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, 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!

Celebrating Four Years! Photo of me in Duluth, Minnesota, where Empower Possible began. Dear Empowered Reader, This month, I am celebrating as October marks four years since the founding of Empower Possible! 🎉 With gratitude, the anniversary is not just a milestone but a reflection of shared growth, powerful partnerships, and the ripple effect of brave actions and conversations. Empower Possible’s roots are deep in collaboration and curiosity. I founded Empower Possible on the dream that we can find joy in meaningful work, work that doesn't leave us burned out and cynical. The past year has been filled with meaningful opportunities to build and sustain impactful work. From facilitating a workshop at the St. Louis Health and Human Services Conference to presenting at the Benedictine Health Systems Conference, each event has deepened my commitment. I’ve also engaged with leaders through SheLeads Rochester and guided City of Minneapolis teams in the “Leading a Culture of Well-being” initiative. Additionally, hosting Mountain 10 retreats and empathy workshops has allowed participants to explore the transformative shift from indifference to kindness and navigate personal and organizational transitions. Each experience highlights the power of community and the incredible strength found in a diverse network of catalysts across sectors. In the Media Recently, it was a privilege to join the Whole Mom Podcast, sharing real stories of navigating change, self-discovery, and collective empowerment, as well as the restorative process behind Mountain 10 Retreats with Rachel Gilbertson. This platform amplified the message to a broader audience, reminding us: every transformation starts with an honest conversation and a resilient spirit. The latest Voyager, Bold Journey, and Canvas Rebel articles also highlight Empower Possible’s mission, placing our work in the context of bold exploration and the power of creating new pathways for personal and organizational growth. Just as Voyagers charted the unknown, this community’s voices pioneer a kinder, more conscious future. Celebrating Collaborative Successes Special appreciation goes to my Southeast Small Business Development Center Coach for inspiring business transition workshops, which will help communities keep small businesses in their town and will cultivate intentional leadership handoffs. The Benedictine Leadership Development Training and Active Bodies Motivational Interviewing, plus Empower Possible leadership coaching, were energizing reminders of how good goal-setting, reflection, and movement fuel both personal and collective transformation. Navigating Delays and Cancellations The past few years were also not without challenges. A few presentations I had prepared for this year were unexpectedly canceled due to loss of grant funding, and timelines for collaborative projects were pushed back more than once. While those moments felt disappointing at first, they became invitations to pause, reframe, and approach the future with fresh creativity. In their place, new opportunities emerged, such as impromptu workshops, coaching experiences, and meaningful dialogues that may not have been possible otherwise. These obstacles now stand as reminders: with regenerative acts, we grow stronger not in the absence of setbacks, but in the way we adapt and stay present to what can still take root. Community Wisdom and Appreciation Testimonies from workshops act as powerful reminders: “Such a great topic and supporting materials. I love the inclusion of The Power of Moments wisdom...” and “I became vulnerable enough to open up that day, which kept me coming back...” The gift of trust, self-compassion, and brave inquiry shapes Empower Possible’s legacy; every word, every step, every moment matters. A heartfelt thank you from me to every partner, supporter, and volunteer who contributed time, wisdom, and care to our shared mission over these four years.  The collective energy of this community, those who champion leadership development, facilitate workshops, organize retreats, and generously guide peers, fuels meaningful change and multiplies the impact beyond measure.  Moments of growth, courageous dialogue, and inspired action have been possible because of unwavering support from dedicated partners and volunteers, whose belief in regeneration and empowerment elevates all we do. With deepest gratitude to each of you is a cherished and valuable part of the Empower Possible story, and your ongoing contributions remain at the core of our journey forward. Looking Forward Thank you for four years of building a more empowered, empathetic, and accessible world together. Here’s to many more moments of growth, generosity, and change. As always, the journey continues with hearts open, minds curious, and communities united in purpose. Please let me know what you are celebrating. How can Empower Possible support you? What challenges are you overcoming? I would love to hear your stories and celebrate alongside you. An affirmation for you:  I am stronger than any challenge I face. I choose to thrive, not just survive. Every small, intentional step I take builds my momentum and growth. I engage my true self, lean on my support networks, and activate my awareness to create transformation. Each experience has gifted me wisdom and clarity. My journey is unique, my impact is meaningful, and my voice matters. I am capable of regenerating my world, starting right now. I have the power to keep going, and I embrace that power fully. Keep going. You’ve got this. Take Care, Dear Reader, Julie Zaruba Fountaine Founder Empower Possible.  Regenerate Your World. Photo of the DECC where the latest EMPOWER Possible Event took place. Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. Speech at the Sorbonne, Paris, April 23, 1910 Theodore Roosevelt “It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man (or person!) who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.”

Upcoming Events Embark on an extraordinary journey of growth and possibility by joining the upcoming EMPOWER Possible events!  Should you have any questions or want more details, don't hesitate to drop me an email at info@EmpowerPossible.com  Mountain 10 Workshop sign up for the waitlist, please click HERE to complete the form    Active Bodies, Motivational Interviewing Seminar, Northfield, MN, November 1 Sharing the techniques and structures for creating effective engagement and support for a diversity of individuals involved in active body pursuits.  Using culturally and physically sensitive language, and physically embodying activities designed for diverse groups.

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

Insider Insights: Celebrating Three Years

 

October 16, 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!

Insider Insights: Celebrating Three Years Three-year celebration! Happy birthday Empower Possible! Dear Empowered Reader, I can hardly believe it—it’s been three years since I took the leap and launched Empower Possible! What started as a dream fueled by my own experiences of burnout turned into a passion for helping people find harmony in their hectic lives and blossomed into something more meaningful than I could have imagined. Today, I’m reflecting on how much we’ve grown together, and I feel overwhelming gratitude for this incredible journey. When I first started Empower Possible, it was just me, an idea, and much hope. I had a vision, but I wasn’t sure how it would unfold. Those early days were filled with excitement and, yes, plenty of uncertainty. I wondered if anyone would join me on this mission to build a life where wellness wasn’t just a goal, but a daily practice. And then, slowly but surely, you did. We began planting seeds of change together, and now here we are—a community that has turned wellness into something real, practical, and transformative. I’ll never forget the first workshop I hosted. I was nervous, hoping it would resonate with the attendees, but I quickly realized that this wasn’t just about me teaching—it was about us learning from each other. Each one of you has shared something that’s impacted me deeply—your stories, your challenges, your moments of growth. They’ve become the foundation of Empower Possible, reminding me every day why I started this in the first place. Let me share one pivotal moment with you. It was about six months after launching Empower Possible, and I was feeling a sense of burnout creeping in again. Yes, even after all my efforts to create harmony, I realized I wasn’t following the advice I was giving. My calendar was overbooked, and I had little time for personal regeneration. One weekend, I decided to take a solo hike in the woods—a place I’ve always gone to recharge. I left my phone in the car and immersed myself in nature. As I walked, I reflected on what truly mattered to me and made a promise to myself: I would not lose sight of the well-being practices I had worked so hard to instill. That hike became a turning point, reminding me that regeneration is not a one-time event but a continuous practice that requires attention and intention. It was a lesson that shaped how I lead Empower Possible and serve this community today. I’d love for you to take a moment and reflect on your journey. Think back to three years ago—where were you in your well-being journey compared to today? What have you discovered about yourself, your habits, or your mindset that has helped you grow? And most importantly, how can you continue to prioritize your own well-being as you move forward into the next chapter of your life? For me, these three years have reinforced one powerful truth: transformation is never easy, but it is always worth it. Every step forward, no matter how small, gets us closer to a life that feels aligned with who we truly are. There were moments when I wasn’t sure I was moving in the right direction—moments when doubt crept in—but every time, this community reminded me of the importance of persistence and the beauty of progress. Another experience that profoundly shaped my approach to well-being came just last year. I was in the middle of preparing for a big keynote speech, and, once again, I found myself stretched thin. I decided to plan a small day retreat with a couple of friends.  I was hesitant to take time away however I knew how important it is to rest and recharge. During that day away, I had the chance to unplug, take a long walk in the woods, and just "be". It wasn’t until I slowed down that I realized how much I had been running on empty. That experience reminded me of the power of rest and reflection, and how essential they are for regeneration. It’s a lesson I now incorporate into every facet of my life and work—recognizing that regeneration comes from giving ourselves space to breathe, reflect, and recharge. Without it, we cannot sustain our well-being. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from you is that we never have to walk this path alone. I’ve seen firsthand how the connections we’ve built here are the cornerstone of personal growth. Each of you has shown me the incredible strength that comes from having a village—a support system that celebrates our wins, picks us up after setbacks, and reminds us of our power. Speaking of power, I want to share a quote about power: “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” – Alice Walker. This hits home because it’s the core of what Empower Possible is all about—helping you remember that you already have the power to shape your life, your well-being, and your future. The small, daily choices you make? They add up, and they are so much more impactful than we often realize. Don’t underestimate the power of those little steps—they can lead to life-changing transformations. As I look ahead, I’m excited for what’s to come. I have new programs and opportunities on the horizon—whether it’s diving deeper into our Mountain 10 workshops, new podcast guest appearances, or continuing to connect through these newsletters.  There’s so much more we can accomplish together, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being part of this community. Empower Possible wouldn’t be what it is without each of you. Here’s to many more years of growth, empowerment, and well-being! With heartfelt gratitude,   Julie Zaruba Fountaine   Founder, Empower Possible Screen capture of a brainstorming activity I completed as I was dreaming of what Empower Possible could be. Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. Still I Rise by Maya Angelou You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I’ll rise. Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? ’Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells Pumping in my living room. Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I’ll rise. Did you want to see me broken? Bowed head and lowered eyes? Shoulders falling down like teardrops, Weakened by my soulful cries? Does my haughtiness offend you? Don’t you take it awful hard ’Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines Diggin’ in my own backyard. You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I’ll rise. Does my sexiness upset you? Does it come as a surprise That I dance like I’ve got diamonds At the meeting of my thighs? Out of the huts of history’s shame I rise Up from a past that’s rooted in pain I rise I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide, Welling and swelling I bear in the tide. Leaving behind nights of terror and fear I rise Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear I rise Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise I rise I rise. From And Still I Rise by Maya Angelou. Copyright © 1978 by Maya Angelou.

Connect with me on social media! Copyright © EMPOWERPossible Northfield, MN, USA 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

Reflecting on Two Years of Growth, Triumphs, and Dreams!

 

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!

Reflecting on Two Years of Growth, Triumphs, and Dreams! Dear Empowered Reader, Can you believe it's been two incredible years since we embarked on this empowering journey together? It's time to celebrate and reflect on the remarkable milestones we've achieved. I truly mean we, I would not be here without your support!🥳 EMPOWER Possible by the Numbers: 🎙️ Podcasts: Over 17 episodes filled with inspiration, insights, and the voices of change. To listen to a podcast go to https://empowerpossible.com/podcasts/  📬 Newsletters: 40 newsletters packed with knowledge, updates, and empowering stories delivered to your inbox. Want to re-read a past newsletter? Go to https://empowerpossible.blogspot.com/ 🖥️ Webinars/Presentations/Consulting Projects/Retreats: Presented 13 sessions, sharing expertise, and collaborating for positive change.  https://empowerpossible.com/partnerships/ 🚀 Course Launches: Launched 11 courses designed to empower, educate, and elevate our community. https://empowerpossible.com/courses/  🏆 Pitch Competitions Entered: 1 competitions embraced ✨ Dreams Realized: countless dreams turned into reality, thanks to the power of passion and perseverance. 🌟 Dreams Just Beginning: Endless dreams sparked and ignited, paving the way for a future filled with possibilities. EMPOWER Possible by the Memories: 🗣️ Conversations: Countless heart-to-heart conversations that sparked ideas, fostered collaboration and created a supportive community. 📚 Lessons Learned: A library of lessons, each one a stepping stone towards growth and empowerment. I am learning to embrace the journey and let go of attachment to the outcome. 🏋️ Challenges Overcome: The biggest hurdle has been my mindset. I am learning to get out of my own way knowing that every hurdle faced was a chance to prove our resilience, turning challenges into triumphs.  Time to reflect: Looking back on the past two years, what is one achievement or milestone that stands out to you as a testament to your personal growth or the growth of our community? How did it impact you or those around you? As we celebrate dreams realized and dreams just beginning, what is a dream or goal that you initially thought was beyond reach but, through passion and perseverance, you've seen come to life?  How has this experience shaped your perspective on what's possible? Reflecting on the lessons learned and challenges overcome, what is one piece of wisdom or insight gained that you'd share with someone who is just beginning their journey toward empowerment?  How has overcoming challenges contributed to your resilience and determination? Feel free to share your reflections or discuss them with others in the empowered community.  It's a great way to celebrate the journey and inspire each other for the road ahead! As we celebrate this significant milestone, let's recognize the power of empowerment and the incredible community that makes it all possible.  Thank you for being a part of my journey, and here's to many more years of EMPOWERING POSSIBILITIES! Take care, dear reader, Julie Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. "Citizenship in a Republic" by Theodore Roosevelt  “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.  The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena,  whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood;  who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming;  but who does actually strive to do the deeds;  who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions;  who spends himself in a worthy cause;  who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly,  so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

In the Media Where can you find EMPOWER Possible? Besides posting on my own social media I also collaborate with other entrepreneurs. This week I am going to throw back to my very first podcast interview as it is relevant to this topic I was a guest on the Multiple Revenue Streams podcast and chatted with, Linda Payan. We discuss how to keep going, do the little things every day, and start building a revenue stream that you are proud of. Check it out 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) September/October: Better Together Series. Integrative Health and Well-being for Practitioners Series hosted in partnership with the University of Minnesota. 2) October, New Course, Career Crossroad Launch 3) Engaged Company Culture Podcast 4) UnCaped Heroes Podacast

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 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.