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.

A Recap of My Costa Rican Adventure

 

March 2, 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!

A Recap of My Costa Rican Adventure My husband and I on our last day in Costa Rica. Dear Empowered Reader, Life's journey often takes many unexpected twists and turns that can challenge us. As the founder of Empower Possible, I've learned that true empowerment comes from embracing life's challenges and finding beauty in both the extraordinary and the ordinary.  Today, I invite you to read this newsletter inspired by the landscapes and spirit of Costa Rica. Stephen Levine's words from "One Year to Live" came to mind as I wrote this newsletter: "We become more present the more present we become."  This quote encapsulates the essence of mindfulness and its transformative power. Becoming more present has taught me the importance of noticing. Sometimes this comes easily—like during my recent trip to Costa Rica with my husband. Other times, it's more challenging—like when we returned home to subzero temperatures and spent three days mostly cooped up inside.  Both experiences, though vastly different, were extraordinary in their own way A Recap of My Costa Rican Adventure Please note: I am not an expert on Costa Rican culture, and the insights shared below are based solely on my personal experiences. Nature is F’N Awesome! In Costa Rica, the awesomeness of nature is undeniable. Everywhere you look, life is overflowing—moss, flowers, vines, birds, monkeys, sloths, frogs, and insects all coexist.  As our guide, George put it during one of our tours of the rain forest, "Nature is F'N AWESOME!"  I couldn't agree more. This vibrancy serves as a powerful reminder of the life force that surrounds us, even in less tropical environments.  It encourages us to look closer at our surroundings and to notice the subtle signs of life and growth in our backyards.  Life Upon Life Upon Life:  Co-Evolution. The interconnectedness of nature in Costa Rica is awe-inspiring. On a single tree, you can find moss, air plants, and vines thriving together. Ants inhabit hollow trees while birds perch atop cattle to eat ticks.  This beautiful display of symbiosis reminds us of the importance of community and mutual support in our own lives. For example, red new growth on plants signals vitality and resilience. The holes in monstera leaves are adaptations to survive in dense forests. Bioluminescent moss and butterfly wings mimicking a snake's head illustrate nature's creativity in survival. These adaptations in nature can inspire us to find creative solutions to our own challenges. Just as the monstera leaf adapts to thrive in its environment, we too can adapt and grow in the face of adversity. Tico Time: No Need to Rush The Costa Rican concept of Pura Vida is more than a phrase; it's a way of life. It translates to "pure life" but encompasses so much more: gratitude, simplicity, and contentment.  In Costa Rica, even honking isn't an act of anger but a way to say hello, goodbye, or take care. The people there embrace life with a contagious appreciation. This mindset encourages us to slow down and savor life's moments. In our fast-paced world, adopting a Pura Vida attitude can help reduce stress and increase overall well-being.  Applying Costa Rican Wisdom to Our Lives 1. Embrace Nature's Rhythms:  Take time each day to connect with nature, even if it's just observing a houseplant or watching birds from your window. 2. Practice Mindful Observation:  Notice the small details in your environment. How does the light change throughout the day? What sounds can you hear when you really listen? 3. Cultivate Gratitude: I have said it more than once and I will say it again 😊Start a gratitude journal, noting three things you're thankful for each day. 4. Slow Down:  Incorporate "Tico Time" into your routine by scheduling buffer time between activities or dedicating a day to move at a leisurely pace. Say goodbye to back-to-back meetings and packed schedules. I make it a point to schedule my meetings to start 5 minutes after the half-hour or end 5 minutes before the end of the hour, creating a buffer of time in between meetings. 5. Foster Connections:  Just as nature thrives on interconnectedness, nurture your relationships with friends, family, and community. Much like the way ecosystems rely on strong bonds, I focus on nurturing my relationships with loved ones, friends, and my community. Whether it's a quick check-in with family or a deep conversation with a friend, I believe these connections help me grow and thrive. 6. Embrace Adaptability:  When faced with challenges, ask yourself, "How can I adapt and thrive in this situation?" instead of facing the situation with a sense of rigidity.  7. Simplify:  Evaluate your possessions and commitments. What can you let go of to live more simply? Affirmation, "I embrace the beauty of the present moment, finding joy in life's simplicity and connection" "I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear." - Rosa Parks This quote reminds us of the power of determination and clarity of purpose. When we align our actions with our values, like the Costa Rican expression, "Pura Vida", we can overcome fear and live more authentically. My trip to Costa Rica served as a powerful reminder of the beauty that exists when we slow down, notice, and embrace the present moment.  Nature's resilience, ability to regenerate, the simplicity of Pura Vida, and the joy of coexisting with others are lessons that transcend geography. These thoughts aren't just about Costa Rica—they're about how we choose to live every day. Remember, we have the power to regenerate our world by applying these lessons to our daily lives. By embracing presence, cultivating gratitude, and finding joy in simplicity, we can transform our experience of life and inspire those around us. Thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope it inspires you to pause, notice, and celebrate the extraordinary in your own life. If this newsletter resonates with you, please share it with a friend or colleague.  Remember, at Empower Possible, we believe in your ability to create positive change in your life and the world around you.  Let's embrace the spirit of Pura Vida and regenerate our world, one mindful moment at a time Take Care, Dear Reader Julie A view along the Cano Negro River. Two spider monkeys. Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. MOVING by Luis Chaves The world is turning so fast it appears to stand still. I thought about saying so but preferred, as your copilot, to watch you circle the parking lot. https://www.poetryinternational.com/en/poets-poems/poems/poem/103-27875_MOVING

A tucan resting in a tree outside our hotel in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. In The Media Where can you find EMPOWER Possible? Besides posting on my own social media I also collaborate with other entrepreneurs. This week I am going to throw back to the Empowered Heart to Heart Podcast as it is relevant to this topic I chatted with Rhonda Simmons about personal mission statements, listening to your true voice, and claiming your power. To listen HERE  Interested in catching up on our previous podcast episodes? I 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/

Upcoming Events Empathy Workshop Saturday, March 22  9:00 AM - 10:30 AM CST Who: People interested in fostering connection, creativity, and kindness. What: A free, 90-minute virtual experience designed to address the need for more empathy in the modern world. Why: Shift from Indifference to Kindness Connect with Like-Minded Leaders Join us for an interactive, thought-provoking workshop filled with experiential learning, breakout discussions, and exercises to help you lead with more empathy and impact. To Register click on the link, SIGN ME UP! Julie Zaruba Fountaine and Linda Brandt appreciate Late Nite Art’s People Leader Series for teaching us this format. 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, Minnesota 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.