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

What Type of Action Taker Are You?

 

December  15, 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 weekly basis. Let's Get Empowered!

What Type Of Action Taker Are You? Dear Empowered Reader, Today, I am handing over my newsletter to a very special guest, Charity Youngblood. I met Charity a few years ago through a women's leadership group. She attended a session I was facilitating on how to create a vision board. Charity is an Action Taker, Host of the 5-minute "Life's Questions & Lessons" podcast, Creator, Writer, and Educator.  During our first meeting, she provided good commentary and valuable insights. From that day on, one of the reasons I looked forward to attending the Leadership group was because I would reflect and learn with her. Eventually, we set up regular chats to check in with each other. I also connect with Charity by taking a few minutes every day to listen to her podcast,  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lifes-questions-lessons/id1596134857  Her podcast and our monthly conversations always leave me feeling inspired, supported, and ready for action. Being ready for action and taking action are not the same and as I reflected on the type of action I tend to take a few questions kept coming up for me including, "What kind of action taker am I?" and "How do I motivate myself to move forward?".  Lucky for me I was able to take Charity's quiz and it helped me to be more strategic in my action-taking and helped identify areas of growth.  Click to take the quiz,  https://www.lifesquestionsandlessons.com/ In the next section Charity will share more about taking action. Take Care, Dear Reader, Julie From Charity Youngblood: Have you ever found yourself saying things like “I’ll take that class next year,” or “I’ll start that project in a few months,” or “I’ll relax and travel once I’m retired”? Putting things off for this reason or that reason, while the years continue to fly by. And before you know it, you don’t even remember why you put off all the things you wanted to do.  I totally get it! Things come up and life gets messy. Priorities shift and change all the time. But contrary to popular belief: tomorrow is not promised. How do I know this? Well, I’ve experienced a LOT of death in my family. I mean a whole lot.  I went to my first funeral when I was 7 years old. I have lost cousins, grandparents, aunts, uncles as well as a few close friends. All at various ages. Because of this, death is always at the top of my mind. Not in a morbid way, but in a “If you’re thinking of that person, call or text them today” kind of way.  I think that’s also why I am so adamant about being an Action Taker. If you’re reading this, you have been given the gift of life. You are here. Here to dream, do, and be whatever you desire. When I get discouraged, I think about the people who’ve gone before me, and the chances they no longer have. The lessons they can no longer learn. The magic they can no longer witness. The laughter, the play, the adventures, the excitement they will no longer see. The pain and disappointment that leads to extraordinary growth. All of it is gone for them. But you and I are still here.  There is no valid excuse to not live each day like the gift it is. I am blessed to be able to create and share my experiences with you. It is an honor to encourage and empower others, the way others have empowered and encouraged me. Please remember: Life is not a dress rehearsal. Whatever you want to do, whatever you want to create, whatever story you want to share, whatever places you want to go, make it happen.  Since taking action is often easier said than done, here are a few questions to explore: What are the goals, projects, ideas, trips, etc you have been putting off for "later"? Why do you think “later” is a better time than “now” to do those things? Is what you’ve been putting off important to you? Why?  What feeling(s) would you experience once it happens or is completed?  It can also be helpful to know what type of Action Taker you are, which you can discover by taking our new quiz.   https://www.lifesquestionsandlessons.com/ Click to access the quiz Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. Excerpt from "The Dash"  by Linda Ellis I read of a man who stood to speak At the funeral of a friend He referred to the dates on the tombstone From the beginning...to the end He noted that first came the date of birth And spoke the following date with tears, But he said what mattered most of all Was the dash between those years For it matters not, how much we own, The cars...the house...the cash. What matters is how we live and love And how we spend our dash.

Product Spotlight Ready to take action and embark on a transformative journey? Consider signing up for Career Crossroads, an online course that navigates the intricacies of career transitions.  Uncover the power of introspection as you reflect on past experiences, extracting invaluable insights to shape a future filled with purpose and fulfillment.  Join us on this holistic exploration, identifying patterns and preferences that pave the way for a flourishing professional and personal life. Click HERE to get started today!

Connect with me on social media!