s exactly why I created The Sisterhood Rising—a safe, empowering space where we can have real conversations about the things we wish someone had told us earlier. These are the whispers over coffee, the late-night heart-to-hearts, and the questions we’ve been afraid to ask. It’s like a women’s circle, but online!  

🔥 What’s Trending in Our Lives?

Aging & Beauty: Shifting from anti-aging to pro-aging—how do we feel good in our skin at every stage?
Relationships & Intimacy: Navigating divorce, dating, or deepening your current connection.
Purpose & Reinvention: Feeling called to something new? Career shifts, creative pursuits, or life changes.
Stress & Self-Care: Beating burnout, managing overwhelm, and prioritizing YOU—without guilt.
Money & Independence: Financial empowerment, smart investing, and designing a life of freedom.
Hormones & Health: Perimenopause, menopause, and beyond—let’s talk wellness, nutrition & mental health.
Slow Living & Simplicity: Savoring life’s little moments, embracing joy, and slowing down and being present to the simple joys of life.
Travel: Solo adventures, travel tips, and everything you need to know about women’s retreats.

These are just some of the REAL conversations we will be having each month. I’ll also be inviting some incredible guest experts to join the discussion! You won't want to miss this!

What’s Happening in March?

📆 March Call Theme: "Manifestation & Alignment—Creating a Life That Feels Good"

 Because the secret to manifesting isn’t just about what you want—it’s about how you feel.

🔹 What We’ll Cover:
✔ Understanding vibrational energy & attraction—how to create more of what you desire.
✔ Getting clear on your vision & removing resistance—self-awareness is everything!
✔ Daily rituals to align with your goals—simple practices that create massive shifts.

💫 Plus: The Power of Sisterhood—Why We Need Each Other More Than Ever
✅ Feel seen, heard & understood—because real connection is rare.
✅ Learn from each other’s wisdom—no more figuring it out alone.
✅ Get clarity, solutions & inspiration for whatever changes you’re facing.

Doors are opening soon for our first Sisterhood Rising call, and I’d love for you to be part of this circle.

📅 March 1st at 9:00 AM PST – Join us!
  Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @TheSisterhoodRising for all the details.

Drop the word “Sisterhood” in the comments and I’ll send the call link straight to your inbox!

PS…Upcoming Retreats:  I still have a few spots available for our Bali Retreat September 19th through October 1st, 2025.  This is your opportunity to make 2025 a game changer year!  Get all the details here: 👉 Cheryl Davenport Retreats


With deep gratitude & love,
Cheryl