Let me be blunt for a minute (because this is too important to sugar-coat).

I can’t tell you how many times I hear retreat leaders say something like: “Oh, my folks don’t need to sign waivers or forms. My clients adore me. Nothing bad will happen on my retreat.”

Friends, that’s magical thinking. And magical thinking will not hold up in court.

Why Ignoring Legalities Is a Recipe for Disaster

Bad things happen surprisingly often, even in the most beautiful places.

People trip and fall, they break bones, they get stung by bees they’re allergic to, people end up sick, people change their minds. That’s just business.

And yet so many retreat leaders either skip forms entirely or pull a random waiver from the internet and consider it good. (Please do not do this!!!)

That’s like bringing a paper umbrella into a hurricane. It makes you feel safe, but it will NOT actually keep you safe.

Real-World Wake-Up Calls

A participant slips on a wet yoga studio floor and breaks her ankle. She loves you, but her coverage doesn’t. Guess who they come after? You.

Someone eats something that doesn’t agree with them and ends up hospitalized. They don’t blame the chef – they blame the person who sold them the trip.

A client cancels two weeks before departure and demands their deposit to be refunded, insisting, “You didn’t explain the cancellation policy.” Without signed paperwork, you don’t have a leg to stand on.

I’ve seen these scenarios unfold. More than once. And the leaders who thought “it will not happen to me” were the ones hit the hardest.

The Downfall of Magical Thinking

When you skip proper forms, you’re not just risking your moola💰- you’re risking your reputation, your peace of mind, and your entire business.

• Lawsuits can drain your savings
• Unhappy clients can drag your reputation online (and not in a good way!)
• Constant worry about “what if” can rob you of the joy of leading retreats

What You Actually Need (This Is the Professional Stuff)

• Terms & Conditions that outline payment, cancellations, refunds, and exactly what’s included.
• Liability Forms written specifically for your retreat activities.
• Medical & Emergency Forms so you know what to do if a guest has an issue.
• Travel Insurance Requirements to protect both you and your participants.

These are not optional extras. They’re the bedrock of a safe, professional retreat business.

Reframe: Legal Forms Are Love Letters 💛

Seriously! Think of these forms not as cold, legalistic jargon, but as love letters to your participants and to yourself.

They create the container that keeps everyone safe, clear, and protected. They let you focus on the transformation, not the drama.

Sheri’s Final Words…

Skipping these forms isn’t heart-centered. It isn’t “trusting the universe.” For real. And it definitely isn’t professional.

It’s reckless.

If you want to lead retreats that last – not just magical weeks, but a sustainable business that serves for years to come – you need to have your legalities under wraps.

That way you can focus on the important magic your retreat shares – and the transformation you’re making space for.

✨ So I’m begging you🙏- ditch the magical thinking.

Protect yourself. Protect your people.

And lead your retreats like the professional leader you truly are.💖

Want to Learn More? 🎥

If you want to lead retreats that are deeply transformational and also protect you (and are profitable), I created a fun 4-part video series that I know you’ll love.

• Each video is short, actionable, and fun (yes, designing your retreat should feel fun!).
• You’ll have exercises to keep you moving forward.
• Complete the 4 video trainings in 7 days, and you can keep the training forever. PLUS I’ll give you my special guide on “Retreat Trip Pages Made Easy.”

✨ So if you’re ready to start running profitable and safe retreats like the pro you’re meant to be – then register for training series here!

Drop a comment below and let me know what you think. Let’s talk about how we can grow into braver, more powerful leaders together.

With heart + backbone,
Sheri 💛