What is Connected Hearts?
Connected Hearts is a membership-based community in coastal North County San Diego built for deep connection and personal growth.
We refuse to accept midlife as a decline and believe this chapter is full of possibility – a time to reawaken parts of ourselves that slipped into the background beneath years of roles, expectations, and responsibility; a season to stretch ourselves, try new things, and create lives that feel good on the inside, not just look good from the outside.
The heart of our membership is our signature monthly gathering in Carlsbad, where we engage in guided activities, conversations that go deeper than the surface, and moments that invite laughter, self-discovery, and fresh perspective in a space that is nourishing, uplifting, and fun.
No politics. No religion. Phones put away.
Just presence – and space to be real.
We believe that becoming a better friend to ourselves is the foundation for happiness, and each month, we explore new ways to live that truth.
Our space feels safe, welcoming, and inclusive.
We see, encourage, inspire, and celebrate each other – exactly as we are.
We leave feeling lighter, more energized, and more like ourselves – with the self-leadership tools we need to navigate the month ahead with confidence and clarity.
Like how to:
- Become our own best friend through the way we speak to ourselves, the way we see ourselves, and the choices we make;
- Honor our needs and set boundaries without guilt;
- Steady our minds, even when life is chaotic;
- Live in alignment with our values and integrity;
- Add pockets of joy back into our week;
- Experiment with new ways of being – opening space for creativity, confidence, and surprise.
We value ourselves, and we invest in our well-being and happiness.
Together, we’re shaping a midlife (and beyond) that feels joyful, vibrant, and fully our own – through a shared journey of belonging and friendship.
Why Connected Hearts Matters in This Season of Life
Many of us are carrying far more than anyone realizes – navigating the shifts that come with midlife while also working, caregiving, supporting aging parents and adult children, managing a home, and holding the emotional weight for everyone around us.
And all that doing can have an unintended side effect:
Joy slips down the list,
Real connection slips down the list,
We slip down the list.
Even when a quiet moment finally appears, we’re often too drained to enjoy it. We scroll. We try to unwind. But we don’t actually refill.
Connected Hearts was created to change that.
It provides the consistent space where your well-being is the priority – not just on the night we meet, but through mid-month virtual connection calls that ensure you don’t get pushed to the bottom of the list when life gets busy.
Where you receive the kind of support you’re always giving – a place to breathe, reset, and feel like yourself again. A place that steadies you, reminds you of your strength, and fills you back up from the inside out.
And the best part?
You don’t just leave with a good feeling – you walk away with simple tools and insights you can use throughout your month.
This isn’t a casual social meetup. It’s fun and substantive.
Light and meaningful.
Restorative and energizing.
And beyond the joy of our gatherings, Connected Hearts reignites your sense of possibility. It reminds you that your story isn’t winding down, it’s opening up in new and exciting ways.
As a member, you belong to a community that supports that optimism all month long.
It’s where women rediscover their spark, feel inspired again, and come alive – with benefits and connections that linger long after the night ends.
A Look Inside a Signature Monthly Gathering
So, how do we bring those promises to life? While each month has its own theme, each signature gathering follows a flow that helps you unwind, settle in, and enjoy the experience:
And of course, there will always be delightful snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy. Our consistent flow is the canvas; the changing monthly themes are the art. You always leave with something valuable – a new perspective, a tangible tool, or simply a lighter heart.
The Warmth of Real Connection
What Women are Saying
FAQs
Our goal is to create genuine connection and a true community – and that happens through consistent, shared experiences.
A membership provides a foundation for these experiences to build on each other month after month. When the same circle of women shows up together, we create a collective history. This consistency builds a layer of trust and ease that you simply can’t get from a drop-in event.
By moving away from the “introduction phase” every time, we can bypass surface-level small talk and create a safe, familiar space where you can be yourself, share more openly, and build the kind of authentic friendships that actually last. It turns a “night out” into a continuous journey of belonging.
Membership also means you’re supported between our nights in Carlsbad. With our mid-month connection calls and ‘Unplugged’ pop-ups, you have a steady rhythm of contact that turns a ‘monthly outing’ into a true circle of belonging.
That’s a wonderful question, as it gets to the very heart of what makes this community so unique. While casual social groups are lovely, Connected Hearts is designed to provide a deeper, more reliable, and enriching way to connect.
Here are the key differences:
- It’s Expertly Facilitated. Unlike a casual meetup where conversation can be left to chance, every Connected Hearts gathering is thoughtfully designed and gently guided by Cheryl Dillon, a certified life coach. This structure removes the guesswork and social anxiety, ensuring everyone feels included and the conversation naturally flows to a more meaningful place.
- It’s a Blend of Fun & Self-Discovery. We go beyond surface-level chat. Our evenings blend engaging activities with just the right amount of self-reflection. We’re here to tend to both our “Outer Garden” of friendships and our “Inner Garden” – our relationship with ourselves. This dual focus on connection and personal growth is a hallmark of the Connected Hearts experience.
- Zero Hosting or Planning Required. In many groups, the burden of organizing, planning, and hosting falls on the members. Here, that’s all taken care of. This is your night to simply arrive, exhale, and be taken care of. You get all the benefits of a beautifully curated evening without any of the obligations.
- It’s an Intentional Community. To ensure our community circle remains a safe and supportive space, we invite everyone to experience a gathering as a guest first. This isn’t about being exclusive; it’s about being purposeful. It ensures the room is filled with thoughtful, kind women from our North County community who share similar values and a genuine desire for authentic, drama-free friendships.
In short, while social groups connect you over a shared hobby, Connected Hearts connects you over a shared desire for a more joyful, meaningful life.
Connected Hearts is for women in their 50s and 60s – but more important than age is attitude. It’s for women who are kind, curious, and open – to new people, fresh perspectives, and meaningful experiences. Whether you’re already familiar with personal growth or completely new to these ideas, what matters most is showing up with warmth, a willingness to be real, and a desire for deeper conversations.
We believe the energy you bring shapes the space we share. We are building a community that is refreshingly positive, genuinely supportive, and full of laughter and friendship. If you are done with cliques and comparison and ready for authentic connection, you’ve found your place.
If that feels like your kind of crowd, pull up a chair – we saved you a seat! You’ll leave each gathering feeling energized, more like yourself, and truly glad you came.
To maintain our focus on genuine connection and personal well-being, this community is not the right fit for:
- Business Networking: While we celebrate each other’s successes, our primary goal is heart-centered connection. If your main objective is to pitch a product or build a lead list, this isn’t the space for you.
- Surface-Level Only: Connected Hearts is designed for those who want to move past small talk. It may not be a fit if you aren’t comfortable exploring fresh perspectives or engaging in conversations with a bit more depth.
- Divisive Topics: To ensure our space remains a sanctuary of peace and positivity, we do not discuss politics or other polarizing subjects. We are here to focus on what connects us, not what divides us.
Being a member of Connected Hearts is an investment in your own well-being and happiness. It’s about creating a dedicated space in your life to reconnect with yourself and build the kind of friendships that truly nourish your soul.
- Rediscover What Lights You Up. First and foremost, this is a space for you. Through our engaging monthly themes, you’ll reconnect with your passions, curiosities, and sense of purpose. It’s a chance to hear your own voice more clearly and spark new possibilities for this next chapter.
- Build Friendships Rooted in Authenticity. When you are more connected to yourself, you naturally form deeper connections with others. Here, you will move beyond small talk and form lasting bonds with a supportive circle of local women who get to know and appreciate the real you.
- A Consistent Rhythm of Joy and Ease. Think of your membership as a regular “refill” for your spirit. Whether it’s our signature gathering, a mid-month connection call, or a casual coffee date, you’ll have frequent opportunities to pause and play. You’ll consistently feel lighter, brighter, and more energized, reminded of the beauty and potential that midlife holds.
- A True Sense of Belonging. Experience the profound comfort of walking into a room where you can truly let your guard down. Because our community is built on a foundation of self-awareness and mutual support, you can feel at home and cherished for exactly who you are.
- Meaningful Growth with Ongoing Support. Life is full of ups and downs. As a member, you’ll gain new tools and insights to navigate your journey with more confidence, all while being cheered on by a community of women who are walking right alongside you. You are not alone.
In short, being a member means having a dedicated community and a reliable rhythm of support to help you make this next chapter your most vibrant one yet – from the inside out.
Our monthly themes are always fresh and relevant. Some are playful, others are deeply reflective, but all are designed to spark insightful conversation and personal growth.
Upcoming and past themes include:
- The Art of Saying No: Letting go of what no longer fits so you can make space for what does.
- The Confidence to Speak Up: Tools for finding your voice and communicating with clarity and grace.
- Befriending Your Changing Body: Style and self-care ideas that help you feel effortlessly fabulous from the inside out.
- The Power of Values: Navigating life’s transitions by staying aligned with what matters most to you.
- The Gift of Self-Compassion: Simple practices to silence your inner critic and boost your everyday joy.
- Navigating the “Sideswipe”: Strategies for handling life’s curveballs with confidence and ease.
- Redefining Your Next Chapter: Discovering new possibilities and shaping a midlife that is authentically yours.
We hold our Signature Monthly Gatherings once a month. This consistent rhythm is the heartbeat of our community – it helps connections deepen over time and gives you an evening you’ll truly look forward to.
Our In-Person Gathering Schedule: We typically meet in Carlsbad on the first Tuesday of the first full week of the month from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
The Full Monthly Pulse: As a member, your connection doesn’t stop at the signature gathering. You’ll also have the opportunity to join our Mid-Month Connection Calls (virtual) and our Connected Hearts Unplugged (casual in-person pop-ups) throughout the month. This ensures you stay connected and supported in a way that fits your schedule.
Our Signature Monthly Gatherings take place at a private, welcoming venue in Carlsbad, conveniently located just minutes from the I-5 and Carlsbad Village.
To ensure the privacy and comfort of our circle, the specific address is shared only with registered attendees. Whether you are joining us with a Guest Pass or as a member, you will receive the full location details in your confirmation email.
While we love our home base in Carlsbad, we occasionally meet at other special North County venues to enhance a particular month’s theme. Additionally, our Connected Hearts Unplugged social meetups are held at various local spots – like coffee shops or beach trails – giving us the chance to enjoy the beauty of our local community together.
We believe in being transparent about the investment. While we share our full membership details and tiers (including 6-month, 12-month, and non-member Flex Pass options) after you’ve experienced a gathering for yourself, you can expect the monthly investment to be comparable to the cost of a nice dinner out. Our goal is to make this a sustainable, joyful part of your self-care rhythm.
Yes. All members agree to our Connected Hearts Promise – a simple set of values that shape the kind of community we want to create together. It’s about being respectful, kind, and supportive; keeping our space non-judgmental; and making it easy for everyone to feel welcome. These shared commitments help ensure our gatherings stay positive, authentic, and meaningful for everyone.
