Showing posts with label awakening; tools; well-being; reflection; resources; workshop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label awakening; tools; well-being; reflection; resources; workshop. Show all posts

Monday, June 9, 2025

Regenerate Your Workday: A New Approach to Leadership

 

June 9, 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!

Regenerate Your Workday

Last summer I stood in awe of the trees found in Olympic National Park.

Dear Empowered Reader,


If you’ve ever felt stifled by workplace routines or wondered how to create more meaningful connections in your professional life, today’s topic is for you. The Regenerate Your World community cares deeply about personal growth, collective well-being, and building environments where everyone can thrive. That’s why reimagining our Organization—the “O” in our E.M.P.O.W.E.R. framework—is so vital. The way we structure and nurture our workplaces directly impacts how we engage, find meaning, connect as people, and ultimately regenerate ourselves and our communities. When we transform organizations from rigid hierarchies into vibrant ecosystems, we create fertile ground for well-being, empathy, and collective growth. This shift has the power to regenerate not only our workplaces but also our sense of purpose and belonging.


Today, we’re diving into a transformative approach to organizational structure—one that not only boosts workplace wellness but also elevates personal well-being. Let’s explore how shifting from a rigid hierarchy to a nurturing ecosystem can change everything, with fresh real-life stories to inspire your journey.

Traditional organizations often resemble pyramids: leaders at the top, managers squeezed in the middle, and employees supporting the weight at the base. This structure can stifle innovation, create bottlenecks, and leave many feeling disconnected.


But imagine your organization as a tree:
Leaves (Employees):

Absorbing sunlight and energy, thriving when given resources and recognition


Branches (Managers): 

Supporting and connecting, providing structure and nourishment


Roots (Executives): Anchoring the organization, drawing in vital resources and distributing them throughout


This living, breathing model fosters growth, resilience, and a sense of belonging at every level—perfectly embodying the “Organization” pillar of E.M.P.O.W.E.R., where the structure itself supports engagement, meaning, and well-being.


When I served as a wellness officer at a regional healthcare system, I noticed that many employees felt isolated in their wellness journeys, especially those working night shifts or in high-stress departments.  My colleagues and I didn't wait for our leaders to act instead, we piloted a “Care Champion” initiative.


We invited staff from various departments to volunteer as care champions—serving as supportive “branches” who could connect colleagues (“leaves”) to resources, organize walking groups, and gather feedback on their needs. We (the “root”) provided training, resources, and regular check-ins to ensure champions felt confident and supported.


Within months, the program blossomed. Employees reported feeling more connected, and participation in wellness activities increased. The initiative empowered individuals at every level and created a grassroots network of support, embodying the tree structure’s collaborative spirit and the regenerative power of a well-organized ecosystem.


Benefits of the Tree Structure
Empowerment: 

Every employee feels vital, like leaves are essential for growth.


Collaboration: 

Managers support and connect, rather than compete.


Purpose: 

Everyone understands their unique role in the organization’s health.
This is the essence of Organization in E.M.P.O.W.E.R.—creating systems that nourish people and foster collective flourishing.


Affirmation
“I am an essential part of a thriving ecosystem, nourished by those around me and contributing to our collective growth.”


Reflection Questions
How does your current work environment resemble a pyramid or a tree?
In what ways could adopting a “tree mindset” improve your work satisfaction?
What unique strengths do you bring to your organizational “ecosystem”?


Action Steps
For Leaders (Roots):
Reassess how you distribute resources and support.
Communicate the vital role each employee plays.
Create channels for “nutrients” (information, resources) to flow freely.
Implement forums or growth circles to hear directly from employees.


For Managers (Branches):
Focus on supporting and nurturing your team.
Collaborate with other departments to strengthen your network.
Regularly check in with your team’s needs.
Encourage open dialogue about wellness and work-life balance.


For Staff Members (Leaves):
Recognize your essential role in the organization’s success.
Seek out and use available resources.
Share your insights and experiences—your perspective matters!
Participate in wellness initiatives and give feedback.


Closing Thoughts
By embracing the tree-like structure and fostering open communication, we regenerate not only our organizations but also ourselves. Every role is crucial in this living ecosystem. Your wellness and growth fuel the organization’s vitality.
The journey from top-down control to community-driven collaboration has taught me the power of empathy, listening, and shared responsibility. Whether you’re a root, branch, or leaf, you have the power to regenerate your world—one connection at a time.


Special thanks to Orbiting the Giant Hairball by Gordon MacKenzie for inspiring this post.


Take Care, Dear Reader,

Julie

Founder of Empower Possible

 

Walking amongst the trees.

 
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WHEN I AM AMONG THE TREES by Mary Oliver

When I am among the trees,

especially the willows and the honey locust

equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,

they give off such hints of gladness.

I would almost say that they save me, and daily.

I am so distant from the hope of myself,

in which I have goodness, and discernment,

and never hurry through the world

but walk slowly, and bow often.

Around me the trees stir in their leaves

and call out, “Stay awhile.”

The light flows from their branches.

And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,

“and you too have come

into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled

with light, and to shine.

 
 

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



Kind Words from a Mountain 10 Participant

A special thanks to a client for sharing a few kind words about their Mountain 10 experience.

In The Media

Where can you find EMPOWER Possible?

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

Purpose isn't something we find, but something we build."
Reflecting on my journey with @boldjourneymag. I realized how much my connection to nature and holistic well-being shapes my work. What's one thing that fuels your sense of purpose?

A Bold Journey 
Click the link below to read the full interview.
https://boldjourney.com/meet-julie-zaruba-fountaine/

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.

Monday, November 11, 2024

Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

 

 

November 11, 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!

Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

Jill and I representing Jill's Kitchen at an event.

Dear Empowered Reader,


As I send this out on Veterans Day, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the individuals who have served. Thank you for your sacrifice and for stepping into the unknown to serve others.


When was the last time you took a step into the unknown?
I’ve had many moments of stepping into uncharted territory—one of the most memorable being the launch of Empower Possible. It was exciting to build something new but also intimidating to face the unknown. That blend of excitement and uncertainty is something I’m sure many of us have felt at pivotal moments in our lives.


A few years ago my younger sister Jill experienced a similar feeling on our annual family trip to Breezy Point Resort. As we sat by the lake talking about her life and passions, she opened up about an opportunity to share her baking talents at a local vendor fair. Jill has always baked for her family with love and joy, but turning that passion into something public felt like a big leap. She was concerned about balancing this new endeavor with her other responsibilities as a mother, coach, trainer, sister, aunt, friend, wife, etc,  wondering if the benefits would outweigh the challenges.


With some encouragement from me and her friends, Jill decided to go for it. She stepped out of her comfort zone to sell at events like the Bling Bling fundraiser for the Fine Arts Club and the Holiday Collections Craft Fair in Fargo, ND. Shifting from baking as a hobby to asking people to pay for her creations was daunting. It’s one thing to bring treats to family gatherings—it’s another to offer them to the world, with all the uncertainty that comes along with it.


The experience taught her so much more than she expected. Jill found herself growing in confidence with each event. She learned to manage her time between family and her new venture, becoming more organized and creative in the process. With every fair, her sense of purpose grew stronger, and she realized she wasn’t just selling cookies and bread—she was sharing her passion and love for baking with others. Each interaction at the fairs helped her see the impact of her work, and the joy on her customers' faces reminded her of why she started this journey. 


As she navigated this new venture, Jill found an invaluable source of strength in her "village"—her family and friends who stood by her side. Her kids pitched in by packaging treats and even helped bake some items. Her husband brainstormed ideas for new flavors, and her friends spread the word about her baked goods. Jill quickly realized that stepping out didn’t mean stepping alone. Her village not only supported her but helped her believe in her ability to succeed.


It has been a great joy for me to table with Jill at these events, interact with the customers, and watch their reactions when trying her delicious baked goods. Reflecting on Jill’s journey reminded me of how vital community is, especially when we’re taking big steps in our careers or personal lives. Too often, we feel that we need to handle everything ourselves, but Jill’s journey shows that success is even richer when it’s shared with those who lift us up. Her experience is a beautiful example of the balance between independence and interdependence, a reminder that we’re often stronger when we lean on others for support. I am looking forward to seeing her in action again this month, selling her baked goods at the Holiday Collection Craft Fair on November 23rd in West Fargo, ND. If you are in the area stop by any time from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. 


Reflection Questions for Your Journey:


1. What’s one area of your life where you could challenge yourself to go beyond your comfort zone?   


2. Who are the people in your “village” you can lean on for support during times of change or growth?   


3. How can you support others in their journeys, encouraging them to take new steps?


As you reflect on these questions, remember that you’re capable of more than you know.


Here’s to your next bold step and the power of the village that helps you thrive.


Take care, Empowered Reader,


Julie 

Founder of Empower Possible

 

Setting up for the event.

 
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To be of use

By Marge Piercy

The people I love the best
jump into work head first
without dallying in the shallows
and swim off with sure strokes almost out of sight.
They seem to become natives of that element,
the black sleek heads of seals
bouncing like half-submerged balls.

I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart,
who pull like water buffalo, with massive patience,
who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward,
who do what has to be done, again and again.

I want to be with people who submerge
in the task, who go into the fields to harvest
and work in a row and pass the bags along,
who are not parlor generals and field deserters
but move in a common rhythm
when the food must come in or the fire be put out.

The work of the world is common as mud.
Botched, it smears the hands, crumbles to dust.
But the thing worth doing well done
has a shape that satisfies, clean and evident.
Greek amphoras for wine or oil,
Hopi vases that held corn, are put in museums
but you know they were made to be used.
The pitcher cries for water to carry
and a person for work that is real.

Source: Circles on the Water: Selected Poems of Marge Piercy (Alfred A. Knopf, 1982)

 
 

Kind Words from a Mountain 10 Participant

A special thanks to one of my students for sharing a few kind words about her experience.

Upcoming Events

Where can you find EMPOWER Possible?

Holiday Collections Craft Fair
2711 7th St E, West Fargo, ND, United States, North Dakota 58078
Saturday, November 23rd from 8:30 am - 2:30 pm70+ local & regional artisans will have their crafts displayed for all your holiday shopping needs!



Connect with me on social media!

pinterestlinkedinwebsite_linkfacebookinstagram

Copyright © Empower Possible

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


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.

Regenerate Your Workday: A New Approach to Leadership

  June 9, 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 a...