Showing posts with label growth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label growth. Show all posts

Sunday, March 2, 2025

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.

 
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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



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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.

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Building a Lattice vs. Climbing the Ladder

 

January 6, 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 Collaborative Approach to Professional Growth

Sled dogs exhibit true collaborative teamwork! 

Dear Empower Reader,


As we start the New Year, it's a perfect time to reframe our goals and embrace a more collaborative mindset. Instead of setting resolutions focused solely on climbing the career ladder, consider building a lattice of growth—one that prioritizes new experiences, relationships, and shared success. The start of the year offers a fresh opportunity to explore lateral moves, mentor others, and foster a network that empowers not just yourself but those around you. Let 2025 be the year we all rise together through collaboration, adaptability, and collective success.  We've all been exposed to the traditional narrative of success: "climb the ladder, reach the top, and enjoy the view." For decades, the metaphor of the career ladder has been deeply embedded in our understanding of what it means to "make it." But as the modern workplace continues to evolve, we are beginning to see that this rigid, hierarchical model may no longer serve us well—especially when considering the importance of flexibility, fulfillment, and collaboration in today’s dynamic world.


During a recent mentoring meeting, Matt Menke, a Planning Director with the State of Minnesota, shared a thought-provoking idea that completely reshaped how I think about career growth. He introduced the concept of a "lattice"—a network of connections and opportunities that crisscross in many directions, rather than a singular, upward climb. This lattice approach not only fosters collaboration but also creates space for personal development, team success, and long-term fulfillment.


As I reflected on Matt's insight, I realized how much this idea resonates with the values I uphold at Empower Possible—values like community, collaboration, and the power of building one another up. I also realized I have been using this approach throughout my life without giving it a name. I thank Matt for naming this concept so that I can share it with you today. In this edition of the Regenerate Your World newsletter, we’re exploring how embracing a lattice approach to professional goals can transform the way we think about success.

The idea of "climbing the ladder" implies a linear, hierarchical progression, where each person fights for the next rung, often at the expense of those around them. It’s a model based on scarcity—there are only so many spots at the top, and the assumption is that if one person succeeds, another must fail.
This competitive mindset can create tension and isolation in the workplace. It fosters an environment where people are more focused on outperforming their peers than on helping one another grow. It can also lead to burnout and dissatisfaction, especially for those who feel that their contributions are undervalued if they aren’t constantly moving upward.


While the ladder model has worked for some, it’s not without its drawbacks. It assumes that everyone’s goal is to reach the highest possible position in their field, which may not align with the desires of those who value work-life harmony, varied experiences, or long-term professional fulfillment. Additionally, it leaves little room for lateral moves, mentorship, and the development of diverse skills—things that often enrich both our personal and professional lives.

In contrast, a lattice allows for movement in multiple directions. Rather than solely focusing on climbing to the top, the lattice mindset encourages us to explore lateral moves, new experiences, and collaborative opportunities that contribute to a more holistic and fulfilling career. This approach is less about competition and more about collaboration—about finding ways to grow with others rather than at their expense.


Here are some key benefits of adopting a lattice approach to your professional growth:


The lattice model recognizes that careers aren’t always linear. Life changes, industry shifts, and personal interests evolve. A lattice allows for movement in all directions—up, down, sideways—and gives you the flexibility to adapt your career to fit your evolving goals and circumstances. Whether you’re exploring a new field, taking on a cross-functional role, or developing skills in a different area, the lattice mindset helps you grow in ways that are meaningful to you. Take it from me. I have changed careers three times and each time I felt like I was just where I needed to be in that moment. 


 When you’re focused solely on climbing the ladder, it’s easy to lose sight of the people around you. A lattice encourages you to build relationships across different areas, functions, and teams. These connections can lead to mentorship opportunities, collaborative projects, and a deeper understanding of how your work fits into the bigger picture. By moving laterally and engaging with a broader network, you can cultivate relationships that enrich your career and help others grow, too.


Lateral moves allow you to develop a wider range of skills and experiences, which can be just as valuable—if not more so—than traditional promotions. Whether you’re learning a new technical skill, gaining leadership experience, or developing expertise in a different area, each step in the lattice builds a stronger, more versatile foundation for your career. These varied experiences can make you a more well-rounded professional and open doors to new opportunities you may not have considered before.


Perhaps the most transformative aspect of the lattice is its emphasis on shared success. Instead of competing with others for the same limited opportunities, the lattice encourages us to lift one another up, share knowledge, and work together toward common goals. This creates a more supportive, inclusive environment where everyone has the chance to succeed, and success is measured not by individual accomplishments alone but by the collective impact of the team.


 In my early career, I was hyper-focused on advancing as quickly as possible. I believed that climbing the ladder was the only way to prove my worth. However, over time, I began to notice that the people I admired weren’t necessarily the ones who moved up the fastest. Instead, they were the ones who took the time to build strong relationships, explore new roles, and develop a wide range of skills.


At a certain point, I decided to take a lateral move into a different department, even though it wasn’t a traditional promotion. This experience allowed me to learn a new set of skills, work with different people, and gain a broader perspective on the organization. It also allowed me to build meaningful relationships that have continued to support my growth over the years. In hindsight, this lateral move was one of the most valuable decisions I made in my career—not because it brought me closer to the top, but because it enriched my journey in ways I hadn’t anticipated.


A few years ago, I found myself in a leadership role. My team was disconnected and riddled with competing priorities. Instead of encouraging competition, I encouraged collaboration. I started to focus on how I could help them grow, too.

I began mentoring my team members and collaborating with peers on cross-functional projects. Not only did this make the work more fulfilling, but it also built a stronger sense of community and trust within our team. As we worked together and supported one another, we achieved collective success—and my own professional growth followed naturally. This experience taught me that true success isn’t about standing out alone; it’s about rising together.

As a woman, I often face unique challenges in the workforce. We’re frequently told that there are limited seats at the table, and we must compete with one another for those few spots. But what if we reframed this narrative? What if, instead of competing, we focused on lifting each other up and building a supportive network that enables all of us to succeed?


Maya Angelou once said, “I am grateful to be a woman. I must have done something great in another life.” This quote reminds me of the power we hold as women—not just in our ability to achieve great things individually but in our capacity to create meaningful change together. When we adopt a lattice mindset and focus on collaboration over competition, we create an environment where we can all thrive. We celebrate one another’s successes, share knowledge, and work together to break down barriers.


Reflection Questions:

 1. Have there been moments in your career when you felt the pressure to compete rather than collaborate? How did this impact your experience?  


2. How can you reframe your professional goals to focus on building a lattice rather than climbing a ladder?  


3. What steps can you take to support the growth of others in your network while also advancing your own career?


An Affirmation:

"I am building a career lattice, embracing growth through collaboration, adaptability, and shared success. Together, we rise, supporting one another as we create meaningful and fulfilling opportunities."


At Empower Possible, I believe that success is not a zero-sum game. By adopting a lattice approach to career growth, we can build stronger, more fulfilling careers that are based on collaboration, adaptability, and shared success. Whether you’re taking a lateral move to gain new skills, mentoring a colleague, or building relationships across your organization, each step in your journey is an opportunity to grow—not just for yourself, but for those around you.


As you reflect on your professional goals, I encourage you to think about how you can build your own lattice. How can you move in ways that create more opportunities for learning, collaboration, and shared success? By shifting from competition to collaboration, we can all rise together.


Thank you, as always, for being a part of the Empower Possible community. Let’s continue to build each other up and create meaningful change—one step at a time.


Take Care, Dear Reader,  


Julie Zaruba Fountaine  

Founder of Empower Possible

 

A beautiful garden and lattice. This photo was taken on a trip to Montreal. 

 
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The Beauty of Collaboration

Author Unknown

In the beauty of collaboration,We find a sense of inspiration,As we work together, hand in hand,To achieve what we never can.
With our unique skills and expertise,We come together, to find peace,In a world that’s often so chaotic,We build a team, that’s quite symbiotic.


The beauty of collaboration,Is that it brings us, a new sensation,Of working towards, a common goal,And creating something, that’s whole.

We each bring, a piece of the puzzle,And together, we can easily muzzle,The challenges, that come our way,As we work towards, a brighter day.


In the beauty of collaboration,We find the strength, for motivation,To push through, and persevere,Through the obstacles, that we fear.
We lift each other, when we fall,And encourage, to give it our all,We celebrate, when we succeed,And lend a hand, when there’s a need.


In the beauty of collaboration,We find a sense, of true elation,As we work together, as a team,To create, something more than a dream.
So let us embrace, the beauty of collaboration,And work together, towards our inspiration,To achieve what we never can,In the beauty, of working hand in hand.

 
 

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.

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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 ...