The Art of Reflection

 

February 3, 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!

The Art of Reflection Pausing to watch a sunset invites me to reflect on the day. Dear Empowered Reader, In the last edition of The Regenerate Your World Newsletter, we discussed goal setting. This week we are going to continue the conversation.  January gets all the buzz for New Year resolutions however I believe every day is a chance for renewal… As we step into a new year, it's time to reflect, reset, and regenerate our world. This issue of "Regenerate Your World" focuses on personal growth, intentional living, and the power of reflection.   "The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance." - Alan Watts   The Art of Reflection   As a community committed to well-being and personal growth, we understand the importance of looking back to move forward. This year, consider reviewing your past 365 days and noting your wins and challenges across various life domains.   For instance, one of our community members shared their significant wins from the past year: - Securing a new job that utilizes their skills - Gaining clarity on personal values - Supporting family through challenging times   They also faced challenges, such as: - Maintaining emotional health while supporting others - Setting boundaries with loved ones   Reflection Questions: 1. What were your top three wins and challenges in your professional life this year? 2. How did your energy levels fluctuate throughout the seasons, and how did this impact your work-life balance? 3. What unexpected lessons did you learn from a project or task that didn't go as planned?   Regenerating Your Approach   The concept of regeneration is about renewal and growth. As you plan for 2025, consider how you can regenerate different aspects of your life:   - Professional Growth: Seek new certifications or skills that align with your career goals. For example, one of our members is pursuing a Six Sigma certification to enhance their project management skills. - Personal Development: Focus on mindfulness practices and letting go of what no longer serves you. A community member shared their intention to release anger and judgment, recognizing what they can and cannot control. - Relationships: Nurture connections with family and friends through meaningful experiences. Consider planning trips with loved ones or hosting dinner parties that prioritize connection over perfection.    "The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude." - Oprah Winfrey   Setting Intentions, Not Just Goals   Instead of rigid resolutions, consider setting intentions that allow for flexibility and growth. Embrace the concept of "the swerve" – make plans but remain open to changing direction as needed.   My personal approach to this is asking myself every morning these three questions: - What will make me feel connected today? - What will give me a sense of purpose? - What would I do today if I were taking care of my human?   Empower Possible Affirmation: "I embrace the pace of my journey and trust in my ability to adapt and thrive."   The Power of Three Words   Choose a three-word thesis to guide your decisions and actions in the coming year. For inspiration, consider: "Embrace the Pace".   A community member shared their three-word thesis: "Let Them Be". This mantra helps them release the need to control others' behavior and focus on their growth.   "Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change." - Jim Rohn   Thriving Without Goals   Remember that personal growth isn't always about achieving specific targets. Sometimes, it's about the small, consistent actions that contribute to our overall well-being:   - Acknowledge others' kindness - Practice gratitude daily - Learn something new, even if it scares you - Take responsibility for your actions - Ask for help when needed   One member shared their intention to "let go of striving for perfection" and instead focus on creating a welcoming environment when hosting friends and family.   As we regenerate our world in 2025, let's focus on renewal, intentional living, and embracing the journey of personal growth. By reflecting on our past, setting mindful intentions, and remaining open to change, we can create a year of meaningful progress and fulfillment.   Final Reflection Questions: 1. What is one area of your life that needs regeneration, and what small step can you take today towards that renewal? 2. How can you apply the concept of "embracing the pace" to a current challenge you're facing? 3. What is one boundary you need to set to protect your emotional well-being in the coming year?   Remember, as one of our members beautifully put it: "You're still awesome, still you, and still worthy of love, rest, success, and greatness." Let's make 2025 a year of growth, compassion, and regeneration. Take care, dear reader, Julie Founder, Empower Possible   One way I keep my goals is mind is by creating a collage with photos and reminders.  Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. Do Not Go Gently Into That Good Night by Dylan Thomas Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Though wise men at their end know dark is right, Because their words had forked no lightning they Do not go gentle into that good night. Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight, And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way, Do not go gentle into that good night. Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light. And you, my father, there on the sad height, Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray. Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light. From The Poems of Dylan Thomas, published by New Directions. Copyright © 1952, 1953 Dylan Thomas. Copyright © 1937, 1945, 1955, 1962, 1966, 1967 the Trustees for the Copyrights of Dylan Thomas. Copyright © 1938, 1939, 1943, 1946, 1971 New Directions Publishing Corp.  The time is now!   Don’t wait another minute to make to change your life.  If you’ve been contemplating change, STOP! Start planning your strategy for achieving your goals, for doing something different, for living the life of your dreams. I was a guest on the CEO Podcast. Take a listen and you’ll hear about: The difference between goals and priorities The relationship between unmet goals and your systems/processes Common misconceptions about productivity What running a 5K has to do with systems, goals, and changing your life Link to Podcast

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.

The Power of Contentedness

 

November 25, 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!

The Power of Contentedness I am often most content in nature.  Dear Empowered Reader, As I took time to think about what to share for this edition of the newsletter the topic of happiness came to mind. Writing this newsletter at the end of November the topic of happiness is especially relevant as we enter the holiday season, a time often marked by high expectations and the pressure to feel happy and fulfilled.  For many, this period becomes a whirlwind of busyness and external demands, leaving little room for reflection or contentment. As we approach the end of the year, it’s the perfect time to pause, reassess our priorities, and focus on cultivating a sense of contentment rather than chasing fleeting moments of happiness. The goal of this newsletter is to invite you to step back from the hustle and reconnect with what truly matters, setting the stage for a more mindful and fulfilling close to the year. In a world that constantly tells us to "chase happiness" and "pursue more," it's easy to feel like we’re always falling short. But what if happiness, as it's often portrayed, isn’t the ultimate goal? What if the secret to a fulfilling life isn’t found in constant pursuit, but in learning to appreciate the present moment, to embrace the here and now? As we move through our careers and personal lives, it's time to redefine what success and well-being truly mean—and today, I want to explore the power of contentedness. "Contentment is natural wealth, luxury is artificial poverty." – Socrates This quote from Socrates reminds us that true wealth lies not in possessions or accomplishments, but in appreciating what we already have. Yes, there is truth that having your basic needs met is vital and I agree but what about once your needs are met? What then?  It's a radical shift from the message we often receive: that we must always strive for more—more success, more recognition, more happiness. But this endless chase can lead to dissatisfaction and burnout, rather than fulfillment. It's here that contentedness offers an alternative path, one that allows us to find peace and joy in the present moment, regardless of external circumstances. One of the reasons contentment is so powerful is because it counteracts what psychologists call the hedonic treadmill. This concept explains how we quickly return to a baseline level of happiness after positive or negative life events. No matter how exciting a promotion, vacation, or new achievement might be, the thrill wears off, and we find ourselves wanting more. The pursuit of happiness becomes like running on a treadmill—we expend effort, but we never truly get anywhere. Research shows that even major life changes, like winning the lottery or experiencing a significant setback, only temporarily affect our happiness. In time, we return to our pre-existing levels of happiness. This is why chasing happiness, as it’s traditionally defined, can leave us feeling perpetually unsatisfied. Contentment, on the other hand, teaches us to step off the treadmill and appreciate the steady joy found in everyday moments. "Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product." – Eleanor Roosevelt Eleanor Roosevelt’s wisdom hits at the heart of what many of us misunderstand about happiness. It’s not something we can achieve by constantly striving. Instead, it's something that arises naturally when we focus on living with purpose, cultivating relationships, and being present. This shift from happiness as an outcome to contentedness as a practice is one that can transform how we approach both our personal and professional lives. I’ll be honest—there was a time when I believed the next accomplishment or the next milestone would finally bring me the lasting happiness I was seeking. I thought if I could just reach the next level in my career or hit a personal goal, I’d feel complete. But after each success, I found myself wanting more, wondering why the satisfaction didn’t last. A turning point came during a particularly intense period of juggling multiple projects and turning down invitations from family and friends so that I could work extra hours. One afternoon, I paused to reflect on what was truly driving me and what is it that I truly value.  I realized that in my relentless pursuit of doing more, I was missing out on appreciating what I already had—an amazing community, fulfilling work, and the opportunity to make a real impact. That realization was the beginning of my journey toward contentedness. I began to focus less on external achievements and more on cultivating a sense of peace and satisfaction with the life I was living in the moment. Research supports the idea that contentment, more than the fleeting highs of happiness, leads to a more sustainable sense of well-being. Studies show that people who practice gratitude, mindfulness, and acceptance of the present moment tend to experience higher levels of life satisfaction. A study from the University of California found that practicing gratitude daily can increase overall well-being by up to 25%. Another study, published in The Journal of Positive Psychology, found that people who focus on their immediate experience rather than future desires report greater life satisfaction and emotional well-being. These findings reinforce the idea that contentment isn’t about settling for less, but about recognizing the abundance in the present moment. Three Reflection Questions What do I have right now in my life—relationships, experiences, opportunities—that I am grateful for but may be taking for granted? How often do I find myself chasing after the next big achievement, and how does that impact my sense of fulfillment? What small changes can I make in my daily routine to cultivate contentment and appreciate the present moment? We are often taught to keep pushing forward, to measure our success by external milestones. But true well-being and happiness isn’t about reaching a destination—it’s about the journey.  Contentment is the practice of finding joy in the every day, of recognizing that we already have what we need to feel fulfilled. It’s about breaking free from the hedonic treadmill and discovering that the path to well-being is rooted in presence, gratitude, and acceptance. Let’s embrace the power of contentedness together. As you reflect on your own journey, remember that well-being is not something to chase, but something to cultivate—right here, right now. Take Care, Dear Reader, Julie Zaruba Fountaine Founder, Empower Possible Hiking, enjoying the Fall colors, and feeling content.  Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. Contentment Is An Attitude Poet: Catherine Pulsifer Contentment is an attitude That many of us pass by Focusing on the things we've yet to get Rather than a smile we sigh! It's something that demands patience and joy For all of life has to giveWhen content we can enjoy even small gifts Making life here so much more to live. Let not discontentment find a space in your heart Fill it instead with gratefulness, and gratitude Rather than obsess over what could have been or will be, Be satisfied with what you have, adjust your attitude. Source:https://www.stresslesscountry.com/poemscontentment.html

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, MN 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.