Discover the Journey Back to Yourself

 

August 10, 2026 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!

Discover the Journey Back to Yourself Dear Empowered Reader, I read about a woman named Stella Photi this week; I related to many parts of her story, and I think you will too. She spent years building a high-flying career before burnout caught up with her, not gradually, but the kind that stops you cold. Instead of pushing through it and calling that resilience, she built something out of it. She founded Wellbeing Escapes, a wellness travel company designed around exactly what she'd needed and hadn't had. She's watched the same pattern play out in her clients ever since. In a survey her company ran, more than half named burnout as the reason they booked a trip in the first place. She calls it a modern-day epidemic, the cost of normalizing chronic stress until the body finally forces the issue. She's not alone in that. Wellness tourism is heading toward a $1.4 trillion industry by 2029. Over half the people in Hilton's 2026 Trends Report said "rest and recharge" is now their number one reason to travel. A third are traveling specifically for their mental health. And two-thirds of Gen Z and millennial travelers told KAYAK that relaxation and a mental reset beat sightseeing and bucket lists, hands down. I think we're finally catching up to what our nervous systems have been telling us all along: rest isn't the reward you get after the work is done. Rest is the work. She's not alone in that.  A personal story from my travels relates to this: it was a hike up to an old fire lookout on the North Cascades Loop this July. It was a tough, long hike, full of switchbacks, with an elevation gain of 4500 ft.  Once I got to the top. I sat down. I didn't journal. I didn't plan anything. I just watched the ridgeline for several minutes, soaking in the view and catching my breath. That's the part many of us skip, isn't it?  We're great at pushing through the climb. We're terrible at sitting at the summit and actually letting it land. William Bridges called this in-between space the "neutral zone"; you've let go of the old thing, but you haven't quite landed in the new one yet. Most of us try to sprint through it. But the neutral zone isn't dead time. It's where the real reorientation happens, if you let it. Wellness travel, at its best, is a deliberate trip into that neutral zone. You're not there to perform. You're there to notice. The fire tower. Lookout Mountain. Washington State. This part matters to me; the rest is the work, because I know some of you are wondering if this is all just a nice thing to say. It isn't just something I say; it is something supported by research.  A 2022 review in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that even small doses of green space- one tree, a pocket park, your own garden bed- measurably lower stress. You don't need a mountain range for this. Ten unhurried minutes will do plenty. Research from Japan found that time spent in forests lowers heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels, and the benefits show up even when people are just looking at natural scenes, not hiking through them. And a 2026 study in Frontiers in Psychology found that green space affects brain regions involved in emotion regulation, easing both stress and depressive symptoms.  So no,  the people at that wellness resort weren't imagining the shift after a beach walk or a quiet afternoon outside. Their nervous systems were doing exactly what the research says they'd do. The detail that stuck with me longest, though. It wasn't about kale or step counts. It was Enzo Caiazzo, who first showed up trying to lose weight back in 2015 and has returned every year since, not for the program, but for the people. "It's a community," he said. "You are on the same path, searching for something." That's the piece a lot of change frameworks miss. We talk endlessly about individual resilience. We talk a lot less about how much easier transitions get and how much better they stick when you're not going through it alone. View from the fire tower. This shows up in my own work too. I don't think anyone can do the practice below well alone, squeezed into the margins of an already-full week. It takes space. It takes distance from the noise that makes doubt so loud in the first place. That's exactly the space I'm building into the Wisdom of Winter Retreat, February 25–28, 2027, at True North Resort in Nisswa, Minnesota, with Rachel Gilbertson of Art of Presence and Taylor Tix and Cris Bickman Otte of Taylor & Co. It's a women's retreat built on the same thing Maren stumbled into: sometimes the most important move you can make is to stop and let yourself hear what you already know. Three nights lakeside.  No packed agenda, no rigid resolutions. Sauna and hot tub time built in on purpose,  not squeezed in around everything else. And at the center of it, I'll be guiding the Mountain 10 experience,  a walk through four areas of human change: awareness, letting go, vision, and realization. It's really the seasonal practice below, stretched out over several days instead of four minutes.  You'll have room to actually find your last real marker, to untangle doubt from direction with people who won't rush you past either one, and to say out loud, not just write down, the tower you're still climbing toward.  It's the same framework I use with executive teams navigating organizational change. Just adapted for the quieter transitions we're all carrying too. There's wisdom in winter.  The season isn't asking you to produce. It's asking you to rest, so the next one has something to grow from. View from the fire tower while resting. Affirmation "I am allowed to rest before I'm finished. Rest is not the interruption of my growth; it is the ground it grows from." A Seasonal Practice Name the last real marker. When did you last get clear confirmation you were headed the right way a result, a yes, a moment where things clicked? Write it down. It's closer than the doubt makes it feel. Separate the doubt from the direction. Ask yourself: is this "am I even on the right path" feeling about the path, or is it just discomfort about not being able to see yet? They get tangled together. They're not the same question. Look for the grade, not the view. You might not get the clearing this week. But is the ground still rising? Is there still forward motion, even without proof? Rising terrain, even with no view, is still information. Keep the destination named, even unseen. Write one sentence describing the tower you're climbing toward, the outcome you can't see yet but are still moving toward. Keep it somewhere you'll actually see it. It doesn't have to be certain to be worth naming. Reflection Questions When was the last time you rested before you were depleted, instead of after? Where are you right now in Bridges' "neutral zone", no longer who you were, not yet who you're becoming?  What would it look like to stop rushing through it? Who's on your same path right now, "searching for something," that you could reach out to instead of doing this stretch alone? Until next time, take care, dear reader, Julie Sources: https://www.wellbeingescapes.com/about-us,  Global Wellness Institute / PhocusWright & Web in Travel wellness tourism projections;  Hilton 2026 Trends Report;  KAYAK 2026 Travel Trends;  Gu, Liu & Lu, "Can Even a Small Amount of Greenery Be Helpful in Reducing Stress? A Systematic Review," International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2022; Anxiety and Depression  Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. Wild Geese by Mary Oliver You do not have to be good. You do not have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles through the desert repenting. You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves. Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine. Meanwhile, the world goes on..... Read the rest at https://www.poetry.com/poem/123017/wild-geese

In the Media Where can you find EMPOWER Possible? In addition to posting on my own social media, I collaborate with other entrepreneurs.  Thank you to The CEO Mindset for hosting me on your podcast.  By pressing play on this episode, you'll discover: How to change your life with systems, goals, and design a personal blueprint.    Are you ready to change your life? I am not sure if I know anyone who isn’t in some form or fashion.   In this episode of the podcast, we talk about the relationship between systems, goals, and my personal blueprint.Click here to listen. 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/&nbsp Upcoming Events Leading Change When Nobody is Looking When: September 17, 2026  Where: St. Paul, MN What: Panelists will share real stories about leading through uncertainty, influencing without formal authority, working with limited resources, and helping people move forward when conditions are far from perfect. Attendees will leave with practical ideas for building momentum before buy-in exists, creating progress amid constraints, and sustaining change when the path forward is still taking shape. Discover more by clicking here. Luminary Conference Presentation When: September 25, 2026 Where: Rochester, MN  What: I am thrilled to be taking the stage at the upcoming Luminary Conference! I will be sharing actionable frameworks on sustainable leadership, thriving through large-scale organizational transitions, and shifting workplace cultures from a state of survival and overwhelm into a space of abundance and clarity. To learn more, click here. Wisdom of Winter Retreat When: February 25 to 28 2027 Where: True North Resort, Nisswa, MN What: In partnership with Art of Presence and Taylor and Co., Empower Possible is hosting a winter retreat. Surrounded by peaceful lake views, snow-covered forests, and the quiet beauty of winter, this retreat is designed to help you slow down, reconnect, and restore. Come as you are. Leave feeling rested, grounded, and renewed. Learn more: https://taylorandcoapothecary.com/2027-nisswa-retreat/  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. For a Mountain 10 experience, join the Wisdom of Winter Retreat. Can't make it to the Wisdom of Winter Retreat? Join the waitlist. Click HERE 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 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.

Celebrating Four Years!

 

October 12, 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!

Celebrating Four Years! Photo of me in Duluth, Minnesota, where Empower Possible began. Dear Empowered Reader, This month, I am celebrating as October marks four years since the founding of Empower Possible! 🎉 With gratitude, the anniversary is not just a milestone but a reflection of shared growth, powerful partnerships, and the ripple effect of brave actions and conversations. Empower Possible’s roots are deep in collaboration and curiosity. I founded Empower Possible on the dream that we can find joy in meaningful work, work that doesn't leave us burned out and cynical. The past year has been filled with meaningful opportunities to build and sustain impactful work. From facilitating a workshop at the St. Louis Health and Human Services Conference to presenting at the Benedictine Health Systems Conference, each event has deepened my commitment. I’ve also engaged with leaders through SheLeads Rochester and guided City of Minneapolis teams in the “Leading a Culture of Well-being” initiative. Additionally, hosting Mountain 10 retreats and empathy workshops has allowed participants to explore the transformative shift from indifference to kindness and navigate personal and organizational transitions. Each experience highlights the power of community and the incredible strength found in a diverse network of catalysts across sectors. In the Media Recently, it was a privilege to join the Whole Mom Podcast, sharing real stories of navigating change, self-discovery, and collective empowerment, as well as the restorative process behind Mountain 10 Retreats with Rachel Gilbertson. This platform amplified the message to a broader audience, reminding us: every transformation starts with an honest conversation and a resilient spirit. The latest Voyager, Bold Journey, and Canvas Rebel articles also highlight Empower Possible’s mission, placing our work in the context of bold exploration and the power of creating new pathways for personal and organizational growth. Just as Voyagers charted the unknown, this community’s voices pioneer a kinder, more conscious future. Celebrating Collaborative Successes Special appreciation goes to my Southeast Small Business Development Center Coach for inspiring business transition workshops, which will help communities keep small businesses in their town and will cultivate intentional leadership handoffs. The Benedictine Leadership Development Training and Active Bodies Motivational Interviewing, plus Empower Possible leadership coaching, were energizing reminders of how good goal-setting, reflection, and movement fuel both personal and collective transformation. Navigating Delays and Cancellations The past few years were also not without challenges. A few presentations I had prepared for this year were unexpectedly canceled due to loss of grant funding, and timelines for collaborative projects were pushed back more than once. While those moments felt disappointing at first, they became invitations to pause, reframe, and approach the future with fresh creativity. In their place, new opportunities emerged, such as impromptu workshops, coaching experiences, and meaningful dialogues that may not have been possible otherwise. These obstacles now stand as reminders: with regenerative acts, we grow stronger not in the absence of setbacks, but in the way we adapt and stay present to what can still take root. Community Wisdom and Appreciation Testimonies from workshops act as powerful reminders: “Such a great topic and supporting materials. I love the inclusion of The Power of Moments wisdom...” and “I became vulnerable enough to open up that day, which kept me coming back...” The gift of trust, self-compassion, and brave inquiry shapes Empower Possible’s legacy; every word, every step, every moment matters. A heartfelt thank you from me to every partner, supporter, and volunteer who contributed time, wisdom, and care to our shared mission over these four years.  The collective energy of this community, those who champion leadership development, facilitate workshops, organize retreats, and generously guide peers, fuels meaningful change and multiplies the impact beyond measure.  Moments of growth, courageous dialogue, and inspired action have been possible because of unwavering support from dedicated partners and volunteers, whose belief in regeneration and empowerment elevates all we do. With deepest gratitude to each of you is a cherished and valuable part of the Empower Possible story, and your ongoing contributions remain at the core of our journey forward. Looking Forward Thank you for four years of building a more empowered, empathetic, and accessible world together. Here’s to many more moments of growth, generosity, and change. As always, the journey continues with hearts open, minds curious, and communities united in purpose. Please let me know what you are celebrating. How can Empower Possible support you? What challenges are you overcoming? I would love to hear your stories and celebrate alongside you. An affirmation for you:  I am stronger than any challenge I face. I choose to thrive, not just survive. Every small, intentional step I take builds my momentum and growth. I engage my true self, lean on my support networks, and activate my awareness to create transformation. Each experience has gifted me wisdom and clarity. My journey is unique, my impact is meaningful, and my voice matters. I am capable of regenerating my world, starting right now. I have the power to keep going, and I embrace that power fully. Keep going. You’ve got this. Take Care, Dear Reader, Julie Zaruba Fountaine Founder Empower Possible.  Regenerate Your World. Photo of the DECC where the latest EMPOWER Possible Event took place. Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. Speech at the Sorbonne, Paris, April 23, 1910 Theodore Roosevelt “It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man (or person!) who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.”

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    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

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.