Empower Possible Gift Guide

 

November 7, 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!

An Empower Possible Gift Guide A thoughtful thank-you gift sent to me from Sweet Land Farms by a friend. Dear Empowered Reader, As the holiday season approaches, I find joy in discovering curated gift lists. They help me focus on quality products thoughtfully recommended by trusted sources. This year, I’m excited to share gifts that embody care, quality, and transformative experiences. I’ve compiled a selection of items and experiences I genuinely love. These are heartfelt recommendations with no affiliate links, just sincere suggestions to inspire your gift giving, whether for friends, family, or even yourself. Art of Presence Journal: Aligned Enchantment: 100-day Self-Reflection Journal: This beautifully made journal, created by Rachel Gilbertson, is a wonderful tool to cultivate presence and reflection with its artful prompts and design. I use this journal every Monday during Rachel’s Mindful Mondays online sessions, which helps me center and set an intention for the week. It’s a gift that encourages mindfulness and aligned enchantment. Discover it here: artofpresence.org/alignedenchantment. Taylor & Co Boutique: A few years ago, a friend introduced me to Taylor & Co, a thoughtfully curated boutique founded by a mother-daughter nurse duo. They specialize in handcrafted, all-natural self-care products and services with a focus on health, wellness, and holistic healing. Their products are made in Minnesota using natural ingredients. I have tried their face bar soap, which is great for my sensitive skin, the hydrating body oil, and the menthol pain and migraine relief balm. A friend of mine loves their candles, and we both enjoy going to their in-person fitness classes. Check them out at   https://taylorandco.boutique/shop/. Content Bookstore: Support local bookstores by gifting books from independent bookstores. These stores often carry carefully curated selections that spark imagination, curiosity, and a love for reading. Supporting independent bookstores sustains small businesses and preserves unique, community-focused spaces for discovering new authors and unique titles, making your gifts thoughtful and meaningful. I recently bought my nephew a unique calendar from Content, and he loved it, a win, especially since shopping for a teenager can be tricky! Explore their collection at https://www.contentbookstore.com/. Sweet Land Farms: I have personally purchased and love giving their soap, lotion, and chapstick as gifts. These high-quality, nourishing products are handmade with organic ingredients by a small, family-run business. If you’re near or visiting Minnesota’s North Shore, you can also stop by the farm to pick fresh organic blueberries. They are absolutely delicious! Supporting Sweet Land Farms is a meaningful way to share thoughtful gifts while backing a sustainable brand and a former colleague of mine, sweetlandmn.com/online-store Gifts of Experience  I believe in the power of experiences as gifts. They create lasting memories and personal growth that transcend material items. My husband and I have decided to focus on the gift of experience instead of material things, from traveling together to sharing meals at restaurants we’d normally skip. This practice keeps the spirit of giving alive in our relationship. Here are a few ideas: One of the most meaningful gifts you can give is time and connection. Consider taking a loved one out for a special tea or coffee date, an opportunity to slow down, share conversations, and create lasting memories.  You might also organize a small gathering of friends or family, whether for a cozy winter potluck, a walking meetup, or a mindful group activity. Personally, I host an annual Winter Solstice party, which has been a wonderful way to welcome the new season of light with warmth, community, and celebration. These shared experiences have been a fun way for me to make sure I spend time connecting with my friends during a busy time of family commitments. Empower Possible Online Course: Give someone the chance for personal and professional transformation by gifting my signature online course, crafted specifically for change-makers (Career Crossroads, Empower Possible).   Host a Mt 10 Retreat: Provide the gift of rejuvenation and connection by organizing a Mountain 10 retreat for friends. These retreats seamlessly merge nature, reflection, and empowerment, perfect for deeper bonds and renewal (https://empowerpossible.com). An Affirmation: My thoughtful offerings create ripples of joy, extending far beyond the moment of unveiling. Reflection Questions: Personal Values What values do you hold most dear?  How do these values influence your gift choices? Relationships What is the significance of the person you are gifting?  How has your relationship evolved? Memorable Gifts What is the most meaningful gift you have received, and why? How did that gift impact your relationship with the giver? Future Aspirations What do you hope to achieve in your relationships in the coming year? How can your gifts support these aspirations? Whether you select a tangible gift or an enriching experience, the essence of gifting can build meaningful connections and purposeful intention. I hope these favorites inspire your holiday giving with heart and intention. Take care, dear reader,  Julie Founder, Empower Possible  One experience my husband and I gifted each other was a "Make Your Own Chocolate Bar Class"; it was a fun way to learn more about chocolate, spend some time together, and create something tasty! Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. Scan the QR Code to sign up to be notified when the next Mountain 10 workshop is offered.  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. The Art of Giving In hands held out, love is found, A gift given, without a bound. Silent words spoken in a gesture so sweet, In giving, two souls often meet.   A thought, a whisper, a silent song, In every gift, a bond so strong. A dance of hearts, a ballet so neat, Where hopes and dreams often greet.   Offered with grace, received with glee, Gifts are bridges across the sea. Uniting souls, making spirits light and free, Such is the art of giving, as pure as can be. https://engdic.org/poems-about-gifts-and-presents/

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, 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 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 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.

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