Embracing Change and Finding New Roots

 

December 24, 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!

Embracing Change and Finding New Roots The view from Thompson Hill, saying goodbye and see you later to Duluth. Dear Empowered Reader, If you’ve been following the Regenerate Your World Newsletter, you know that the past few months have brought significant changes for me—moving to a new city and starting a new chapter in my career. Just six months ago, my husband and I packed up our lives in Duluth, MN, and embarked on an unexpected journey to Northfield, MN. A year ago, I couldn’t have imagined leaving Duluth. The idea of leaving our friends, our outdoor lifestyle, and the comfort and familiarity of Duluth were hard to let go of. Yet, this leap of faith has brought opportunities, growth, and connections that I never anticipated—and for which I am deeply grateful. One of the most surprising blessings has been the professional opportunities that opened up after the move. Shortly after settling into Northfield, a friend forwarded me a job posting for a Change Management Coordinator and Planning Director role. Back in Duluth, the position would have been out of reach—literally and figuratively. The commute to St. Paul, over two hours away, would have made it impossible. But in Northfield, St. Paul is less than an hour’s drive, and suddenly, the position felt within reach. At first, I hesitated to apply. It was outside my comfort zone—a leap into the unknown. But taking that step has been transformative. This role has aligned with my passions, expanded my perspectives, and brought professional fulfillment I hadn’t expected. Reflecting on this decision, I’m reminded of John A. Shedd’s words: “A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” Leaving the safe harbor of Duluth allowed me to navigate new waters, full of both challenges and rewards. Moving closer to family has been another unexpected gift. I’ve cherished the precious moments spent with my father-in-law during his time in hospice—moments of connection and gratitude that I’ll carry with me forever. I’ve also had the chance to deepen relationships with my parents, three sisters, and close friends who now live just around the corner. These relationships have anchored me through this transition, filling my days with laughter, meaningful conversations, and small but significant moments I didn’t realize I had been missing. Still, there are things I miss about Duluth: the calming presence of Lake Superior, the friendly faces I’d see on every errand, and the comfort of a close-knit community. Change doesn’t erase the connections or memories of where we’ve been—it adds layers to our journey. Regular visits and phone calls with friends in Duluth remind me that while I’ve left the harbor, the anchor points of my past remain. Maya Angelou said it best: “You can’t really know where you are going until you know where you have been.” As I reflect on these past six months, the changing seasons have mirrored my own transition. The Winter Solstice, which marked the longest night of the year, is a time of reflection and renewal. It symbolizes leaving behind the light of what was familiar to embrace the unknown, only to find that the light returns—brighter and fuller than before. This season invites us to pause, acknowledge our growth, and welcome new beginnings with open hearts. Reflection Questions for You: What recent changes in your life have pushed you out of your comfort zone? How have you deepened connections with the people around you? Which aspects of your past do you cherish as you embrace the possibilities of the future? An Affirmation for You: I am resilient and open to change. I honor my past while embracing the possibilities of my future. In this season of transition, I am reminded of the importance of finding harmony—between the old and the new, the familiar and the unfamiliar, the challenging and the comforting. In the Art of Hosting practice, this harmony is captured by the two-loop model: for a new system to emerge, the old system must compost or transform. Like the Solstice, this season of change invites us all to seek harmony in the contrasts of life. Thank you for being part of this journey with me. May this season bring you peace, clarity, and renewal. Take Care Dear Reader, Julie View during a Winter Solstice Hike in Duluth, MN. Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper  So the shortest day came, and the year died, And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world Came people singing, dancing, To drive the dark away. They lighted candles in the winter trees; They hung their homes with evergreen; They burned beseeching fires all night long To keep the year alive, And when the new year’s sunshine blazed awake They shouted, reveling. Through all the frosty ages you can hear them Echoing behind us—Listen!! All the long echoes sing the same delight, This shortest day, As promise wakens in the sleeping land: They carol, feast, give thanks, And dearly love their friends, And hope for peace. And so do we, here, now, This year and every year. Welcome Yule!

In the Media I'm thrilled to share my story as featured in Canvas Rebel. This opportunity allowed me to reflect on the why behind Empower Possible and the mission that drives me daily—to help individuals and organizations navigate wellness and change in achievable, authentic, and meaningful ways. In this interview, I share insights into: How my personal experiences shaped my approach to wellness and change management. Challenges I’ve overcome and the lessons learned along the way. The values and vision that guide the work I do through Empower Possible. For anyone seeking inspiration to step into their purpose or looking for ways to create harmony in their personal and professional lives, I hope my journey resonates with you and I would love to connect! To learn more about my story, check out the article published by Canvas Rebel.

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 Art of Change: Lessons from My Career Transition

 

October 28, 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 Art of Change: Lessons from My Career Transition First Day of Work! Dear Empowered Reader, In the last newsletter, I celebrated the third anniversary of Empower Possible. Founding Empower Possible was a big change and the changes keep coming. Change is inevitable, but how we navigate it makes all the difference. Today, I’m excited to share a big shift in my life and the journey that led me here. Many of you know me as the Founder of Empower Possible, where I focus on helping individuals and organizations thrive. Until recently, I also worked full-time at Essentia Health, a rewarding and transformative role. After a lot of thought, I made the decision to resign from Essentia Health and take on a new adventure as the Change Management Coordinator and Project Director for the State of Minnesota. How I Got Here: Steps That Led to This Change Self-Reflection: The first step was to pause and reflect on my goals. I asked myself questions like, "What impact do I want to make next?" and "How can I grow while staying true to my values and interests?" Exploration: I began exploring new opportunities that felt aligned with my values. The role with the State of Minnesota really caught my attention because it offered the chance to make a bigger impact at the state level—a challenge that truly excites me. Evaluation: Once I found this opportunity, I carefully evaluated it. How would it affect my current commitments, including Empower Possible? And how did it fit into my long-term vision? Decision-Making: After weighing the pros and cons, I made the decision to embrace this new chapter. It felt like the right move to help me grow and contribute to a larger cause. Steps I Took to Make a Smooth Transition  Open Communication: I was transparent with my team at Essentia Health, making sure everyone stayed informed about the transition. Clear communication has been key in maintaining trust and ensuring a smooth handover. Strategic Planning: I created a detailed transition plan to ensure a seamless departure and a strong start in my new role. The plan included timelines, key tasks, and responsibilities to keep everything on track. Staying Committed: I remain deeply committed to Empower Possible. Balancing both roles will require careful time management, but I’m ready for the challenge! Self-Care: Managing change can be both exciting and stressful. I’m making time for self-care, like mindfulness, exercise, and rest, to stay focused and energized during this shift. Saying "See You Later": I thought a lot about how I wanted to leave the organization I have been a part of for the last three years,  I created a plan to say "see you later" to the people who made my time with Essentia so special. I arranged "see you later" gatherings for colleagues and friends. It was time to reflect on the moments we shared together and make plans to see each other again.  Creating Space to Grieve: One part of transitioning that we often overlook is the need to grieve. Even when we’re excited about what’s next, there’s still a part of us that mourns what we’re leaving behind. For me, saying goodbye to Essentia Health and the community of Duluth wasn’t just about ending a job—it was about letting go of the relationships, the routines, and the comfort of the familiar. Grief isn’t reserved for loss in the traditional sense; it’s something we feel during any major transition. Creating space to acknowledge and process these emotions is important for moving forward in a healthy way. I’ve found that allowing myself moments to reflect and feel gratitude for the experiences and people I’ve worked with has been a key part of my transition. If you’re going through a change, big or small, remember to give yourself permission to grieve. It’s okay to feel a mix of excitement and sadness as you move forward. In fact, it’s a natural part of embracing new possibilities. Reflection Questions for Navigating Your Own Change If you’re going through a transition, here are some questions that might help guide you: What’s your 'why' for considering this change? Understanding your motivation is key to making a decision that aligns with your  values. What are the potential benefits and challenges of this change? Consider the positives and potential obstacles. How can you overcome the challenges? How can you prepare for a smooth transition?  Whether in your career, personal life, or wellness journey, think about the steps you need to ensure success. Be ready for a few speed bumps. Not everything will go as planned, make a plan and be flexible! What support systems do you have in place? Identify the people, resources, or practices that will support you through this time. How does this change align with your long-term goals? Evaluate how this decision fits into your vision for the future. Change is an opportunity for growth. While it may be challenging, it also opens doors to new possibilities. As I step into this next role, I’m excited to continue this journey with you, sharing experiences and insights that can help us all embrace change with confidence and resilience. Thank you for being part of the Regenerate Your World community. Together, we can empower each other to embrace change and thrive. Take Care, Dear Reader, Julie Zaruba Fountaine Founder,  Empower Possible On my commute home ( I go into the office once every couple of weeks) I found a nature reserve where I can take a few moments to pause and reflect on the day. Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. Vocation  by Rabindranath Tagore When the gong sounds ten in the morning and I walk to school by our lane.    Every day I meet the hawker crying, "Bangles, crystal bangles!"     There is nothing to hurry him on, there is no road he must take, no place he must go to, no time when he must come home.     I wish I were a hawker, spending my day in the road, crying,"Bangles, crystal bangles!"     When at four in the afternoon I come back from the school,     I can see through the gate of that house the gardener digging the ground.     He does what he likes with his spade, he soils his clothes with dust, nobody takes him to task if he gets baked in the sun or gets wet.     I wish I were a gardener digging away at the garden with nobody to stop me from digging.     Just as it gets dark in the evening and my mother sends me to bed,     I can see through my open window the watchman walking up and down.     The lane is dark and lonely, and the street-lamp stands likea giant with one red eye in its head.     The watchman swings his lantern and walks with his shadow at his side, and never once goes to bed in his life.     I wish I were a watchman walking the streets all night, chasing the shadows with my lantern.

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.