Making Space For Growth

 

August 28, 2023 Regenerate Your World  Build the future you want to live in. I know these times aren't the easiest for all of us, but I am an optimist - I see the glass as refillable instead of half-full or half-empty. To brighten up your days, I publish the Regenerate Your World newsletter coming to your inbox on a bi-weekly basis. Let's Get Empowered!

Making Space for Growth Dear Empowered Reader, I was sitting on my deck one recent morning, enjoying my breakfast, when I looked over at my potted plants and realized that they were not blooming as much as I thought they would. The leaves were turning reddish-brown, but they hadn't fallen. I don’t have much of a green thumb, but something felt off.  So last week I decided to prune the plants, carefully removing all the non-green leaves and removing the old blooms. The next day I came outside and there were new blooms. See the photo above. This whole time I was waiting for the blooms to increase on my plants, I was wondering what more it needed — more sunlight, more fertilizer, or perhaps more water.  Turns out, the only thing holding it back from growing was its past self. It made me wonder — how much of our growth relies on first trimming what no longer serves us? What do we need to release so that we can flourish in the next season of our lives? What if we were to gently prune all the old stories we tell ourselves about who we are? What if we trim away all of the regrets of the past and the anxieties about the future? Gently pull away from all the outside influences telling us who we should be. What new season of life and what new story can we step into after we make space for our own growth? Share your thoughts on today's by emailing me at info@empowerpossible.com One way to start a new season is to celebrate your uniqueness by attending a workshop!  Please forward this to a friend and join me for a Building Your Strengths Workshop hosted by the ALA, The virtual interactive workshop begins with the completion of a strength identification exercise and a reflection period. This workshop also includes the opportunity to go into small groups, participate in meaningful discussions, and will leave with a clearer understanding of personal strengths and team strengths.  Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have, info@empowerpossible.com Sign up here: Core Classroom: Building Our Strengths Together (ala.org)  Together we can regenerate our world, Julie (This reflection was inspired by the Holstee newsletter published in Summer of 2023) Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. FURNACE by Gary Boelhower Where the wound goes deep you must follow it all the way down to the center where the molten metal flares and seethes.   This is the fire that keeps you alive where all that is unformed and unimagined waits for an opening some fine fissure for the rise of a new word.   Do not fear the heat or flame where it touches you there your resolve deepens your bones grow strong tested in the furnace.   There at the deep center where the crimson sirens wail with grief let go of everything that doesn’t shine or sing. Let all the rest be burned.   Take that one small step toward the story of your essential longing that neither fire nor fear can cancel. Keep only what is true to your name.

In the Media Where can you find EMPOWER Possible? Besides posting on my own social media, I also collaborate with other entrepreneurs.  Most recently, I was a guest on Monday Positivitea with Parul. We chatted about, Freedom From The Clock: Balancing Self-Discipline, Soul Purpose, and Self-Love for True Freedom Check out the episode linked HERE to learn tips about finding work-life harmony, setting boundaries, and gaining freedom from the clock! Interested in catching up on our previous podcast episodes? We invite you to explore our library of past recordings, where we delve into a diverse range of topics related to happiness and well-being. https://empowerpossible.com/podcasts/

Upcoming Events 1) September, Building Our Strengths Online Course The interactive workshop will begin by identifying your strengths and offer the opportunity to discuss and reflect on your strengths. By the end of the workshop, you will have a clearer understanding of your personal strengths and how you utilize them in your work and personal life. To register go to Building Our Strengths   own text Join me! Build Your Strengths    2) September 27th, Midwest Health Promotion Conference: Weaving a Web of Wellness  Presenting on the topic of Care Champions. To Register go to Health Source Solutions 3) October, New Course, Career Crossroads Launch Stay Tuned for Details! 4) October, MNSOPHE Conference, more details to come!

Connect with me on social media! Copyright © EMPOWER Possible EMPOWER Possible is dedicated to empowering individuals, organizations, and communities to organize and act together to regenerate our world through Self, Social, and Systems transformation.  info@empowerpossible.com \ Website \ Mission

Discover Your Special Powers

 

August 14, 2023 Regenerate Your World  Build the future you want to live in. I know these times aren't the easiest for all of us, but I am an optimist - I see the glass as refillable instead of half-full or half-empty. To brighten up your days, I publish the Regenerate Your World newsletter coming to your inbox on a bi-weekly basis. Let's Get Empowered!

Discover Your Special Powers Dear Empowered Reader, Earlier this year, at a workshop I attended the icebreaker question was,  "If you could have any superpower, what would it be?"  Intriguing, right? If you're interested in knowing what I chose, just send me an email, and I'll gladly reveal my special power choice! 😊 This fun exercise got me thinking about a post I read several months ago by Chris Guillebeau (chris@sidehustleschool.com) about special abilities.  The blog post shared a few messages that resonated with me and now seems like a good time to send a summary of the post and a reminder that we all possess an array of gifts, talents, and values – our very own special powers! Let's explore a few of these extraordinary special powers together: Special Power #1: Fearless Independent Thinking Ah, the power to question, to ponder, and to delve deeper! Sometimes my elementary teachers did not enjoy the commentary from students who embraced this superpower at an early age however I am sure it has served them well later in life. Embracing this special power means you have the courage to think for yourself, even if it makes others uneasy. Throughout life, you might encounter people who prefer you to follow without question, but remember, you have the incredible ability to challenge the status quo and make your own decisions. It's okay to be a curious soul; it sets you apart in the most wonderful way! Special Power #2: Embracing the Art of Changing Your Mind Flexibility and growth are the essence of this fantastic power! 💡 Admitting you were wrong or outgrowing old beliefs takes true strength and maturity. You possess the openness to embrace new information and insights, and you willingly adapt your perspective accordingly. Cherish this power, for it enables you to evolve and become an even more amazing version of yourself! Special Power #3: Forging Your Own Path Your ability to see beyond the predetermined choices and craft your own unique journey is simply inspiring. Life might present you with apparent alternatives, but you have the wisdom to recognize that they aren't your only options. Instead, you bravely step into uncharted territory, creating a path that aligns perfectly with your dreams and aspirations. These special powers are within your reach, waiting to be harnessed and celebrated!  While they are accessible to everyone, not everyone embraces them as you now have the power to do. Your determination to think independently, adapt gracefully, and forge your own path can set you apart in the most fantastic way. As you go about your day, don't forget to tap into these abilities and embrace any other unique powers that make you who you are. By embracing your power you begin to shine, and the world is a brighter place because of it! As always I have a few reflection questions for you to ponder.  Take a few minutes to think about… What superpower would you choose for yourself, and how does it reflect your values and aspirations in life? In what ways have you embraced the special power of independent thinking in your life?  Can you recall a specific situation where your willingness to question led to positive outcomes? Reflect on a time when you had to change your mind about a deeply held belief or perspective. How did this experience contribute to your personal growth, and what lessons did you learn from it? If you have other special powers you'd like to share or any exciting experiences to discuss, feel free to send me a message, info@empowerpossible.com.  I'm always here to listen and celebrate your uniqueness!   One way to develop your superpowers and celebrate your uniqueness is to attend a workshop! Please forward this to a friend and join me for a Building Your Strengths Workshop hosted by the ALA, Click HERE to sign up. The virtual interactive workshop begins with the completion of a strength identification exercise and a reflection period. This workshop also includes the opportunity to go into small groups, participate in meaningful discussions, and will leave with a clearer understanding of personal strengths and team strengths.   This 3-week virtual workshop consists of weekly live virtual group discussions. Participants should complete the assigned readings and the media prior to the live chat session and should also come prepared with questions, both about the content and about any workplace challenges they may have encountered, to help drive the discussion.  Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have, info@empowerpossible.com Together we can regenerate our world, Julie Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. Life Doesn’t Frighten Me  by  Maya Angelou Shadows on the wall Noises down the hall Life doesn't frighten me at all Bad dogs barking loud Big ghosts in a cloud Life doesn't frighten me at all Mean old Mother Goose Lions on the loose They don't frighten me at all Dragons breathing flame On my counterpane That doesn't frighten me at all. I go boo Make them shoo I make fun Way they run I won't cry So they fly I just smile They go wild Life doesn't frighten me at all. Tough guys fight All alone at night Life doesn't frighten me at all. Panthers in the park Strangers in the dark No, they don't frighten me at all. That new classroom where Boys all pull my hair (Kissy little girls With their hair in curls) They don't frighten me at all. Don't show me frogs and snakes And listen for my scream, If I'm afraid at all It's only in my dreams. I've got a magic charm That I keep up my sleeve I can walk the ocean floor And never have to breathe. Life doesn't frighten me at all Not at all Not at all. Life doesn't frighten me at all.

In the Media Where can you find EMPOWER Possible? Besides posting on my own social media I also collaborate with other entrepreneurs.  Most recently I was a guest on She Sparks Tech I had an insightful chat with the amazing Casey Bertelsman about workplacewell-being and how to conquer burnout while achievingyour wellness goals! ❤️‍🩹 In today's fast-paced world, taking care of ourselves is more important than ever. Join us as we dive into practical tips, strategies, and personal experiences that can help you stay on track with your wellness journey. Click HERE to listen Interested in catching up on our previous podcast episodes? We invite you to explore our library of past recordings, where we delve into a diverse range of topics related to happiness and well-being. https://empowerpossible.com/podcasts/

Upcoming Events 1) August 18th and 19th, Dear Future Me: Women's Empowerment Summit Engage in transformative workshops that empower you to overcome trauma, execute your vision, implement self-care, & have financial wellness. own text Join Me! Engage and Transform! 2) September, Building Our Strengths Online Course The interactive workshop will begin by identifying your strengths and offer the opportunity to discuss and reflect on your strengths. By the end of the workshop, you will have a clearer understanding of your personal strengths and how you utilize them in your work and personal life. To register go to Building Our Strengths   own text Join me! Build Your Strengths    3) September 27th, Midwest Health Promotion Conference: Weaving a Web of Wellness  Presenting on the topic of Care Champions. To Register go to Health Source Solutions 4) October, New Course, Career Crossroads Launch Stay Tuned for Details! 5) October, MNSOPHE Conference, more details to come!

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Reclaim Your Power

 

July 31, 2023 Regenerate Your World  Build the future you want to live in. I know these times aren't the easiest for all of us, but I am an optimist - I see the glass as refillable instead of half-full or half-empty. To brighten up your days, I publish the Regenerate Your World newsletter coming to your inbox on a bi-weekly basis. Let's Get Empowered!

Unleash Your Potential for Joyful Success Dear Empowered Reader, In a world that often feels overwhelming, it's important to remember that we hold the key to our own success and happiness. (For more on the happiness equation check out this past newsletter https://empowerpossible.blogspot.com/2022/09/are-you-sabotaging-yourself.html )  Today, we'll delve into the concept of leaning into your power, setting empowering goals, and discovering the power of mantras to combat pressure.  Lifestyle: Tailoring Your Life for Success In the pursuit of a fulfilling life (a fulfilling life is an important aspect of a happy life), it's crucial to align our professional endeavors with our personal goals. Enter work-life harmony, a mindset that allows individuals to tailor their work life to support their desired lifestyle. By creating a lifestyle that complements and enhances our aspirations, we can achieve a harmonious balance between work and personal life. It has taken me years to figure out how to maintain harmony and once you figure it out some aspect of your life changes! My best advice is to be adaptable to the needs of the moment, there is a season for everything, keep setting goals, and be flexible in how you complete your goals. Consider the following questions: What do you consider to be fulfilling aspects of your life?  How do you want to spend your time? In the pursuit of reclaiming your power, it is crucial to establish and maintain healthy boundaries. Setting boundaries is an act of self-care that empowers you to protect your time, energy, and emotional well-being. I know it is not easy for many people, myself included but I also know it is worth the effort and somewhat uncomfortable conversations. By clearly defining what is acceptable and what is not, you create a space that honors your needs and values. For example, let's consider the case of my friend Sarah, a freelance graphic designer. Sarah loves her work and is passionate about creating visually stunning designs for her clients. However, she often found herself overwhelmed and burnt out due to the constant stream of last-minute requests and scope creep from clients. Realizing the need to reclaim her power, Sarah decided to set firm boundaries. She communicated to her clients that she required a minimum notice period for new projects and changes to existing ones. Additionally, she clearly defined the scope of work and the timeline in her contracts, ensuring that both parties were on the same page. As a result of Sarah's boundary-setting efforts, she gained more control over her schedule, reduced stress levels, and improved the quality of her work. Clients began to respect her boundaries, leading to a healthier and more productive working relationship. By reclaiming her power through setting boundaries, Sarah was able to cultivate a thriving business that aligned with her goals and values. Remember, boundary-setting is not about being rigid or inflexible; it's about asserting your needs while maintaining open communication and mutual respect. By setting boundaries, you reclaim the power to create a work and personal life that nourishes your well-being and supports your overall success. Reclaiming your power through boundary setting is essential to your journey to joyful success and personal empowerment. Embrace this practice and watch as it transforms your life and business for the better. What is one boundary you can set related to how you spend your time and energy?  Setting Empowering Goals: Growth Orientation and Empowerment When defining your goals, it's essential to adopt a growth-oriented mindset. Embrace continuous learning, seek opportunities for personal and professional development, and approach challenges as stepping stones toward success. Additionally, empower yourself by setting goals that align with your values and aspirations. This alignment will fuel your motivation, strengthen your resolve, and empower you to overcome obstacles along the way. For more about Goal setting including a free goal-setting worksheet check out this blog post https://empowerpossible.blogspot.com/2022/09/go-for-goal.html  What is one step you can take today to reach one of your goals? Harnessing the Power of Mantras: Overcoming Pressure In moments of pressure and self-doubt, having a mantra can be a powerful tool to reclaim your power and regain focus. A mantra is a short, positive affirmation that resonates with you and helps you shift your mindset. For example, "I am capable, confident, and in control" or "I embrace challenges and grow from them." Find a mantra that speaks to you and repeat it whenever you feel overwhelmed or face adversity. It will remind you of your inner strength and resilience. Interested in learning more about mantras? I dedicated an entire newsletter to them, check it out HERE) As you embark on your journey to reclaim your power, I highly recommend exploring the wisdom and expertise of Rhonda Simmons, a renowned expert in personal empowerment. She offers valuable insights, techniques, and resources to guide you. You can find more information about Rhonda and her work by visiting her foundation, https://tsefi.org/ . Lastly, if you're eager for more inspiration and knowledge, I invite you to attend the upcoming Summit Speaker International Summit, titled "Dear Future Me." This event brings together influential speakers from diverse backgrounds to share their wisdom, insights, and strategies for personal and professional growth. On August, 18th and 19th, the Dear Future Me: Women's Empowerment International Summit will provide transformative workshops that empower you to overcome trauma, execute your vision, implement self-care, & have financial wellness. To register go to the Event s Page.(https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dear-future-me-womens-empowerment-international-summit-registration-651503734207)  Remember, the power to reclaim your life lies within you. Embrace a lifestyle of well-being, set empowering goals, and harness the strength of mantras to overcome challenges. Your journey towards joyful success begins with taking that first step and reclaiming your power. Wishing you empowerment and fulfillment on your path, Julie Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. I took power in my own hand by Emily Dickinson  I took my Power in my Hand— And went against the World— ’Twas not so much as David—had— But I—was twice as bold …

In the Media Where can you find EMPOWER Possible? Besides posting on my own social media I also collaborate with other entrepreneurs.  Most recently I was a guest on the Empowered Heart to Heart Podcast Notice how we work together to set the goals for the coaching session, explore my backstory, and focus on keywords to help me formulate my personal mantra.  Check out the episode linked HERE scroll to July 15th 2023 to learn more about reclaiming your power. Interested in catching up on our previous podcast episodes? We invite you to explore our library of past recordings, where we delve into a diverse range of topics related to happiness and well-being. https://empowerpossible.com/podcasts/

Upcoming Events 1) August 18th and 19th, Dear Future Me: Women's Empowerment Summit Engage in transformative workshops that empower you to overcome trauma, execute your vision, implement self-care, & have financial wellness. own text Join Me! Engage and Transform! 2) September, Building Our Strengths Online Course Begins September 14th! The interactive workshop will begin by identifying your strengths and offer the opportunity to discuss and reflect on your strengths. By the end of the workshop, you will have a clearer understanding of your personal strengths and how you utilize them in your work and personal life. To register go to Building Our Strengths   Join me! Build Your Strengths    3) September 27th, Midwest Health Promotion Conference: Weaving a Web of Wellness I look forward to presenting on the topic of Care Champions. To Register go to Health Source Solutions 4) September and October, Better Together Series,  The Center for Interprofessional Health and the 1Health Interprofessional Education teams are excited for you to join us at our introductory interprofessional sessions, “Better Together: Preparing for Collaborative Practice''! For more information email me, info@empowerpossible.com. 5) October, New Course, Career Crossroads Launch Stay Tuned for Details! 6) October, MNSOPHE Conference, more details to come!