“Up” Your Convivial Game: 3 Part Series

Decision 1: Work with a coach and do some inner work

There were plenty of strategic decisions which led me to decide on and make the transition from Convivial Society to The Convivial Woman. Self-awareness, personal motivation, outrageous self-belief, intentional tribe building, conscious action and the beauty of synchronicity all played their part in this new creation.

The idea to possibly change the name of the site first came to me in the Fall of 2010 while working with my coach, Lisa Carmen of SacredSexyU. Lisa’s coaching is normally geared for women who want to reconnect with their sense of self, femininity or sexuality, and she even offers sensual dance and movement sessions, but I didn’t necessarily find myself lacking or needing to connect with myself in those ways.

Instead, I saw my connection with Lisa as divine intervention. When I first quit my job in banking and returned from being on sabbatical in central Mexico in 2005, I was searching for answers, signs to help me along my new path as a writer. I came across a flyer at the local bookstore of a group called Spark, for women wanting inspiration and connection. I signed up for the updates, received a couple of email newsletters and remember the group organizer’s name was Lisa Olson, but I never made it to any event and went on living my life.

Fast-forward to 2010, a girl named Lisa Carmen “friends” me on Facebook and begins showering me with praise and support for what I was doing with Convivial Society. I felt this sense of dejavu when I looked at her pictures and read her words, then…it hit me (more…)

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Behold The Unveiling: Convivial Society relaunches as The Convivial Woman

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It’s the most anticipated event we’ve all been waiting for…

Relaunch Day for TheConvivialWoman.com!

Before you make your way around the site for a peep at what’s new, I’d like to share a personal message on audio with you, but first, this quote…

“The work of art is another human mind incarnate; not in the flesh and blood, but in sounds, words, or colors.” -The Art Instinct: Beauty, Pleasure, Evolution

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MY WORDS & MORE

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As The Convivial Woman, I am here to say…
Every woman is a masterpiece.
An extravagantly unique & inimitable creation. Her very existence is a great work of art.

And ask the question…
So, how do you treat a work of art?

It’s my personal commitment to live the answer…
With dignity. Reverence. A sense of majesty. And a sense of humor.

My desire is to inspire the same in you.

I’m all about Convivial Living…

joyful connecting, conscious action, and uncompromising self-care, and I plan to fill this space with a plethora of refined word gems to demonstrate that. When you make a conscious choice to see and treat yourself as a work of art, you inevitably create a life of artful intention for you and the world around you. That’s what we’re here to do.

“I’m not a businessman. I’m a business, man.” -Jay-Z

The Convivial Woman is not only my artform, it’s also the work I’ve been called to do in the form of articles, lifestyle guides, 1 on 1 strategizing sessions (think: creative brainstorming/dream accountability partnerships), intimate workshops and travel retreats. To receive updates, news and special links and offers on events as they happen, sign up here.

To celebrate my shape-shifting nature along with this grandiose day, stay tuned for an extra special blog post tomorrow, then join me for a series of Convivial Interviews starting this Monday, March 14 where I’ll feature some amazing women (and men!) who inspire me. We’ll talk about life, love, entrepreneurship, spirituality and share tips on breaking free from self-limitation. They’ll also share how they are making the very personal choice to show up in the world and give you a sneak peek into their convivial lives, as well. It’s gonna be fun!

If you haven’t done so yet…

Become a member of The Convivial Society

– now known as my monthly newsletter- to receive important links, event news, and personal messages from me. Drop your name in the hat right here.

I’d love to interact and know more about you, so honor me with your presence and LIKE my Facebook fanpage or follow me on Twitter as well.

Join me for tomorrow’s very first blog post as www.TheConvivialWoman.com- I’m calling it Up Your Convivial Game because that’s what each new day calls us to do. You can come back on your own or have it delivered directly to your inbox.

Now go ahead and peek behind the imaginary turquoise curtain and take a stroll around the newly revamped site to get to know more about me and what I am offering. Convivial times await you and I…

With fierce admiration,

Cheryl Chavarria

P.S. I’d love for you to say hello with a comment on the blog (below), or on facebook and twitter so I know you honored me with your presence!

P.P.S. If you want to finish jamming to that song I shared in the relaunch memo, CLICK FOR SONG HERE. See you tomorrow!

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Making The Convivial Switch

Convivial Society is about to shape-shift and take on a whole new name in less than 24 hours! Relaunch date: Wednesday 9 March 2011

The relaunch will go down in convivial history like this…

:: You’ll mark your calendar (umm…like right now) and set your alarm clock for 6am on 9 March 2011 ; then you’ll nearly pee your pants as you race, while laughing freakishly, to your nearest computer or smart phone to get your first peek at my newly relaunched website.

:: You’ll experience a euphoric feeling as you feast your eyes on the updated logo and devour my new tagline (think Mona Lisa + a call to action). With great power, comes a great need to change…I love recreating myself, don’t you?

:: You’ll poke around the site and check out the newly polished message I’m preachin’ and see what my Convivial business has to offer you. Hint: A One Stop Convivial Thought Shop (articles on da blog, baby), 1 on 1 strategizing sessions, and ooh…do I see globetrotting in our future? That’ll be up to you!

:: You’ll be so excited about what you’ve just seen and read and will feel compelled to share it with everyone in your world on Facebook and Twitter! That’s right!

:: Lastly, you’ll stay tuned into this convivial channel by signing up for my monthly newsletter here to see where life takes me. And you!

For the month of March, you can look forward to:

:: A series of interviews on the topic of “Breaking Free” from some inspiring women who influence and motivate me personally. Their stories are filled with courage and strength and guarantee plenty of convivial takeaways.

:: A fun video interview with my hubby, Martin on his first encounter with The Convivial Woman (psst…a woman who was always willing to put herself first–even when she was madly in love.)

:: Another video interview with Vin Diesel-looking, tattoo-loving, Dubai-partying, U.S. Air Force Veteran and dear friend of mine, Mr. John Charles Bernal (that’s his stripper name–he’s been knighted in another life by me!) We’ll cover dating bloopers and mishaps all the single ladies should avoid if they want him to put a ring on it. Well, not necessarily “him” specifically. He’s just representin’ and giving voice to the single man.

:: and of course, some EXTRA SPECIAL blog posts from The Convivial Woman herself…yours truly.

Now’s the time to get your front row seats to this show! I’m eager to share this experience with you, so be sure to get your name on my list right –>HERE.<–

Counting down the days…Wednesday 9 March 2011…See ya then!

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You’ve Got What It Takes To Set Me Free

A beautiful, blue-eyed Canadian once sang…”I’m like a bird…I want to fly away…I don’t know where my soul is…I don’t know where my home is…”

Well, my soul has found her home, but instead of a bird, she’s more like an indigo-colored caterpillar, chillin’ in a turquoise cocoon, waiting for the right moment to break free and showcase her new design and purpose. Of course, I’m talking about Convivial Society’s metamorphosis into what will soon be known ’round the world as The Convivial Woman website.

Are you ready for her relaunch on Wednesday 9 March 2011?
(That’s only two weeks away!)

Have you signed up for the official Launch Newsletter?
BAM! Signup list HERE.

So, the name of the site is changing, the site’s design will get a facelift, and I am thrilled to share it all with you! There’s tons in store to kick off this grand transition and you don’t want to miss out!

As I finalize the message in this holy holy space of mine, I leave you with a song that seems well-suited for this convivial moment in time:

Nelly Furtado’s Say it Right. Because Lord knows I want to!

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The PowerHouse Series: Megan Monique Interviews Me

Can you imagine standing in the middle of a football field with friday night lights flashing on you? No one in the stands, no one on the field, just you and everything significant about your life being cast in the spotlight for the world to see.

Could you imagine if there was someone or something out there that could give your life such an illuminating effect? How amazing, enlightening and oh so much fun that would be! Well, guess what? I know someone who is a Life Illuminator and she’s my friend, Megan Monique Harner.

She’s been featured on here once before as a very special model for The Convivial Woman Photography Project: Episode 2 and she offers Life Illumination Courses to anyone who wants to take a magnifying glass to see how wondrous their life already is. I’ve had the chance to peek at some of her course activities and they are really cool. What’s cooler is her course lasts a whole month!

Megan offered me the sweetest gig one Friday afternoon. She asked me to participate in her PowerHouse Series of interviews. Moi? A PowerHouse? But of course! Lights, camera, action! I must say we shared quite the convivial moment together and I’m pleased to share the video here:

The PowerHouse Series with Cheryl Chavarria from MeganMonique on Vimeo.

Get to know Megan Monique Harner by following her on twitter @meganmonique and make sure to check out her Life Illumination Courses if you’re up for some fun self-discovery.

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5 Tips For Getting The Most Out of Your Apology

Recently, I came across Marie Forleo’s video on “How to Give Good Apology,” where she talks about a famous two-letter word we should avoid when wanting to make amends with someone.

Let me tell you, when it comes to committing social blunders or slips of the tongue, I’m your girl! Just like my guy, Lloyd Dobler in the movie, Say Anything (my all-time fave film), I too suffer on occasion from that “nervous talking thing” or as Marie put it, diarrhea of the mouth. The shit just comes out wrong sometimes! A friend of mine calls those “Cheryl” moments.

Bottom line, I’ve had my fair share of fallouts and have made and still make silly mistakes with people, but after a few days of smacking myself upside the head, I forgive myself, because I know I mean well.

For this reason, I didn’t hesitate to hear Marie’s take on a proper apology and as a bonus, I decided to add my two cents on the general conversation of conflict resolution.

In the following video, I share with you the process I go through when it’s time to humble myself and offer up an apology.

NOTE: I filmed on the fly so forgive the “uhhs” and “umms” on my part. I was anxious to hear you say “Ahaaa”.

Just click below and watch me break it down for ya!
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To find out what that word is that Marie was talking about, watch her video here.

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My Offline Escapades: Vol 2

“Thinking is underrated, don’t you reckon? In this little world of ours, we’re told we need to BE the best, GET the job, MAKE something of ourselves. But when was the last time you just sat down and pondered a little?” -Frankie Magazine

These were some great words to accompany me on my own pro-pondering expedition during the month of January. I went on a complete writing break to immerse myself in the non-digital written word for the purpose to rebuild myself through art.

I’m someone who best recognizes herself through writing and I made a conscious decision to temporarily close up my thought shop and zip it.

What I’m seeing now is how that choice was quite the revolt in nature, equivalent to me cutting off my creative blood supply. (more…)

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My Offline Escapades: Vol I

For the month of January, I went on digital sabbatical with the intentions to reconnect, rediscover and redefine my purposes here at Convivial Society (soon to be renamed and relaunched as The Convivial Woman end of February).

So, January has come and gone and I’ve returned on this fine, icy, cold day in February. Yes, me, Cheryl Chavarria A.K.A. The Convivial Woman is saying Bye Bye sabbatical, Hello writing again.

Wow! January was intense and unforgettable for me. Please tell me you’re all goo goo gaga about my return, because this is a big deal for me! I was beginning to feel pent up like a genie in a bottle. Being offline and in a sense out of touch was starting to wear on me…shall I dare talk about how moody and out of my comfort zone I felt toward the end?

Where to begin, ya’ll?

There are various experiences to share about my offline escapades, so get ready for (more…)

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ON CONVIVIAL SABBATICAL

For the month of January and to kick off the new year, I’m going into full immersion mode and taking a sabbatical.

As I’ve written throughout 2010 and pondered the idea of a Convivial Society, I have decided that to create and experience such a place, you have to start with the very element that sets its foundation, that gives root to the possibility of its creation and existence, and that is the woman…a convivial woman. For this reason…

I’ve decided to rebrand by changing the name of the site from Convivial Society to… (more…)

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Ten Most Convivial Moments in 2010

1. Being called out for who I am: The Queen Archetype

2. Going to New York for the first time solo

3. Experiencing Rich Happy & Hot LIVE with Marie Forleo and connecting with amazing women in business

4. Spending the year watching my two sons grow and play together

5. Celebrating my second son’s 1st Birthday at the Cowboys Stadium

6. Hiring my first business coach, Lisa Carmen and truly experiencing this quote by Anais Nin

7. Surprising my special friends with The Definitive Regal Chic Brunch

9. Christmas Eve with my husband, two sons and no one else

10. Getting an LLC registered for The Convivial Woman at year end

10. Sharing each moment then and now with YOU

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The Convivial Woman Photography Project: Episode 2

When it comes to my hair, I can say with confidence that I be workin’ my follicles after a good blow dry, but my newest model for The Convivial Woman Photography Project, Megan Monique Harner is one woman who shows you how to own your hair! I loved capturing her lovable spirit and the audacity of her high-pink-ness!

Click below to view her photo session

Convivial Woman Photography Project

Megan Monique is…

a writer, Pink Posse leader, traveler, aspiring life coach and an activist for creative exploration and discovery. She is also the Community Manager and Lovemuffin Extraordinaire for Owning Pink. It has become Megan’s mission to see others with Magical Eyes, allowing the love and light in everyone she meets to shine through. To learn more about her and the wonders she performs in the world, visit her HERE.

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A Convivial Little Christmas

T’was the night before Christmas and all was aglow with the love and light that shined in my heart. It was the first time I was hosting a holiday dinner for my family.

We had the option to spend Christmas in colorful, colonial San Miguel de Allende or the cow tipping mini-country of Odessa,Texas (yeehaw!) where all our relatives would congregate, but we decided to pass on the big holiday gatherings and stay home to bask in the joy and company of just the four of us.

White candles burned brightly throughout my home and it was beginning to smell a lot like… (more…)

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