We were lucky to catch up with Cheryl Bailey recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Cheryl, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

In 2020, I took a big risk on me, my happiness and the happiness of my family, when I uprooted and moved from the East Coast to Sedona, AZ. I lived my entire life in NJ. I was born and raised there and my roots went deep. However, I had often dreamed of living in Sedona. My husband and I had those plans for the future, but the future came fast when things became clear that it was the right time to move in the summer of 2020.

With that move, came the decision to leave behind all the comforts of what I have always known, including my extended family and my career. However, I knew deep within my heart that there was a calling for me to do something more aligned with my true purpose. As a Spiritual Life coach, yoga/meditation instructor, and sound healer, I had witnessed the transformative power of these practices in my own life and the lives of others. Trusting in the signs and synchronicities that guided me, I took the leap and transformed my side hustle in New Jersey into a full-time endeavor in the magical setting of Sedona.

Moving from the familiarity of New Jersey to the landscapes of Sedona was both exhilarating and challenging. It meant leaving behind a lifetime of memories, connections, and comfort zones. However, I firmly believed that in order to fully embrace the life I was meant to lead, I had to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the unknown. Sedona, and its natural beauty, spiritual energy, and vibrant community, felt like the perfect place to fully immerse myself in my work and connect with like-minded individuals seeking their own spiritual growth.

Trusting the universe’s guidance every step of the way, I embarked on this new chapter of my life with an open heart and a profound sense of faith. It hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge and obstacle has served as a catalyst for personal growth and a testament to my unwavering commitment to my purpose.

Taking the risk to leave behind the familiar and embrace the unknown has been the most rewarding decision I’ve ever made. It has allowed me to live a life of authenticity, passion, and fulfillment, while continuously expanding my own spiritual journey. I am grateful for the guidance that led me here and for the opportunity to serve others on their path towards self-discovery and living their best life.

Cheryl, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Einstein once said, “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” If you ask me, this was a mantra I lived by for years…until I knew better.

I was constantly striving for perfection in all areas of her life only caused her to fall into a downward spiral of stress, anxiety, exhaustion, and negative self-talk. There was a belief that if I did everything right, I would eventually feel like I was enough. My type-A personality fed into that perfectionism, as I struggled to control every detail of my personal life.

Then, after a string of tragedies I was taught that control was merely an illusion. My first marriage of 17 years ended in a nasty divorce. Later, when I found love again, I lost my second husband to colon cancer. And, within a few months of his passing, Hurricane Sandy rendered me homeless.

Life truly pulled the rug out from under me. I fought to keep going under the weight of constant outer and inner turmoil. I knew there was another way to live, but that didn’t happen until I began to fully surrender to something greater than myself.

I believe my natural grit and tenacity allowed me to keep going in the face of hardship, but it was through various holistic and wellness practices that I found grace for myself. I realized that I didn’t need to strive for perfection, and it was okay to give myself the time and space to just “be.” I reconnected with my higher power, and trusted God to guide her through all of life’s ups and downs and ins and outs. This is when a sense of inner peace and self-awareness blossomed within.

Initially, a stay-at-home mom prior to my divorce, I fought for the opportunity to earn a college degree. I knew the only way “up” was to bet on myself. I put myself through college while working and earned my bachelor’s degree in human resources. A few years later, I earned my master’s degree in Human Services and built a rewarding career in higher education that lasted 15 years.

But my heart’s desire was to share my gifts with others. So, after receiving the signs from the Universe, I left my successful career in higher education to pursue a life I was passionate about . . . but it did not come easily. After being inspired by my own unexpected challenges and experiences, I realized my journey was indeed my destination.

In 2019, I founded Grit and Grace Meditation, LLC and began the journey of a soulpreneur while living in New Jersey. Then in 2020, when the world was experiencing a pause in life due to the pandemic, I moved with my husband, Marc to Sedona, Arizona. This perfect divine alignment allowed me to blossom and grow beyond my wildest expectations. My journey to living my best life and stepping into my truest self is constantly evolving and growing.

I am a Certified Life Designer Coach, Facilitator of Self-Love Women’s Retreats, 200 Hour RYT, 200 Hour Certified Mindfulness & Meditation Instructor, Certified Sound Healing Practitioner, a 40-hour Certified Yoga Nidra Instructor, a Certified Hibiscus Moon Crystal Practitioner, and an Usani Level II Reiki Practitioner.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

For many years, I didn’t have a “career” outside the home. I was blessed with the opportunity to stay at mom raising my children. However, that quickly shifted when my first marriage ended in a divorce. I had to make many difficult decisions in my life, the first one was getting a job and earning a college degree to help me have greater success and earning potential. I dug in and that’s exactly what I did. It took me 5 years to obtain my bachelors, however, it was extremely rewarding, One bonus of earning my degree was making a connection that afforded me a job opportunity at the College I attended. I got my foot in the door, and I spent the next 15 years working at that College in a variety of job positions, including Director of Student Life and Academic Advisor. However, over time, I knew that it wasn’t my final stop.

Over time, I found myself at a pivotal point. I craved for something more. I had my small side hustle of teaching yoga and meditation, and I knew that was where my heart was, but I didn’t know how I was going to make that work. One evening, as I was leaving work, exhausted and longing for guidance, I made a bold decision. Placing all my worries and doubts aside, I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and sincerely asked God/Spirit for a sign. In that moment, I summoned the universe, requesting a clear message of whether I should leave my job and go the way my heart was pulling me. I specifically asked for an elephant as my symbol of strength and wisdom to appear. Over the next few days, I eagerly scanned my surroundings, waiting for the universe’s response. Little did I know that that simple act of seeking guidance would mark the turning point in my career.

You may ask who randomly sees an elephant? I can tell you I saw an elephant multiple times and in various forms. I took that as my sign and a few weeks after that, I gave my resignation at work. Taking that huge leap of faith has opened doors for me that I never could have imagined. My life has changed so much since that time. I now live and work in Sedona, AZ, which is a long distance from a small town in New Jersey I grew up in. I have poured my love into my own business for the last five years to help create the income and the lifestyle that I desire. I am getting there and all things are a work in progress. I always remember the saying…if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

In my business, I have discovered that being genuine and authentic, and forging true heartfelt connections, has been instrumental in my success. I firmly believe in what I teach, and my passion shines through in every interaction. I don’t just impart knowledge; I share my own personal journey and experiences, openly and honestly. By doing so, I think it creates a bridge that connects me to others on a human level. I understand that true connections are built on trust, empathy, and relatability. When I approach my clients and students with authenticity, they can sense it, and it fosters a sense of trust and resonance. By sharing my own vulnerabilities and triumphs, it provides a safe and nurturing space for others to do the same.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gritandgracemeditation/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.t.mcbride/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl1225/
• Youtube: [email protected]
• Other: google reviews – https://g.page/r/CTkxMh8mxyxREB0/review