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

etings,

Yesterday was officially the first day of Spring but it sure doesn't feel like it here in Mexico!  I for one am ready for some sunshine and beach time!  

As most of you know I will be leading 2 women's retreats in Bali this year, one starts August 25th and the second one starts September 22nd.  I'm overjoyed with the response I've received from women around the world. (mainly the USA, Canada & Australia)  It warms my heart to see people so curious and interested in this tiny little island on the other side of the world.  I thought this might be a good place to answer some of the FAQ about Bali and the retreat that I get on a daily basis, so here we go!

Where is Bali?
It is closest to Australia and surrounded by the Indian Ocean.  It is 95 miles wide and home to about 145 million people.  Bali is just one of over 17,000 islands in Indonesia.

What religion do they practice?
Hindu and Buddism

How long is the flight from California?
22 hours to Bali and 18 hours back to California.  Cost averages around $900 round trip out of SanFrancisco or Los Angeles.

What currency do they use?
Indonesian Rupiah

What language do they speak?
Indonesian Bahasa or Balinese.  Most speak English also.

Is it safe in Bali?
Bali is one of the safest places I have ever lived or traveled.  Due to their religious beliefs they believe in karma and conduct themselves in a way that reflects that.  They are some of the kindest, happiest people I've ever met.  Violence, robbery, drugs etc. have a zero tolerance policy which keeps people from committing such crimes.  I guess an Indonesian prison doesn't seem to appealing?!

What is the food like?
Bali is one of the top International destinations in the world and  has everything from Michelin Star restaurants to small warungs which are small, rustic and usually family run diners.  The ambience in the restaurants is something beyond otherworldly and the food is an absolute work of art.  Fresh fish caught daily and produce picked this morning are combined to create a very memorable dining experience.  I could do a whole newsletter on the food and restaurants!  (Let me know if you'd like that) Everything from American, African, Italian, Japanese, Sushi, Mexican, Indian, Vegan, Greek and the list goes on...
I promise you wont leave Bali hungry!

What type of accommodations will we stay in at the retreat?
Having lived and traveled there for many years has allowed me to scout out the best resorts and Airbnb's.
I have worked with The Adiwana Jembawan for the past 5 years and am continually impressed with this 5 star boutique resort and their high level of service!  The resort is nestled in the jungle next to the river and gives one the feeling of a private oasis yet you are only a 10 minute walk to all the popular restaurants and shops which makes it very convenient for venture out on your own.  

How will I get from the airport to the resort in Ubud?
We will have a private driver waiting for you at the airport holding a sign with your name.  There may be others arriving at the same time so the driver would be bringing you all to The Adiwana.

How many women will be on the retreat?
We like to keep the group small so we can all connect and get to know each other.  This year we have spots for 10 women on each retreat.  Limited spots are available at this time so don't delay!

What is the 'Add On' in the Gili Islands?:
The Island of Gili Air is an optional extension of the retreat that takes place after our week in Ubud.  The Gili Islands are a group of three small islands off the coast of Bali, and guests will spend an extra four days there to relax and unwind on the beautiful white sand beaches. We will be spending our time on Gili Air which is one of the more peaceful and serene spots.  The island is carefree, which adds to its tranquil vibe. There is no set itinerary on this part of the retreat, allowing guests to spend their time however they please.

Who is this retreat for?
You are a heart based women that wants/likes to live life full out
You are in need of some deep self care, rest, quiet time, healthy food, yoga, body movement & FUN
You are going through some sort of a life transition 
You feel stuck in a rut with your personal or work life and would like some clarity on next steps
You are missing connection with other similar women
You are hungry for adventure & foreign culture in your life
You are tired of taking care of everyone else and would love to have everything taken care of for YOU
The idea of this trip makes you feel both excited and nervous

If this is you, I truly hope this answered some of your questions and will give you the courage to say "YES" to  this life changing opportunity!  If you have any questions or concerns at all I am here to support you.  Please feel free to reach out to me by email and we can schedule a time to chat.

I look forward to connecting with you and sharing the magic of Bali! 

In gratitude,

Cheryl
Your Retreat Host
cheryl@cheryldavenport.com

We are well on our way into a new year and I’m asking myself and my coaching clients two questions:

“How will you make this year different from last year?” 

“What would make 2023 an extraordinary year for you?”

Great questions to sit with for a while or possibly you’ve got the year all mapped out, goals set and are well on your way to creating an extraordinary year!  Congratulations!!

If not, and you’re still wondering how to conquer the drudgery of eat, sleep, work, pay bills, rinse & repeat, then I may have a solution for you…

Many of you know that I have lived and traveled to Bali for many years. It is one of my most favorite places in the world for many reasons.  All of which I would love to share with you!

I originally went to Thailand and Bali, alone, searching for a shift in my life. I could no longer live another 365 days the same as the last 365 days.  My internal being needed to heal, grow, expand and experience new things. It took me almost 2 years to create my new reality and I must say Bali delivered on all of it!  To be immersed in the healing capital of Bali was such a gift and completely changed my life for the better. I searched out the best healers, spa’s, restaurants, places to visit and all of the secret spots that the locals were willing to share with me.  I healed, grew as a person, expanded my career, released old patterns, found pure joy in every day and made lifelong friends from around the world.  I also experienced what I would call “freedom”.  Freedom from fear of change.  Whew, that's a big one!  It's like anything else, once you’ve done it, you know you can do it again…and so the next journey began.

I have always had a passion for empowering others, probably because so many have done the same for me along the way.  That desire led me to many amazing opportunities in my life but coaching and hosting women’s retreats in Bali has been the culmination of the last 40 years of my career and personal growth work. I also had many friends that wanted to travel but had a fear of traveling alone or were just frightened of traveling so far.  I really felt called to curate a trip to Bali that would offer these highly successful and overworked women a safe way to visit a drastically different culture, to do some deep self care and healing, if needed. 

I truly believe we need this type of connection now more than ever!!  Women coming together in a non competitive setting, supporting each other and understanding that we are all suffering through most of the same things and I’m not just talking about hot flashes here.  Just to be clear this retreat is not about you quitting your job and moving to Bali. (unless that's your dream, then let’s talk!) 

It’s about so much more…

How would you feel knowing you could have this once in a lifetime experience without having to do all the planning and work?  That once you land in Bali your personal well being is our only job.  Every little detail has been taken care of to ensure you can completely relax into your luxurious environment, feeling safe, nurtured, refreshed and renewed. YOU deserve to be taken care of and will be a happier and more productive person by doing so.  It’s finally your turn!  

I could go on and on but I think my Bali Retreat page can help paint a picture in your mind as to the magic that this retreat has to offer you. You can visit my page and share with your friends and family so that they can share in the magic too!  You never know who needs this and how deeply it will impact them.  Here’s the link: https://www.cheryldavenport.com/retreats

That is also my coaching page if you would like support in creating an extraordinary 2023!

My IG has tons of Bali & other travel photos @BaliGirl Retreats

Let's make some magic together in 2023!

In gratitude,

Cheryl

Do you ever wake up in a funk, hit the snooze button 2 or 3 times, feel exhausted, stressed or cranky?  Mornings can be a stressful time or they can set the tone for a successful and productive day.  I thought this would be the perfect time to share how I start my day and encourage my clients to do the same.

Having a solid morning practice has helped me to reduce stress, quiets my overactive mind, gives me clarity and has helped me to be more productive with my day.  This past year I took my practice a bit deeper and found that I was able to really focus in on my thoughts and mindset, which in turn affected my feelings, actions and RESULTS! 

There are 5 pillars of self care that I built my morning practice on: physical, social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual. 

Here is what that looks like for me:

1. Meditation- even if it’s just for 10 minutes. You can sit or lie quietly, listen to a guided meditation, do a walking meditation or whatever works for you to quiet your mind. (YouTube has thousands of guided meditations to offer) I love to start my day with a gratitude meditation! Here’s a link to one of my faves: https://youtu.be/VsziJIG3daA

2. Journaling- I use this a couple of ways.  Being mindful about all that you have to be grateful for is a great way to start your day.  Sometimes I just need to do a ‘mind dump’ and purge my thoughts. This is also a space to write down your fears. (I noticed reading back through my journal that most of them were unfounded and never happened. Whew!) Journaling allows you to see how far you’ve come, how you’ve grown and changed or possibly where you still need to do some work. Dreams are born in your journal!

3. Listening- to something positive, educational or motivational. Reading works well here too. I use Audible so I can listen to my books while driving, working out etc.

4. Exercise- that can be in the gym, yoga, pickleball, a hike or dancing. That’s just my go to list but yours can consist of anything that gets your body moving.

5. Mindset work- I have become very aware of my self talk. Negative self talk does not serve us in any positive way. Being aware of your thoughts and words is key. I also use affirmations, positive self talk and a technique referred to as Kylego which I use with my coaching clients.  Thoughts=Feelings=Actions=Results!

The social piece came through spending time with family, friends and clients. I actually get so much fulfillment from coaching and hosting retreats and feel so fortunate to create deep, meaningful  social connections while working. Of course I do have amazing clients which makes it easy!

I hope that you found this information helpful and will consider implementing a few new things into your morning practice! What is your favorite morning practice? Let us know in the comments below.

Also If you feel called to attend one of our Women’s Retreats in Bali this year you can get all of the information and register here: https://www.cheryldavenport.com/retreats

Wishing you a year filled with magic and miracles! 

xo

Cheryl

There’s no denying that Wellness Retreats are the of-the-moment vacation. From extreme yoga retreats to bicycle tours we’re now trading sunbathing and extreme sports for more focused dedication to our personal health and wellness. Instead of focusing on just physical activities, these gatherings are more about the magic of bringing women together, with the goal being female connection and empowerment.

As a 57 year old, successful business woman that was burnt out, disconnected and desperately needed some self care, I understood the need for women to come together in a way that was safe, nurturing and provided some tools for self care. I got busy creating a wellness retreat that spoke to other women like myself. The response has been overwhelming! 

Realizations…

I’ve just completed another 8 day retreat in Bali with a group of 10 amazing women. Many of us have been or are currently married, divorced, raised families, lost loved ones, have successful careers and continue to take care of those around us at the expense of our own wellbeing. As women we seem to have lost sight of a few things... How to reconnect with our needs, bodies & hearts. How to connect with other women (Especially if you’ve been in the corporate world a long time). How to be quiet & breathe. To embrace our femininity. Ultimately I think we are all just looking to let go of our fears and insecurities and replace them with self worth and love. Throughout all of my experiences working with women I have found that no matter what age, race, religion, financial status or education, we all have the same fears and insecurities.

Lessons…

• Bravery is beautiful
  Retreats tend to bring us face to face with things we fear, whether those obstacles are mental or physical. (Case in point: swinging out over the jungle on an extremely high swing, wearing a long flowy dress, was just as scary as sharing your fears during circle time.) But being surrounded by women that are rooting for you creates an immense safety net. Not only was it liberating to shed my own fears but to witness the bravery of the other women–-not to mention the excitement they felt–was a reminder to not shy away from the things that scare us. Courage leads to confidence!                                                  

• We thrive in community
  After more than a week of listening to the 10 other women in the group who so generously shared their stories, we all couldn't help but want to soak up the life lessons and wisdom in the room. Women understand other women. It’s the women who make ‘women's retreats’ so special, providing comfort, support, and serious girl time fun. We laughed, danced, cried, hugged, explored, grew, opened our hearts, made new sisters, and the best part? Those relationships are not contained to the time spent at the retreat. We have formed deep bonds and will continue to support and connect with each other going forward.

• We have the power to change our thoughts
  With lots of time built in for rest and silence, a retreat can create distraction free spaces in your day, which allows you to consciously take note of your thought patterns. Noticing the negative self talk that we barrage ourselves with daily can help us to start making changes to that narrative. Spending time in silence allows awareness to show us where we need to release and grow. Not surprisingly, I am a lot harder on
  myself than I realized ( I was not alone in this discovery), but after sitting with the discovery of that self criticism, I actually had an opportunity to hear those thoughts and then choose to change them. This may sound obvious but we don't have to listen to our inner critic, rather it is ok–and pretty wonderful–to like ourselves!
  
  
  

I have 2 retreats in Bali 2023 Dates & prices coming soon! https://www.cheryldavenport.com/retreats                                                                        We would love to welcome you to the Sisterhood!

You can also visit us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BaliGirlThreads & Instagram @baligirlretreats

I am also a Woman's Life Coach and specialize in helping women through life transitions. You can get more information or schedule a complimentary discovery call here: https://www.cheryldavenport.com/

In gratitude, 

Cheryl

Hello my friends,

I've been spending so much time working on mindset lately, with myself and my clients. I’ve realized it's never the circumstances that cause our feelings, it's always our thoughts about the circumstances that cause our feelings. Read that again. That alone gives us so much more power to control how we feel. How we choose to feel. Our thoughts are a choice. The choice between an empowering thought and a negative thought can determine how our lives play out day to day. Thoughts create our feelings, our feelings drive our actions, and our actions create our results. Makes sense, right?

Awareness of our thoughts is the first step in changing our old thought patterns and beliefs. A belief is just a thought we've had over and over. Most of our beliefs were handed down from previous generations, which I'm guessing may have served them well at the time, but many of those old beliefs do not serve us in this current life. Sometimes a client will say, "I don't know what I'm thinking all day, not sure what my thoughts are or it's just a completely unconscious process. One option for getting some thoughts down would be to do a 'thought download.' Take a sheet of paper and write down every thought that pops in your head or any recurring thoughts you've been having, good or bad. Circle the ones that don't serve your highest good and then flip that negative thought to a more positive one that does make you feel good. It's called deliberate thinking! It will also create more awareness around what's running through your mind all day. Actually, just take a look at your life and that will give you a good idea of what you're thinking, feeling and creating. If you don't 100% love what you see then it might be time to work on your mindset.

Creating a healthy mindset is a daily practice and in my opinion one of the most important things you can do to create positive change in your life. This is one of those times that working with a coach can be incredibly beneficial. The very first time I worked with a life coach was when I was contemplating a move to Bali, Indonesia, by myself, at 57 years old, without a job and I didn't know a soul. I was torn between terrifying fear and overwhelming desire! My coach really helped me get clarity around my dreams, work on my thoughts and create a mindset that supported my choice to move to Bali. She then helped me create an action plan, held me accountable and supported me on the days I fell apart and lost hope. Sigh! It turned out to be 3 of the most amazing and life changing years of my life and I honestly don't think I would've made it without her support. My coach and my mindset made all the difference!

For you, maybe it's a career change, a health goal, a move or just creating a happier more fulfilling life. All of these things take clarity, a plan, action, accountability, support and the right mindset! I love helping people achieve their life dreams and goals! I'm here to support you on your mission, whatever that looks like. My hope for you is that you don't waste your gifts, hopes and dreams until someday...if not now, when?

In Gratitude and Love,

Cheryl
cheryl@cheryldavenport.com
http://www.cheryldavenport.com

I’ve been wondering how this time in our lives will be remembered. There is so much uncertainty, pain, fear and loss that it could completely devour our hopes, our jobs, family and life as we know it. The media has created an unprecedented amount of fear which keeps us paralyzed and confused. We have been separated by race, political party and social isolation. All of these things weigh heavy on my heart and have caused many of us to feel a huge lack of control in our world.

As with the dark there is always the light and our current situation proves to be no different. Through my coaching clients and friends I have heard stories of tragedy but also of huge awakenings. The Great Pause has given us that much needed time to be still and quiet, even if only for brief moments, so that we can hear our inner voices begging us to slow down, change course and wake up! We’ve been asleep at the wheel of life for far too long. The universe, spirit, God, is calling, and it’s time to answer the call.

What can we do to hear the subtle voices of our hearts and inner guidance systems? How can we sit in stillness and be quiet? I believe that when we pray we are speaking to the universe, spirit, God, but when we meditate that is when the universe, spirit, God speaks to us. Take some time to find a quiet spot, even if its only 10 or 15 minutes to just sit and quiet your mind. Notice the thoughts, release them, breathe, connect with your body and the earth. Listen. Breathe. You WILL hear your souls calling. It’s a practice just like going to the gym. You don’t go the first day, pick up a weight and expect to see a new bicep appear do you? Practice.

Ask yourself what positive aspects can I take away from this time? How do I want my life to look going forward? How do I want to show up in the world? What gifts can I bring to my family, neighborhood, city, country and the world? What do I want my legacy to be? Who do I love? Who loves me? What’s REALLY important to me? What do I need to change or let go of? Where do I need to step up and grow? These are the things we DO have control over. These positive changes are how we can create a positive ripple effect in our own lives and in the world. It all starts with each one of us! What story will you be telling about your experience during The Great Pause?

I’m here to create a safe and powerful space to answer these questions and help you to create a new story. I’m offering a free 60 minute discovery call to help get you started. You just have to take the first step…

Stay well, stay safe and stay positive my friends!

xo

Cheryl

Ahh February...the holidays are done and stored away till next year, 2020 goals are pushed aside for future consideration and we’re back to our usual routine.  I don’t know about you but I have found myself a bit lost this February. Not feeling incredibly creative or inspired and honestly a bit upset with myself for feeling this way.  Afterall, I am a Life Coach and I help people create their dream lives so shouldn’t I be inspired and motivated all the time?!

Have you ever felt this way?  I’ve come to realize that we ALL feel this way from time to time and sometimes we even allow ourselves to sit with it for awhile. Don’t get me wrong here, I’m not saying unpack and move in to this place but rest your weary mind for a moment, check in to see what you’re really feeling and what you really need. Nourish yourself with some quiet time, meditation, nature and exercise...let the answers come in those quiet moments.  Ask yourself the bigger questions. Where do I find true joy? What impact do I want to have in the world? What will I regret at the end of my life if I don’t do it? What am I grateful for? One thing I know for sure is that if you ask the right questions the answers will always reveal themselves.

 I guess my point is maybe it’s not always about the big goals in life but about the things that make our hearts sing and leave a lasting impression on the ones we love and our mother earth.  What if we just play this life full out, hearts wide open, wild hair in the wind, laughing and dancing to our own crazy beat while we chase those dreams we’ve had tucked away for far too long?  What if...

 If you’ve found yourself feeling a bit lost, uninspired or just plain ready for a change I have a couple spots open for 1:1 coaching where we can explore the bigger questions, the possibilities and the action needed to get you on your way to living a kickass life! 

Xo

Cheryl

Happy New Year! 🎉 I'm so excited about stepping into 2020 and the opportunities this next decade brings. Last year brought some big changes into my life. I stepped way out of my comfort zone (a few times) and achieved some dreams along the way (not without a few bumps & bruises). I became a certified Life Coach and NLP Practitioner, which feels like I'm finally 'home', created a life changing retreat in Bali with 14 AMAZING women 💃💃🏾, hosted my 5th BaliGirl Threads Charity Fashion Show, spent quality time with family and friends, I was able to travel to Vietnam, California, Mexico & 4 new islands in Indonesia, got my PADI diving certification, did some deep inner work and have continued to create this extraordinary adventure called life. Everything is not perfect, but it is authentic, full of purpose and magic...I'll take that...along with the bumps and bruises that come with a life well lived! 

 My intention for this year is to bring more love, awareness, empowerment and connection into the world. Together we can create a ripple effect!

Wishing you all an extraordinary year ahead! Let's make some magic together in 2020! xo