Wisdom and insights from Mexico City

 

March 19, 2024 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!

Wisdom and insights from Mexico City Photo: The abbreviation "CDMX" (Ciudad de México)  Dear Empowered Reader, This week I am excited to share a few insights from my recent journey to the vibrant and bustling Mexico City.  From navigating the maze-like markets to finding moments of serenity amidst the chaos, Mexico City reminded me of so many well-being fundamentals.  Before you read on, what lessons have you learned from your travels? I would love to know, please share, email me at info@empowerpossible.com. Well-being Insights Embrace the Chaos:  Amidst the hustle and bustle of Mexico City, I learned a valuable lesson in embracing chaos. At first, I was overwhelmed by the intensity of the city. There were noises, smells, and sights that were unfamiliar to me and I was taken aback by it all.  Then we entered the markets. The massive markets within the city were a whirlwind of activity, with vendors bustling and shoppers weaving through the maze of stalls. After a few minutes of trying to center myself, I realized I needed to stop fighting the chaos. Amidst this chaos, there was a beauty in the energy and vitality of the city. Choosing to see chaos as a force of life helped me to feel less anxious about the intense energy I was feeling. Savor the Moment:  In a city where everything seems to move at lightning speed, (including the traffic-we were told traffic laws are suggestions not rules so get out of the way of oncoming cars!)  it's essential to pause and savor the moment. Amidst the rush, take a moment to appreciate the good that surrounds you—the laughter of loved ones, the beauty of a sunset, the aroma of street food wafting through the air. Every time I had one of these moments I intentionally took a deep breath in and out to say a silent phrase of gratitude.  Find Solitude:  Even in a city of 22 million, finding solitude is possible. We took time out of our trip to find a few local city parks. Mexico City is home to one of the largest and oldest city parks the "Bosque de Chapultepec" (Chapultepec Forest).  I was traveling with my husband, as a couple used to visiting National Parks within the United States during our vacations, making time to visit this city park seemed important. We were glad we did visit the park as it was full of beauty, and a lot less noise.  As we strolled the pathways throughout the park the pace of the city was left behind.  Whether it's escaping to a quiet park or seeking refuge in a tranquil café, carving out time for yourself is essential for well-being. Take a moment to be with your thoughts, reflect, and recharge your spirit. Appreciate the Beauty:  Beauty can be found in the most unexpected places, even in public bathrooms adorned with vibrant artwork. Everywhere I turned in Mexico City I could find beauty. Walking down the street the storefronts were painted with beautiful murals and the flowering trees lined the city streets all added to the experience of beauty in places you might not think you would find it.  In Mexico City, I was reminded to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us, from the grandeur of historical landmarks to the smallest details of everyday life. Balance is Key:  Just as the spices in a salsa necessitate careful balance to achieve the perfect flavor profile, so too does our life demand equilibrium for holistic well-being. During a cooking class in Mexico, I found myself captivated by the culinary lesson on salsa-making. As the instructor expertly demonstrated the art of balancing the spiciness of peppers with the sweetness of tomatoes and the acidity of lime, I couldn't help but draw parallels to the broader concept of balance in life. It dawned on me that just as each ingredient in a salsa contributes to its overall taste, every facet of our lives—work, play, relationships, self-care—must be harmoniously integrated to cultivate a sense of wholeness and fulfillment. This realization served as a reminder that achieving balance is not merely about juggling responsibilities but rather about intentionally crafting a life that nourishes the body, mind, and soul. Just as a well-balanced salsa is the perfect topping to tacos, so too does a harmonious life enrich the spirit, fostering resilience, joy, and a deep sense of contentment. Reflection Questions: How can I embrace chaos in my own life and find beauty in the midst of it? What moments of joy and gratitude can I savor each day, even amidst a busy schedule? Where can I find moments of solitude and reflection in my environment, no matter how bustling it may be? As we journey through life, may we embrace the chaos, savor the moments of joy, find solitude amidst the noise, appreciate the beauty around us, and strive for balance in all things.  Here's to cultivating a life of well-being, one moment at a time. Take care, dear reader, Julie Photo: The Mexican flag in the zócalo (city center) of Mexico City. Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. Apelación al solitario (Appeal to the Solitary One) by Rosario Castellanos Es necesario, a veces, encontrar compañía. Amigo, no es posible ni nacer ni morir sino con otro.  Es bueno que la amistad le quite  al trabajo esa cara de castigo y a la alegría ese aire ilícito de robo. ¿Cómo podrías estar solo a la hora completa,  en que las cosas y tú hablan y hablan, hasta el amanecer?   It’s necessary, at times, to find company. My friend, it’s not possible to be born or to die without another.  It’s good that friendship removes from work the appearance of punishment and from happiness the illicit air of theft. How could you be alone at that complete hour, in which you talk and talk with things until the dawn?

In the Media Where can you find EMPOWER Possible? Besides posting on my own social media I also collaborate with other entrepreneurs. If you are interested in catching up on our previous podcast episodes. I 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/  Photo: My husband and I enjoying dinner at Azul in Mexico City.

Connect with me on social media! Copyright © EMPOWER Possible  Duluth, United States 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

Tools for Awakening

 

March 3, 2024 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!

Tools for Awakening Dear Empowered Reader, I'm excited to reconnect with you and share some insights that have resonated with me on our shared journey towards holistic well-being. Recently, I had the privilege of being part of a podcast conversation with Carol Mae Whittock on her podcast HER Conversations Tools for Awakening that gave me a chance to reflect on my well-being and I believe it will do the same for you. You can listen to it here.https://youtu.be/ywnKixMsHwk.  Key Insights Moments of Awe: The conversation begins with a discussion about awe. As a well-being specialist, I've had the privilege of witnessing transformative breakthroughs in organizations and communities. These moments remind me of the resilience of the human spirit. Similarly, as an aunt, I find awe in the simplest yet most profound interactions with my nieces and nephews—moments of joy, curiosity, and growth that enrich my own well-being journey.   Beyond Work Identity: During our conversation, we discussed how we define ourselves beyond work identity, a concept that has profoundly impacted my own life. For years, I defined myself solely by my professional achievements. However, this definition limited me to only one dimension. During the conversation, I was reminded that my journey has included moving beyond a single identity tied to my occupation. Noting the importance of embracing a multifaceted identity, nurturing diverse interests, and fostering a sense of wholeness beyond my career.  Navigating Grief: Another aspect we discussed was the theme of navigating grief with compassion and authenticity. Reflecting on my own experiences, I recalled that healing only comes from allowing myself to grieve fully and through seeking support during times of loss. This conversation reaffirmed the significance of honoring our emotions and seeking comfort in our community of friends and family during moments of grief. Grief can come from a variety of sources from loss of a job, dream, relationship, or lifestyle. Recognizing your grief is the first step towards healing. Authentic Presence:  Authenticity emerged as well as a recurring theme throughout our conversation, resonating with my belief in the power of showing up as our true selves. Whether in personal or professional dimensions, embracing authenticity fosters genuine connections and cultivates a profound sense of fulfillment. This dialogue served as a gentle reminder to prioritize authenticity in all aspects of life. It also helps prevent burnout. Recognizing Burnout: We also discussed the importance of recognizing signs of burnout—a topic that holds personal significance for me. As someone who has experienced burnout in the past, I found our conversation insightful in identifying early warning signs and prioritizing self-care practices. This dialogue underscored the importance of fostering resilience and prioritizing well-being amidst life's demands. Reflection Questions to Consider: How can you expand your identity beyond your professional roles and nurture other aspects of your being? In what ways can you honor and work through any grief or loss you may be experiencing? How can you cultivate authenticity and show up as your full self in both personal and professional settings? What are some early warning signs of burnout that you need to be mindful of in your life? Podcast Spotlight: Click Here to access the podcast episode that inspired today's reflections. Hosted by Carol Mae Whittock, this conversation covers topics ranging from mindfulness to navigating life's challenges.  Personal Insights:  These insights, coupled with my reflections and experiences shared in the podcast interview, serve as a reminder there are many paths in our collective pursuit of holistic well-being. As we continue on this journey, may we embrace authenticity, navigate grief with compassion, and prioritize self-compassion. If you are interested in the full list of podcast interviews go to https://empowerpossible.com/podcasts/. Take care, dear reader, Julie Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. Opportunity  By Berton Braley With doubt and dismay you are smitten You think there’s no chance for you, son? Why, the best books haven’t been written The best race hasn’t been run, The best score hasn’t been made yet, The best song hasn’t been sung, The best tune hasn’t been played yet, Cheer up, for the world is young! No chance?  Why the world is just eager For things that you ought to create Its store of true wealth is still meagre Its needs are incessant and great, It yearns for more power and beauty More laughter and love and romance, More loyalty, labor and duty, No chance—why there’s nothing but chance! For the best verse hasn’t been rhymed yet, The best house hasn’t been planned, The highest peak hasn’t been climbed yet, The mightiest rivers aren’t spanned, Don’t worry and fret, faint hearted, The chances have just begun, For the Best jobs haven’t been started, The Best work hasn’t been done.

In the Media Where can you find EMPOWER Possible? 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/

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 You are receiving this email because you expressed an interest in my work—thank you! You can change your email preferences or unsubscribe at any time.