Peru Recap! Part 1: Self-Empowerment The Sacred Valleys Within and Around Us

 

February 16, 2026 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! Peru Recap! Part 1: Self-Empowerment The Sacred Valleys Within and Around Us Chuck and I, with the terraces of Moray in the background. Dear Empowered Reader, Earlier this month, my husband, Chuck, and I began a journey from Minnesota to Peru. We landed in Lima just as the sun set into the Pacific Ocean.  I felt the familiar anticipation that comes with stepping into a new culture, a mix of anxiety and excitement. Wandering through vibrant markets, tasting unfamiliar tropical fruits, and joining a cooking class that beautifully blended flavors from China, Italy, Japan, and West Africa, I was reminded how travel stretches us, body, mind, and heart, toward connection and curiosity. On the road to the Sacred Valley, our guide offered a simple yet profound reminder: “When you travel, go with an open mind and an open heart.” To me, that meant honoring the truth that we never fully know another person’s story, so approach each interaction with curiosity and compassion. Those words stayed with me throughout the journey. Leaving Minnesota during a turbulent time had felt heavy, and current events lingered in my mind even as the terrain changed around me. Yet, I realized that true presence required releasing those thoughts and returning to where my feet were in each moment, allowing myself to fully experience the beauty and lessons of the path before me.  Presence, I realized, doesn’t require stillness; it invites us to notice and honor each moment as it unfolds. At Moray, the circular terraces built by the Inca, I learned a lesson in resilience and growth. These concentric rings, once used for agricultural experimentation, reminded me that transformation often comes through patience and practice. Like the farmers who learned which seeds thrived where, we, too, learn through experience what nurtures our own empowerment and what no longer serves us. Days later, I began the Inca Trail trek, a physical and spiritual pilgrimage toward Machu Picchu. The preparation for this journey had required strength, endurance, and balance training, but the deeper challenge was internal: trusting my own rhythm, listening to my breath, and accepting that progress often comes in mindful steps rather than giant leaps. Along the way, reading Turn Right at Machu Picchu became a reminder that every adventure is ultimately one of self-discovery. Each step brought a deeper connection to Pachamama, Mother Earth. Her presence was unmistakable in the jungle, with its vines, plants, mist, and rain. She reminded me that empowerment begins within when we root ourselves in awareness and open fully to the beauty, diversity, and wisdom around us. This journey reminded me that self-awareness is lived out moment by moment: how we hydrate at altitude, how we rest between full days, and how we balance effort with care. Regeneration and authentic leadership begin with these small, ordinary choices. As you move through your own landscape, I invite you to pause with a few questions: When did you last feel truly present in your body, your breath, your surroundings? What roots sustain you, habits, values, people, or communities that steady you when life moves fast? Where is your inner voice asking for more space or attention this season? When life feels scattered, try a five-minute grounding practice:  Notice five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste. Take a few deep breaths. Settle in, as you come home to yourself. An affirmation to carry with you: “I return to myself with compassion and curiosity.” For deeper reflection, spend time with Mary Oliver’s The Journey. It speaks to the moment you begin to trust your own voice above all others. Let your inner terrain be as worthy of exploration as the Sacred Valley itself. In the next newsletter, we’ll build from this foundation of self-awareness and explore our second empowerment: Catalyze Your Social Networks: the art of weaving connection and community that sustains meaningful change. Take care, dear reader, Julie Founder, Empower Possible Chuck and I after the Inca Trail hike. We are overlooking Machu Picchu.  Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. The Journey Mary Oliver One day you finally knew what you had to do, and began, though the voices around you kept shouting their bad advice— though the whole house began to tremble and you felt the old tug at your ankles. “Mend my life!” each voice cried. But you didn’t stop. You knew what you had to do, though the wind pried with its stiff fingers at the very foundations, though their melancholy was terrible. It was already late enough, and a wild night, and the road full of fallen branches and stones. But little by little, as you left their voices behind, the stars began to burn through the sheets of clouds, and there was a new voice which you slowly recognized as your own, that kept you company as you strode deeper and deeper into the world, determined to do the only thing you could do— determined to save the only life you could save. https://readalittlepoetry.com/2011/08/12/the-journey-by-mary-oliver/ Upcoming Events March 6, 2026 LPHA Virtual Training Title: Your Next Best Step: Leadership Reflective Practice Session description: Reflective practice is the intentional process of examining our actions, experiences, and decisions to gain insights and foster growth. In noticing how we are “united in passion and purpose”, we walk alongside others through their most vulnerable moments, and reflection becomes a vital tool for processing our emotions and understanding the true impact of our work. This workshop invites participants to engage in structured reflective practices. Together, we will explore how ongoing reflection not only helps us notice the ripple effects of our actions on others but also reveals how our work and those we serve shape us in return. Registration Link Coming Soon! Mountain 10 Workshops What is Mountain 10?                                                                                                                                                         During this three-hour workshop, we will focus on accessing your inner wisdom to bring about the changes you deeply desire in your life. We will use the Mountain 10 process, a proven, new technology for deep reflection on human change. It is based on the conviction that every person has the most important answers about direction, purpose, and calling within them. This directed reflection process leads you through four terrains of exploration, stopping at points on the journey to consider key questions about awareness, letting go, vision, and realization. The terrains of your journey will take you into deeper observation of your feelings, thoughts, and images. You will explore what you need to let go of as you truly seek what you really want. We will open a space for a new vision and consider the practical steps to actualize that vision. We will deepen our insights in small circles of trust. Journaling and guided reflection will be used throughout the journey. Click HERE to sign up to be on the waitlist for the next workshop. I will reach out once a workshop is scheduled that meets your availability. Please reach out if you have any questions, info@empowerpossible.com Connect with me on social media! Copyright © EMPOWER Possible  Northfield, 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 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.  Disclaimer: This newsletter contains content that has been modified and inspired by ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. While we use ChatGPT to enhance our content, it should not be considered professional advice. For specific concerns or decisions, please consult with a qualified professional or trusted source. The newsletter authors are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided by or inspired by ChatGPT. Edit preferences or Unsubscribe

Empowering Change Questions

 

June 23, 2025 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!

Empowering Change Questions Hello Empowered Reader, As a change manager and well-being specialist, I know that when change isn’t just about shifting strategies or structures, it’s about nurturing ourselves and others.  Recently, I was inspired by Michael Bungay Stanier’s “Five Big Juicy Change Questions” (TheChangeSignal.com, May 22, 2025), and I want to share my own take on these insights, tailored for the Regenerate Your World community. The topic of massive organizational change has been on my mind not just because it is my full-time job to lead organizational change efforts, but because of a recent decision at my organization.  When the conversation about returning to the office began in my organization, I felt a swirl of emotions—anticipation, uncertainty, and a deep sense of responsibility for my team’s well-being. The decision to Return to the Office was made without input from me or other leaders. However, we are responsible for implementing the decision. Many on my team, including myself, had grown to appreciate the flexibility and balance that remote work offered. The prospect of change brought both hope, frustration, and hesitation. I remember one particular team meeting where resistance surfaced. Concerns about commutes, family routines, and the loss of quiet focus time bubbled up. Instead of dismissing these worries, I chose to listen deeply. I asked, “What is the treasure you’re protecting?” For some, it was time with children; for others, it was their mental health. Together, we focused on co-creating a plan with flexibility while still adhering to the mandates. We are in the beginning stages of this transition, and by having the conversation, I am already noticing a shift among my colleagues. This experience reminded me that authentic change isn’t about enforcing new rules—it’s about honoring what matters most to people and empowering them to thrive. Now this example relates to my professional life; however, substitute friends and family for colleagues, and we face similar circumstances in our personal lives as well. The Five Change Questions: 1. Are You Creating or Changing? (Inspired by David Lancefield) Words matter. When we talk about “change,” it can trigger anxiety or resistance. But what if we used the language of “creation”? Many in our Empowered Regenerative community are natural creators of ideas, communities, and possibilities. Framing our work as “creating” something new invites collaboration and curiosity, rather than fear. Reflection Question: How might you reframe your next initiative as an act of creation? Notice how it shifts the energy in your conversations. 2. What’s the Treasure Behind the Resistance? (Inspired by Dr. Liane Davey) Resistance isn’t always a barrier; it’s often a signal. When someone pushes back, ask yourself: What are they protecting? Maybe it’s a value, a relationship, or a sense of safety. Many of us often hold space for others’ concerns. Let’s honor the “treasures” our colleagues/friends/family members guard, and use that wisdom to guide more compassionate change. Reflection Question: Next time you face resistance, get curious: What is precious here? How can you honor and include it? 3. Are You Measuring the Vibe? (Inspired by Dr. Jason Fox) We love our checklists and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), but what about the “vibe”—the emotional pulse of our teams? Well-being thrives where there’s trust, joy, and connection. Let’s make space to notice and nurture the energy in our workplaces, not just the outcomes. Reflection Question: How does your team (family or friends) feel today? What’s the mood in the (virtual) room? What could you do to lift the collective spirit? 4. Where’s Your Leverage for Well-Being? (Inspired by Dan Heath) We can’t do everything at once. The magic happens when we focus on the small shifts that create big ripples, whether it’s a new wellness policy, a listening session, or a simple thank you. Many are skilled at finding those leverage points supporting change and well-being. Reflection Question: What’s one small action you could take this week to boost well-being in your sphere of influence? 5. Are You Naming Things Honestly? (Inspired by Margaret Heffernan) Let’s be real: Sugarcoating hard truths doesn’t serve us or our teams or our family and friends. Authenticity is the foundation of trust. Clear is kind. When we name challenges honestly, whether it’s a budget cut or a tough transition, we empower others to respond with resilience and creativity.  Reflection Question: Where could you be more transparent in your communication? How might honesty strengthen your relationships? Affirmation for Empowered Change I am a creator of positive change. I honor resistance as wisdom. I nurture the energy of my community. I focus my efforts where they matter most. I lead with honesty, courage, and compassion. Every day, I empower what is possible. Each of these questions is an invitation to lead with intention, to nurture well-being, and to create positive change.  Which one resonates most with you right now?  I’d love to hear your reflections and stories. Reply or connect with me at empowerpossible.com. Together, let’s keep empowering what’s possible. Take care, dear reader, Julie Zaruba Fountaine Founder, Empower Possible This newsletter is inspired by Michael Bungay Stanier, “Five Big Juicy Change Questions,” TheChangeSignal.com, May 22, 2025. One of the perks of working remotely is choosing my office location. On this day, I worked under a canopy of trees on the campus of St. Olaf in Northfield, MN.  Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. The Change We Create We are the hands that shape the dawn, The hearts that hold the flame, We listen for the hidden song In every voice and name. We gather courage, soft and strong, To face what must be said, With honesty, we right the wrong, With hope, we forge ahead. We measure not just what is seen, But what is felt and shared— The laughter, love, and in-between, The moments when we cared. So let us lead with open eyes, With wisdom, grace, and might— For every change we realize Begins with inner light. I own a variety of Holstee's products, and I truly appreciate the thoughtfulness and craftsmanship that goes into each item. That's why I want to share my thoughts on their Calm Cards. These cards are designed for individuals recovering from burnout, parents managing family demands, and anyone looking to transform their relationship with difficult emotions and challenging experiences.  To learn more, go to, https://www.holstee.com/products/calm-cards?ref=empower *Note: I am a Holstee affiliate and I choose to endorse products that I genuinely care about!

Upcoming Events Mountain 10 Workshops What is Mountain 10?                                                                                                                                                         During this three-hour workshop, we will focus on accessing your inner wisdom to bring about the changes you deeply desire in your life. We will use the Mountain 10 process, a proven, new technology for deep reflection on human change. It is based on the conviction that every person has the most important answers about direction, purpose, and calling within them. This directed reflection process leads you through four terrains of exploration, stopping at points on the journey to consider key questions about awareness, letting go, vision, and realization. The terrains of your journey will take you into deeper observation of your feelings, thoughts, and images. You will explore what you need to let go of as you truly seek what you really want. We will open a space for a new vision and consider the practical steps to actualize that vision. We will deepen our insights in small circles of trust. Journaling and guided reflection will be used throughout the journey. Click HERE to sign up to be on the waitlist for the next workshop. I will reach out once a workshop is scheduled that meets your availability. Please reach out if you have any questions, info@empowerpossible.com

Connect with me on social media! Copyright © EMPOWER Possible  Northfield, 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 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.  Disclaimer: This newsletter contains content that has been modified and inspired by ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. While we use ChatGPT to enhance our content, it should not be considered professional advice. For specific concerns or decisions, please consult with a qualified professional or trusted source. The newsletter authors are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided by or inspired by ChatGPT.