Modern Goddess Magazine

I am so blessed to know so many inspiring and empowering women.  All the women I’ve profiled so far I’ve spent time with and this issue’s Empowering Woman is no different!

Cheryl Umberger and I while attending the Soul Coaching Certification program with Denise Linn, actually we were room mates.  Cheryl left behind her husband, four children and 3 animal companions to attend the program and even though getting there was a challenge due to delayed flights, redirected flights and an overnight stay somewhere unexpected, she did not once think about returning home.  Sure… she was stressed but during that time she made a friend and was reminded of her own inner strength.

I remember Cheryl saying so clearly that she was at the program for her own personal development and had no intention of starting a business or promoting Soul Coaching services.  Little did she know that after nine day and Spirit working its wonders, she would go into business for herself.

Upon returning to her family and home, she opened up to the idea of starting her business, Gentle Journeys Coaching where she now promotes her services as a certified Soul Coach and Past Life Coach as well as conducts Intuitive Spiritual Sessions, Oracle Card Readings and Empowerment Parties.

I could tell you all about Cheryl’s past life, but what inspires me is how she looks at the here and now instead.  She walks in the moment and recognises that her life as a mother and wife is busy but does not limit herself to this as her only role.  She still carves out time for herself, personally and professionally.  Cheryl is also studying at Clayton College of Natural Health to enhance her understanding of a “whole” approach to a successful life.

As Martha Beck says, “Our children model what we do to ourselves, not what we do to them. They don’t treat themselves the way you treat them. They treat themselves the way you treat you.”  What Cheryl is doing is demonstrating to her children, in particular her tween daughter, that she deserves to have time to herself so that she is then better equipped to look after her family and friends when needed.

Cheryl and I are working on a few exciting projects together (and hopefully we’ll be able to share the news of those with you soon), and while chatting with Cheryl, I asked her a few questions that allow you to get to know her a little better:-

Nicole: What inspires you?

Cheryl: At different points in my life I’ve been inspired by different things, but right now I find that simple things inspire me the most. When I’m looking for business inspiration I seek out real people that are succeeding in ways that I want to succeed. I have rarely looked to famous people for inspiration because it helps me to see others just like myself making their dreams come true. Mostly though, I feel truly uplifted when I meet people that can really grasp happiness and contentment right where they are and it inspires me to enjoy my life fully exactly at that moment!

Nicole: What women have inspired you?

Cheryl: This answer came so easily for me! There are two women that have been the catalyst that has moved me from forward at two critical times in my life. The first is my former sales manager, Carolyn Albright. She hired me to originate mortgages when I had every doubt about myself. She never failed to believe in me and she was selfless in her encouragement of my success. Carolyn gave me the gift of confidence and many years later I am still grateful. The second is Denise Linn, to whom I went to for training as a soul coach. Like Carolyn, Denise has the unique quality of selfless encouragement.

I know that I said there were only two, but really, there are many women that inspire me. In fact, most of the time it is a woman that spurs me on to live a quality life. It would take so long to name them all here, so I’ll just say that every day I meet another woman that wows me!

Nicole: What are your future plans for your business, and for yourself?

Cheryl: My business has been gradually growing and I know that I need it to grow at a moderate pace and not a fast one. My biggest enjoyment in life are my kids and my husband and, really, I’m not just saying that! I used to be more focused on my career than on my family, but there has been a shift for me and I’m comfortable with it.

As the business grows it has taken on a life of it’s own in that it steers me in directions I never thought possible. Writing has become a big part of my life and I am absolutely loving that! I hope that I have more opportunities to write for magazines and maybe I’ll write a book in the future.

I want to keep teaching classes, collaborating with the phenomenal women that have come into my life and working with people one on one. In other words, I’m ready to just let it all flow in the direction it will go! I’m at a point in my life where I’m ready to go more slowly than I’ve ever gone. Like eating a delicious piece of chocolate at every turn so that I can savor each bite!

Connecting with Cheryl reminds me to keep the balance between work, life and play.  Thanks Cheryl!

If you are anywhere Enola, Pennsylvania you may be interested in knowing that Cheryl will have a stand at the Unity Health and Wellness Fair on the 23rd August.  The fair runs from 9:00am to 5:00pm at the Unity Church of Harrisbug, 927 Wertzville Rd, Enola.

PS: Having experienced one myself, I can say that Cheryl’s Angel Readings will touch your heart.