There is something transformative about the image of the phoenix—a creature that doesn’t just survive the fire, but uses it to reinvent itself. For many of us living far from our original homes, life is a series of these reinventions.
That is exactly why the Sassy Phoenix Circle was born.
How We Began
The idea for this circle emerged from a simple but powerful realization during a series of focus groups I led with expat women. Originally, those sessions were aimed at shaping my life coaching offerings, but as I listened, I realized there was a deep hunger for something more: a space that moved beyond surface-level ‘expat chat’ and into the heart of what it means to belong, to change, and to reclaim our power. A space to share all the incredible stories that shouldn’t remain untold.
The name ‘Sassy Phoenix’ reflects the spirit of the women I met—resilient, vibrant, bold, and maybe a little bit defiant in the face of life’s challenges.
A Note on Location: Currently, the Sassy Phoenix Circle meets in person, serving residents in the Boulder/Denver area. However, because the need for this kind of connection knows no borders, we are actively exploring the possibility of offering a virtual version for those living in other regions.
Who This Circle Is For
This space is crafted specifically for women who are:
- Navigating Life Abroad: Whether they’ve been abroad for twenty years or two months.
- Seeking Authentic Connection: This is a community where we drop the “I’m fine” mask and share the real highs and lows of our journey.
- Embracing Personal Growth: For those who believe that our next chapters can be our most daring and creative yet.
A Peek Inside Our First Meeting
Here’s how we structured our very first gathering:
- The Opening Ritual: We began with a grounding moment to help everyone arrive fully in the space, leaving the frantic energy of the day at the door.
- Shared Storytelling: We focused on ‘narrative empowerment’. We shared small, meaningful snapshots of our journeys, finding the common threads of resilience that connect us all.
- The Gift of Deep Listening: We practiced the art of being heard without the need for explanation. In our circle, we listen deeply and without judgment. This means no interruptions and no probing questions. We believe that a woman doesn’t need to justify her journey or fix her story—she simply deserves the sacred space to let her words exist in the air and be held by the group.
- The Notebook of Admiration: Instead of verbal feedback, we closed with a quiet, reflective practice. Each woman had a notebook where others could leave written words of admiration and praise. This allowed every member to walk away with a physical record of the light others see in them, bypassing the noise of conversation and landing straight in the heart.
By coming together to share our stories, practice deep listening, and witness one another’s growth, we transform the isolation of the ‘outsider’ into the collective strength of a sisterhood. We invite you to step into this sacred space—to shed the weight of your masks, reclaim your narrative, and realize that you are not just surviving a new life, but rising beautifully within it. Whether in person or across borders, let us rise together.
When was the last time you were truly heard—without interruption, advice, or judgment? How would it feel to have your journey witnessed by women who truly understand the ‘language’ of living abroad? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Hi! I’m Cristina. As a European woman living in Colorado, I get the struggle of building a meaningful life abroad. I help expat women finding a sense of belonging wherever they are. If you’re curious to learn how I could be of service to you, book a free call clicking the button below.

Leave a comment