You don’t have to know everything

 

September 29, 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!

You don’t have to know everything My husband and I are in the mountains of Colorado. During this trip we embraced the uncertainty of the weather, the terrain, the wildlife and altitude.  Dear Empowered Reader, How about a moment of mindful reflection to begin your day? Take a few moments to breathe and ponder the following questions,  Do you feel uncertain?  What if your uncertainty is a quiet calling from your inner wisdom?  What if being a little lost, feeling restless, or sensing “something more” is the best sign you’ve got? In our loud world overflowing with hot takes, hacks, and “just three steps to transformation”, sometimes what we need isn’t another answer, but space for deeper questions. Most people are thirsty for wisdom, not just information. We scroll, accumulate courses, ask AI experts… and yet, the essential insight feels missing. Pause with me.  What if not knowing and living in the uncertainty is exactly where you need to be? Standing at the Crossroads You care. You’re changing. You’re seeking something different, something more. Whether you’re at a crossroads in your career, contemplating a leap, feeling “lost,” or dreaming of a “second mountain,” that foggy, fidgety not-knowing might be your next best step. What I have seen time and again in the Mountain 10 retreats: People don’t arrive with all the answers. They arrive with a willingness, a longing, a readiness. That sense of “this can’t be all there is”, it’s the spark. The Mountain 10 Journey Mountain 10 is not your average workshop. It’s a guided retreat designed to help you access your inner wisdom through presence, reflection, and gentle inquiry. It’s a transformative process for individuals, teams, and organizations, whether you crave renewed direction after your children leave home, wish to rejuvenate your career, or simply reconnect with yourself. In each Mountain 10 experience, you’ll:  Welcome and ground yourself, setting a clear intention for your journey. Be guided through four terrains: Awareness, Letting Go, Vision, and Realization. Reflect quietly, journal, and share insights in small, supportive circles. Explore what needs release, what’s possible, and tangible steps to bring new visions to life. Leave with a practical action plan and the supportive company of others walking their own path. What Makes This Different Mountain 10 focuses on accessing your innate wisdom through structured reflection. You leave with concrete actions, not just insight. Many participants say it’s unlike anything else, opening a space for profound change and clarity — even when you start out not knowing what you want. “Anyone with the urge to unlock your potential — go for it.” — Participant feedback Here’s what you walk away with:  Clarity around a decision or direction Renewed sense of purpose A practical action plan Supportive community Tools for ongoing growthMountain-10-Proposal-3-2.pdf You Don’t Have to Know Everything to Begin.  If you’re ready to move “sometime later” to “now”… That’s what Mountain 10 is for. You’re invited to show up just as you are, with your curiosity, your longing, your ambiguity.  You’ll find community, rhythm, and resources to break bold ideas into doable steps, supported every way along the journey.  You do not have to do it alone. What’s the best that could happen if you step into not knowing? Ready to Begin? You don’t have to know everything to start. You just have to begin. Take your next courageous step.  Curious? Intrigued? Longing for something more? Reach out today and let Mountain 10 meet you exactly where you are.  Email me info@empowerpossible.com, noting you are interested in learning more about Mountain 10, or scan the QR code below. Want to hear from a Mountain 10 participant? Check out the podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/7pxFMcmRFBcJqUGH1bruOc Take care, dear reader, Julie Zaruba Fountaine Founder, Empower Possible  Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription.

Empower Possible Upcoming Events Embark on an extraordinary journey of growth and possibility by joining the upcoming EMPOWER Possible events!  Should you have any burning 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    St. Louis County Health and Human Services Conference, Duluth, MN, October 8 and 9 The St. Louis County Health and Human Services Conference is celebrating 43 years! Their theme for 2025 is Courageous Connections: The Human in Humanity. What does the “Human in Humanity” mean to you? How do you see people? The people you serve, people you work with or maybe the person at the check-out counter? How do you bring Humanity into these spaces? We work in a tough industry that has great purpose. Strengthening ourselves and our community sometimes requires reflection, understanding the human condition, and embracing ourselves. For more information, go to: https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/43rd-annual-st-louis-county-health-human-services-conference/ 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.

Kind Words from a  Client A special thanks to one of my clients for sharing a few kind words about her experience. In The Media Where can you find EMPOWER Possible? Besides posting on my own social media, I also collaborate with other entrepreneurs.  Thank you to Katy Murray from the GingerBiz podcast for the insightful conversation! Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of redefining your career goals? Take a listen to the podcast as we dive deep into strategies for setting clear objectives, staying focused, and pivoting effectively during times of transition. During the conversation, Katy and I share strategies for navigating transitions with confidence, resilience, and a positive mindset. From redefining goals to honing skills and networking effectively, this episode offers a direction for transforming challenges into triumphs when navigating career changes.  Listen to the full episode, https://lnkd.in/gvigadgA 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/

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.

Your Guide to Growth

 

September 16, 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!

Your Guide to Growth Just like roots on a tree, we need a foundation to help guide us through change. Dear Empowered Reader, Have you ever felt that spark, the quiet nudge that it’s time to take your next step? I know that feeling well. That’s why I’m excited to share something close to my heart: the Empower Possible Goal Setting Workbook.  This guide isn’t just another worksheet; it’s designed to help you turn those ideas swirling in your mind into clear, purposeful action you can actually feel good about. Whether you’re on a personal growth path, aiming for a breakthrough at work, or strengthening connections within your team, think of this workbook as a trusted companion, one that meets you exactly where you are. Now, why a workbook? I get it: goal-setting can sometimes feel overwhelming or just like another box to tick.  But this workbook? It’s different. It’s filled with thoughtful reflection prompts, easy-to-follow exercises, and mindful practices that honor your unique journey and cultural context.  These are the same approaches I use when coaching clients, refined into practical tools that gently guide you to: Notice your strengths and build on what’s already working beautifully in your life. Dig deep into what truly matters to you—your values—and connect with them fully. Move through stress and procrastination with kindness, focusing on inclusion, accountability, and clear intention. Craft a personalized roadmap, milestones included, with the support of a community who’s cheering you on. My hope is that this workbook offers you a safe and encouraging space where exploration, reflection, and planning feel not only doable but freeing. What’s inside? Step-by-step sections that lead you through identifying your strengths, reflecting on values, envisioning your future, and plotting concrete next steps. Worksheets prompts designed to hold your ideas, celebrate your wins, and map out your journey all in one place. Dedicated space to find or name your accountability partner because we all need someone in our corner. Tips to keep your momentum strong, helping you stay on track beyond the first week. Who is this for?  Simply put, it’s for anyone ready for clarity, momentum, or a fresh start. Whether you’re a leader, a lifelong learner, part of a team, or flying solo, the workbook adapts to your rhythm and your goals. Maybe you’re cultivating a wellness habit, facing new leadership challenges, or dreaming of a more fulfilling next chapter, this workbook can be your guide. Ready to begin?  Click here.  Your next step toward empowerment is waiting or click the button below. Take Care, Dear Reader, Julie  Owner and Founder Empower Possible Take me to the download! "Our Action Are Our Future" A piece of art I created in a community gallery.   Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription.

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    She Leads Conference, Rochester, MN, September 26 Join us for a transformative day where women from all walks of life come together to empower, inspire, and grow in a supportive community. For more information, go to: https://www.downtownrochestermn.com/do/she-leads-conference St. Louis County Health and Human Services Conference, Duluth, MN, October 8 and 9 The St. Louis County Health and Human Services Conference is celebrating 43 years! Their theme for 2025 is Courageous Connections: The Human in Humanity. What does the “Human in Humanity” mean to you? How do you see people? The people you serve, people you work with or maybe the person at the check-out counter? How do you bring Humanity into these spaces? We work in a tough industry that has great purpose. Strengthening ourselves and our community sometimes requires reflection, understanding the human condition, and embracing ourselves. For more information, go to: https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/43rd-annual-st-louis-county-health-human-services-conference/ 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 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.

Embracing the Art of Hosting: Cultivating Community, Growth, and Change

 

September 1, 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!

Embracing the Art of Hosting: Cultivating Community, Growth, and Change Art of Hosting "Catepillar". The learnings from our day.  Dear Empowered Reader, This summer, I’ve been engaged with the Art of Hosting Community of Practice, a global network of practitioners dedicated to creating conversations that matter. Over more than 25 years, this community has nurtured an open-source approach to participatory leadership and group facilitation that invites us all to co-create and harvest collective wisdom in our personal and professional lives. I was first introduced to the practice in 2021 and welcomed the opportunity to further develop my Art of Hosting skills in 2025. What is the Art of Hosting? At its core, the Art of Hosting is an art, the art of hosting meaningful conversations using practices like World Café and Open Space Technology. These methods help groups harness collective intelligence, self-organize, and respond creatively to complex challenges. Guided by the Four-Fold Practice, Host Yourself, Be Hosted, Co-create, and Host & Harvest Conversations that Matter, it offers a framework rooted in presence, participatory engagement, shared purpose, and ongoing reflection. World Café and Open Space: Engaging Art of Hosting & Tools for Connection World Café: Facilitates deep, rotating conversations in small groups, creating inclusive dialogue that surfaces new insights and connections. Open Space Technology: Provides a flexible, self-organizing format where participants propose and lead conversations on what matters most to them. Together, these tools cultivate environments where professional and personal growth flourish, enabling us to listen, learn, and lead with authenticity. Reflecting on Growth: Then and Now Comparing my experiences with the Art of Hosting from 2021 to 2025, I see incredible evolution. Initially, the focus was heavily on understanding the foundations and practicing the facilitation techniques. Today, the emphasis is equally on inner work, hosting ourselves with mindfulness and care, as well as integrating these practices into broader wellness and change strategies. This blend supports not only more effective gatherings but transformational journeys for participants, including myself. Reflection Questions for You This Season What personal growth did you experience this summer? How can you carry the summer's energy into the upcoming fall season? What seeds of change are you ready to nurture within yourself and your community? Affirmation for Transformation “I embrace the changing seasons as opportunities for personal transformation.” EMPOWER Possible Connection: Mindset and Seasonal Transitions The "M" in EMPOWER stands for Meaning—our sense of meaning can influence how we approach life and change. Cultivating a sense of meaning can help us navigate the transitions from summer to fall with resilience and openness, seeing each season as a chance to regenerate and renew. By hosting ourselves with intention and empathy, we align with the natural cycles that support both personal well-being and collective flourishing. As always, I encourage you to explore these ideas in your own life and communities.  Take care, Dear reader, Julie Zaruba Fountaine Founder, EMPOWER Possible https://www.chriscorrigan.com/parkinglot/what-is-the-art-of-hosting/ Facilitating an Art of Hosting, Open Space Technology session. Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. The Four-Fold Practice by Chris Corrigan The four fold practice was the first pattern that gave rise to the Art of Hosting.  It is simply an observation that great conversations happen when people are present, when they participate, when they are hosted well and when they co-create something.  Some of the originators of the Art of Hosting, people like Toke Moeller, Monica Nissen and Jan Hein Nielsen began asking the question, what if these patterns became practices?  And in that moment the decades long inquiry that is the Art of Hosting was born. Our Beyond the Basics offering refers to these practices, but only now have I seen what we are doing.  Toke has always called the four fold practice “The Basics” and I have no need to creat new basics.  But I can see now how deeply rooted we are in extending and deepening them. Be present. For all hosts, personal practice is essential.  Whatever you can do to bring yourself to be present with a group serves the group.  In the Beyond the Basics offering, Caitlin is a deep practitioner of The Work of Byron Katie, which is a powerful personal practice that we all use to get at what keeps us stuck, to address what we are afraid of, and to help us become resilient and quality hosts of uncertainty, complexity and confusion.  The first clarity we need to address is our own, and we do that with the Work. Participate. It is impossible to be a part of a participatory process without participating.  And it is impossible to affect a complex system from the outside.  Understanding how systems works helps us to be more effective participants in the strategic work we are called on to lead and host.  Using theory from the science and sociology of complex adaptive systems creates a more powerful way to see and understand and leverage people’s participation in their own work.  Through teaching Cynefin and working with harvesting methods that are sense-making based, we extend the practice of participation to move beyond the acts of listening, speaking and learning and into the realms of sensing, interpreting and decision making. Be a host, so everyone can make a contribution.  Tim’s work with his Collaborative Advantage model extends this practice of hosting beyond the methods that for the core of the Art of Hosting practice. While we are deep practitioners of World Cafe, Circle, Pro-Action Cafe and Open Space, we know these methods alone are not enough to host large scale strategic change work.  We need a framework to understand the levels of transformation that need to be hosted and the key design pieces (such as power, results and capacity) that need to be addressed so long term change can continue to be hosted from within systems and organizations. Co-create.  It is one thing to say “just work together” and quite another thing to do it when our communities and organizations are soaked in differences.  Where power, privilege, race, economic opportunity and all kinds of other differences are at play we need a set of practices that can bring us to deeply transformative shared work.  Tuesday has been developing this framework for many years now and it is taking form in a way that has fundamentally changed my own approach to co-creation.  Moving to a place of shared work is taking co-creation beyond the basic level of just doing things together.

Kind Words from a Coaching Client A special thanks to one of my coaching clients for sharing a few kind words about her coaching experience. In The Media Where can you find EMPOWER Possible? Besides posting on my own social media I also collaborate with other entrepreneurs.  Thank you to Jessica Osborn for hosting me on your podcast in April. Below is the episode description.  Feeling the burden of non-stop hustle? We've all been there—caught in the to-dos, trying to keep the burnout at bay while chasing success the way we've been told you have to - working longer and harder than anyone else. Well, what if you DON'T have to do it that way? For every story of hard work and grind ... there's another story of reaching success by working LESS! Why do we seem to tune into the ones that tell you success is the result of sleeping very little and spending all your time chasing goals? Even if you take a moment to think about this, it makes no sense at all! You already know you're much more productive when you're energized and highly focused. That means your brains need sleep, rest and space. Short bursts of work where you can focus on the important things. So... it's time to talk boundaries, joy, and finding your stride in the rush of work-life challenges. By pressing play on this episode, you'll discover: - Why we often find ourselves struggling to utter the simple word "no," and how it impacts our path to joyful success - What signs scream "it's time to move on" from your job and craft the role that truly aligns with you? - The absolute value of self-awareness in writing your own story of personal and professional triumph. - How can setting boundaries revolutionize the way you work, live, and maintain a sense of self? Click HERE to check out the podcast 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/  Embark on an extraordinary journey of growth and possibility by joining the upcoming EMPOWER Possible events!  ​ Should you have any burning 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    She Leads Conference, Rochester, MN, September 26 Join us for a transformative day where women from all walks of life come together to empower, inspire, and grow in a supportive community. For more information, go to: https://www.downtownrochestermn.com/do/she-leads-conference St. Louis County Health and Human Services Conference, Duluth, MN, October 8 and 9 The St. Louis County Health and Human Services Conference is celebrating 43 years! Their theme for 2025 is Courageous Connections: The Human in Humanity. What does the “Human in Humanity” mean to you? How do you see people? The people you serve, people you work with or maybe the person at the check-out counter? How do you bring Humanity into these spaces? We work in a tough industry that has great purpose. Strengthening ourselves and our community sometimes requires reflection, understanding the human condition, and embracing ourselves. For more information, go to: https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/43rd-annual-st-louis-county-health-human-services-conference/ 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 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.