Showing posts with label Wellness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wellness. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Navigating Change: Coming Home to Yourself

 

 

August 18, 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!

Hi There!

I am starting off this newsletter with a video about what I have been up to this summer. Besides my travels I have bee working to revamp Empower Possible. The video shares the mission and services of Empower Possible. Take a look and send me a message ( info@empowerpossible.com ), what do you like, what are you interested, is there someone you know who could benifit from this work?

Let me know! 

Click on the image below to play the video.

#transformation

Navigating Change:

Coming Home to Yourself

Special Edition: A Recap of My Podcast Conversation with Liz Amys

Dear Empowered Reader,

I’m excited to bring you this expanded newsletter recapping my recent guest appearance on Liz Amys’ uplifting podcast. Our conversation was a heartfelt journey into the core of my mission—helping women and caregivers move out of chronic overwhelm and into a life where they can truly thrive. 

For those who long to feel aligned and empowered in daily life, these takeaways are seeds for hope.


We opened our discussion by delving into my inflection point, the founding of EMPOWER Possible. My story began at a crossroads: following years of giving my all in a “dream job,” I hit a wall of exhaustion and invisibility. That awakening fueled me to create something greater, not just for myself, but for anyone feeling trapped by burnout. EMPOWER Possible was born as a way for me to spend time on something I believed in and build a community where you can rebuild energy, reclaim boundaries, and envision new possibilities.


Liz and I explored the subtle signals that survival mode has taken over: running on autopilot, exhaustion that sleep can’t fix, and the fading music of joy in daily routines. Especially for moms and busy women, it’s easy to overlook these red flags. My advice is always to pause and check in, ask yourself, “Am I acting from obligation or intention?” Anchoring your day in small rituals, like a gratitude journal or shifting your internal language from “I have to” to “I get to,” builds real resilience. These micro-moments of care are the soul of EMPOWER Possible’s philosophy.


A key part of our chat centered on honoring the “in-between”, that uncomfortable, beautiful space between where you are and where you want to be. I shared insights from the Mountain 10 program, where growth isn’t a straight line but a winding path, much like a labyrinth. There are moments of awareness, letting go, visualization, and realization. Progress is often invisible, but every step taken in kindness, self-awareness, and community brings you closer to your center. 


EMPOWER Possible is designed to support women through this process, providing both practical tools and compassionate encouragement.
As we discussed self-love and boundaries, I reflected on how my healing journey has transformed every relationship in my life. I stressed that self-love isn’t selfish; it’s essential. By treating myself with the same compassion I offer to others, I’ve been able to show up more authentically and effectively for my family, my community, and my work.


The photo below is from a boxing class. Joining a fitness class is one way I express self-love.

Sometimes, a simple act, like pausing to ask, “What do I need right now?” can reset your energy and reaffirm your worth, no matter how chaotic life feels.
Toward the end of the episode, we focused on actionable steps and encouragement for any woman who feels stuck or doubts her voice. Remember, the journey to thriving starts with permission—permission to lean into your power, set one new boundary, or take one small step toward your dreams. You don’t have to wait for the perfect moment. 


The simple shift from “one day” to “day one” can change everything. EMPOWER Possible exists to walk with you, celebrate your growth, and remind you: you are already enough, and you are worthy of a life that energizes you.


If you haven’t already, you can listen to the full conversation with Liz Amys on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/episode/4AzvFKIv6h12k6is2vyDf3?si=dd85a2d88698444a&nd=1&dlsi=b62aa4470a7b457b)


Affirmation  “I honor my journey, embrace my possibilities, and trust that each small step leads me toward my own thriving.”


Some of my favorite quotes from the Episode

“Transformation isn’t linear. It’s the steady, often invisible progress that shapes who we become.”


“Celebrate the small wins—micro-moments of joy are the seeds of change.”


Thank you to Liz Amys for hosting me on your podcast and to you, dear reader, for journeying alongside me. May these insights inspire you to trust your path, rediscover your energy, and believe wholeheartedly in what’s possible for you and your world.


Take Care, Dear Reader,  

Julie Zaruba Fountaine

 

Going for a paddle is another activity that helps me regenerate.

 
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Scan the QR Code to sign up to be notified when the next Mountain 10 workshop is offered. 


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.

 

Pep Talk by David Chen

When struggle is a constant friend, And hope and strength begin to bend, Stand upon the shifting sand, And weigh your fate with open hand. The waves crash fierce against the shore, Tempting to yield and drown once more. But though heartache and pain, Choose to fight against the strain. For though you may be tired and worn, With every step, push on. Forgiving yourself...

 
 

Kind Words from Retreat Participant.

A special thanks to a retreat participant for sharing a few kind words about their experience.

In The Media

Where can you find EMPOWER Possible?

Besides posting on my own social media I also collaborate with other entrepreneurs. 

Thank you to Jessica Osborn for hosting me on your podcast in April. Below is the episode description. 


Feeling the burden of non-stop hustle?
We've all been there—caught in the to-dos, trying to keep the burnout at bay while chasing success the way we've been told you have to - working longer and harder than anyone else.
Well, what if you DON'T have to do it that way?For every story of hard work and grind ... there's another story of reaching success by working LESS!


Why do we seem to tune into the ones that tell you success is the result of sleeping very little and spending all your time chasing goals?
Even if you take a moment to think about this, it makes no sense at all! You already know you're much more productive when you're energized and highly focused.
That means your brains need sleep, rest, and space. Short bursts of work where you can focus on the important things.
So... it's time to talk boundaries, joy, and finding your stride in the rush of work-life challenges.


By pressing play on this episode, you'll discover:
- Why we often find ourselves struggling to utter the simple word "no," and how it impacts our path to joyful success
- What signs scream "it's time to move on" from your job and craft the role that truly aligns with you?
- The absolute value of self-awareness in writing your own story of personal and professional triumph.
- How can setting boundaries revolutionize the way you work, live, and maintain a sense of self?


Click HERE to check out the podcast

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

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!

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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.

Saturday, September 30, 2023

Start Feeling Better Now

 

 

September 30, 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!

R.A.I.N.

My everyday mantra
 

Dear Empowered Reader,


A few weeks ago I was preparing for a presentation and that familiar wave of anxiety started to creep in. Those nagging voices – "Is this enough," the "should'ves," and "would'ves" were hard to tune out. Time was ticking, and doubt was playing its part too, drowning out my inner strength. Just when I thought there was nothing I could do, something interesting happened. Raindrops started pattering against my window. 


The soothing sound of rain invited me to pause and listen to a quieter inner voice saying, "Slow down, take it easy, be present." And then, I remembered a different kind of "RAIN" – a practice crafted by mindfulness teacher Michele McDonald over two decades ago. It's designed to help us face life's challenges and emotions in a more constructive way.


McDonald coined the acronym R.A.I.N., which stands for "Recognition" of what's happening, "Acceptance" of the experience, "Interest" in understanding it, and "Non-Identification" to detach from it. Tara Brach, another mindfulness expert, has added her touch by changing the "N" to include "Nurture," emphasizing compassion in the process.


Here's a detailed breakdown of the mindful R.A.I.N. practice I used that rainy day. It helped me tackle my tough thoughts and emotions and showed me a more authentic and resourceful way to deal with them. 


Note that you can use this R.A.I.N. practice during formal meditation or whenever you're faced with intense emotions or overwhelming thoughts.


R.A.I.N.: A Mindfulness Practice for Navigating Life’s Challenges


Whether you're practicing R.A.I.N. formally or informally, start by easing into your body. Feel your feet on the ground, connect with the earth, and let go of tension. Take a few deep breaths and tune into your body's natural rhythm.


R – Recognize: 


Acknowledge what's happening without judgment. Shine a light on your suffering instead of pushing it away or reacting impulsively. Simply note what's on your mind. Example: "I'm feeling anxious right now."


A – Accept or Allow: 


Let the emotion and experience be as they are. Allowing isn't passivity but a brave willingness to embrace what's there. Pause amid strong emotions and create room for care.

Example: "It's okay to feel this way."


I – Investigate: 


Explore how the emotion manifests in your body, mind, and heart. Without overthinking, observe how emotions change and flow. Emotions often carry wisdom. Example: "Where do I feel this anxiety in my body?"


N – Nurture and Non-Identification: 


Start the process of letting go. By holding emotions in mindful awareness, you realize you aren't defined by them. Humility helps us acknowledge our vulnerability and resilience. Example: Offer yourself kindness, like comforting words or placing a hand on your heart. Then, extend that compassion to others.


After R.A.I.N., take a moment to appreciate your presence and rest in the space of awareness. You can journal your experience or share it with a trusted friend. When dealing with challenging emotions, remember, you're not alone. Seek support from friends, family, or professionals. We all need each other for guidance and growth.


So, next time life's challenges pour down like rain, try a little R.A.I.N. You might find it helps you weather the storm a bit more gracefully.


How can you apply the R.A.I.N. mindfulness practice in your own life? Reflect on specific situations where recognizing, accepting, investigating, nurturing, and non-identifying your emotions could make a positive difference in how you respond to challenges.

What are some common triggers for your challenging emotions, and how might you use the R.A.I.N. practice to navigate them effectively? Take a moment to identify recurring situations or thoughts that often lead to strong emotions. Consider how practicing R.A.I.N. could help you handle these triggers in a more mindful way.

Have you reached out for support during challenging times, or do you tend to handle things on your own? Reflect on your own support network and how comfortable you are seeking help when facing difficult emotions or situations. Are there steps you can take to lean on others for support and guidance?

Additional resources:

In honor of World Mental Health Day (October 10) I would like to revisit a conversation I had on the You Need a Counselor Podcast. To listen to the episode click HERE.


Take care, dear reader,

Julie

 
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To Persist

Author Unknown


one teaspoon
at a time,
the rain turns
mountains
into valleys

 
 

In the Media

Where can you find EMPOWER Possible?

Besides posting on my own social media I also collaborate with other entrepreneurs. 

I was recently on, Not Just A Daydream with Kristi WinfreeIn this episode we covered a lot of topics including:
* Recognizing and honoring the multidimensional aspects of your identity outside your job.
* Seeing the impact of living in alignment with your core values.
* Harnessing your personal power to shape the path to your future.
To listen click here.


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) October: Better Together Series. Integrative Health and Well-being for Practitioners Series hosted in partnership with the University of Minnesota.


2) October 10, 6-7 pm CST, Turn the Tide: How to Thrive as a Business Owner,

 Discover how to establish work-life harmony, set boundaries, and implement self-care practices that enhance your overall health and fulfillment. Get ready to turn the tide in your entrepreneurial journey. Learn and practice the tools you need to maximize your potential, thrive amidst challenges, and create a sustainable, successful business that aligns with your values and aspirations.

Free Webinar

To register go to https://www.successfulbusiness.org/event/501430034/turn-the-tide-how-to-thrive-as-a-business-owner 


3) October Coffee Chat: Freedom From the Clock

 

4) Winter 2024 New Course, Career Crossroads Launch Stay Tuned for Details!


Sunday, May 7, 2023

When Life Gives You Lemons

 

 

May 7, 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 half-full, instead of 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!

Change Your Systems

Team Alicia Celebration Dinner
 

Hello, Regenerate Your World Readers!


I would like to welcome Andrea Patrick to the EMPOWER Possible community!

Below are her thoughts on how to make lemonade out of lemons.


When life gives you lemons, it’s important to know what you need to make lemonade. I recently experienced a difficult and challenging time with my family and understand the importance of this first hand. I was faced with my past, and had to confront the baggage THAT PAST produced. Thankfully I was up for the task. I was able to navigate those trying days without the emotional, psychological and physical reactions that would have made my experience unbearable.


I know my circumstances are not unusual, but my reaction, and how I got there, is. Hello, my name is Andrea Patrick and I consider myself the B-U boss… Whether you’re an entrepreneur, professional, or a stay at home parent, the ability to be unapologetically you is what makes it easy to live a life you love. As a Personal Branding coach & Marketing Strategist, I coach my clients to unlock their past, analyze their present and create a strategy for achieving goals and securing a life they love living.


My methods may be considered unorthodox, but because I’ve lived every second of them, I know they work. Before reading any further, take a moment to document your current thoughts about self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-preservation. Your mindset helps you manage your emotions, motivations, and perspectives better. Becoming the CEO of you means adopting positive mindsets that help you do and be your best in every situation you may find yourself in. My goal with this article is to give you the tools you’ll need to make the appropriate adjustments to your mindset, and that it be a catalyst for positive life changes.


Aristotle said, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom”. It doesn’t mean you won’t make mistakes, quite the contrary, we all make mistakes. The difference with those who are more self-aware is that they look for, and learn from, the lessons those mistakes illuminate.


Self-Awareness

My research for this content led me to an article by Tchiki Davis, Ph.D, where she mentioned a lesson she’d learned writing her book, Outsmart Your Smartphone: Conscious Tech Habits for Finding Happiness, Balance, and Connection IRL. She found that our lives can get out-of-control pretty fast if we don’t know how and under what circumstances our emotional nature is triggered. I believe knowing what triggers you, what motivates & inspires you, and what your non-negotiables are opens you up to the WHAT’s, WHERE’s, WHY’s and HOW’s of living your best life. Clarity comes from knowing what motivates you, knowing where your sensitivities lie, knowing why you do what you do, and knowing how you apply what you know about yourself to achieve your idea of happiness.


Most of us are running on auto-pilot, we take things as they come, and react to what happens to us. Our minds are so busy with our daily routine we don’t even think about what we NEED until a situation jolts us out of our fog.. Instead of getting defensive, making excuses, or blaming another person, becoming more self-aware helps us understand our successes and failures better. Answering the The WHAT’s, WHERE’s, WHY’s, and HOW’s should be an exercise in honesty if you want to develop a solid and sustainable foundation for the dream life you want. This honesty becomes the beginning of the confidence we often feel we lack.



Self - Confidence

Confidence comes from being in an environment that fosters positivity and can be considered a learned behavior. The KEY to confidence is CERTAINTY. The key to certainty is self awareness, and the key to self-awareness is understanding how to manage change, knowing what’s really important, minimizing your choices & optimizing your options, and putting structure around the chaos that will inevitably come your way. As I see it, the relationship between confidence and certainty makes SELF-confidence, and feelings of self-worth, easier to obtain.


CONFIDENCE: is a state of being clear-headed that a chosen course of action is the best or most effective. Self-awareness gives us this clarity.


CERTAINTY: are the beliefs which a person has no rational grounds for doubting.


Answering the The WHAT’s, WHERE’s, WHY’s, and HOW’s is how you get there.


In my opinion, confidence is about taking outward actions while certainty is about internal trust.


Your level of certainty drastically affects your ability to be confident. An article, found in Psychology Today defines confidence as ..."How strongly you believe in your capabilities to learn new skills, perform at a certain level, attain a goal, or achieve your own definition of success." Achieving confidence is much more difficult when we try to do so echoing the actions of others. It’s important to construct a personal framework and use that framework to translate what we see others doing into a language that reflects our authenticity. This can be a daunting task, but when you have the right team, you’ll be successful more times than not.. Self preservation happens by choosing the lens through which you see yourself and the world around you. The people you surround yourself with help you keep that lens clean and clear.



Self - Preservation

Self-awareness and self-confidence are the building blocks to self-preservation. When you know yourself and what you need to do and be your best, you can teach others how to treat you and manage expectations, yours and others. In recent videos on my YouTube channel, I described the importance of setting boundaries, using your CEO Mindset to lead and how valuable it is to have the right team members in your circle of influence. These videos emphasize the need to become the CEO of you. Finding your voice and communicating your needs save you from the stress, frustrations, and overwhelm associated with just about everything in life. Preserving your ability to walk through life authentically isn’t a gift given, it’s an intention accomplished.

I have coached many individuals and seen my fair share of them struggling with imposter syndrome, limiting beliefs, and negative self-talk. With the help of my proven system, many have gone on to save thousands of dollars in unnecessary expenses and energy while others have made millions by utilizing their personal framework to guide their decisions..


A CEO mindset makes evaluating, increasing confidence and sharing your value much more organic. How much easier would your life be if you were confident enough to be UNAPOLOGETICALLY YOU?!


If you’re ready to have similar outcomes, join my email list to learn more about my challenge, The Search 4 Success. I’ll help you find your authentic blueprint and start creating success strategies that help you live the life of your dreams.


A special thanks to our guest writer Andrea Patrick for sharing her wisdom.


 
 
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If life gives you lemons, make lemonade!


By BerthdduSuit Jul 2008


You can take what life throws at you,
And let it turn you sour,
Or hold on tight and enjoy the ride,
Make the most of every hour.

You can always play the victim,
Feeling sorry for yourself,
Or learn from these experiences,
Put the trophies on a shelf.

What happens to us makes us who we are,
Experiences good or bad,
If you let bad times drag you down,
They slowly drive you mad.

Seize all of life's opportunities,
Make the most of your lot,
To you it may seem pitiful,
To others it's all they've got.

 

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 CEO Mindset.

Check out the episode linked HERE to learn more about reaching your goals.

Upcoming Events

1) Join me at The RINK Pitch Competition!


The RINK Pitch Competition is a catalyst that connects our start-up funders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and creative talent to help them showcase ideas and bring their ideas from paper and their garage tinkering into reality and real businesses! Innovate 218 is the Arrowhead region's Launch Minnesota hub, a statewide collaborative effort to accelerate the growth of startups and amplify Minnesota as a national leader in innovation!

Date: May 9th

Where: Rustic Pig Chisholm, MN

Time:

5:00-5:55 PM -Social and Appetizers
6:00-7:00 PM - Presentation of (5 pitches- 5 minutes to pitch, 5 min for judges to poke holes & ask questions)
7:00-7:30 PM - Judges deliberate and more socializing for crowd
7:30-8:00 PM - Awards & judge feedback (Crowd pleaser vote)
8:00-9:00 PM - Mingle and Network
Join our Live Studio Audience: https://bit.ly/LSAtherinkmay2023


2) May 27th, LeanIn MSP 10 Year Celebration, 9am-10:30am CST, Ridgedale MN Library

Have you wanted to envision your life in 10 years, but never found the time to do it? Join the Lean In Together community on Saturday, May 27th and we will make your wish come true. #community #leanin To Register email info@empowerpossible.com


3) June 6th, Women and Leadership Symposium, Madison Wisconsin

Myths of Happiness, for more information email info@empowerpossible.com


4) August, 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


5) September, New Course Launch Stay Tuned for Details!


Join me!

Connect with me on social media!

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Copyright © EMPOWER Possible

4912 Idlewild St., Duluth, United States, 55804


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.

Celebrating Four Years!

    October 12, 2025 Regenerate Your World  Build the future you want to live in. I know these times aren't the easiest for all of us, b...