Navigating Change: Coming Home to Yourself

 

August 18, 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! Hi There! I am starting off this newsletter with a video about what I have been up to this summer. Besides my travels I have bee working to revamp Empower Possible. The video shares the mission and services of Empower Possible. Take a look and send me a message ( info@empowerpossible.com ), what do you like, what are you interested, is there someone you know who could benifit from this work? Let me know!  Click on the image below to play the video. #transformation

Navigating Change: Coming Home to Yourself Special Edition: A Recap of My Podcast Conversation with Liz Amys Dear Empowered Reader, I’m excited to bring you this expanded newsletter recapping my recent guest appearance on Liz Amys’ uplifting podcast. Our conversation was a heartfelt journey into the core of my mission—helping women and caregivers move out of chronic overwhelm and into a life where they can truly thrive.  For those who long to feel aligned and empowered in daily life, these takeaways are seeds for hope. We opened our discussion by delving into my inflection point, the founding of EMPOWER Possible. My story began at a crossroads: following years of giving my all in a “dream job,” I hit a wall of exhaustion and invisibility. That awakening fueled me to create something greater, not just for myself, but for anyone feeling trapped by burnout. EMPOWER Possible was born as a way for me to spend time on something I believed in and build a community where you can rebuild energy, reclaim boundaries, and envision new possibilities. Liz and I explored the subtle signals that survival mode has taken over: running on autopilot, exhaustion that sleep can’t fix, and the fading music of joy in daily routines. Especially for moms and busy women, it’s easy to overlook these red flags. My advice is always to pause and check in, ask yourself, “Am I acting from obligation or intention?” Anchoring your day in small rituals, like a gratitude journal or shifting your internal language from “I have to” to “I get to,” builds real resilience. These micro-moments of care are the soul of EMPOWER Possible’s philosophy. A key part of our chat centered on honoring the “in-between”, that uncomfortable, beautiful space between where you are and where you want to be. I shared insights from the Mountain 10 program, where growth isn’t a straight line but a winding path, much like a labyrinth. There are moments of awareness, letting go, visualization, and realization. Progress is often invisible, but every step taken in kindness, self-awareness, and community brings you closer to your center.  EMPOWER Possible is designed to support women through this process, providing both practical tools and compassionate encouragement. As we discussed self-love and boundaries, I reflected on how my healing journey has transformed every relationship in my life. I stressed that self-love isn’t selfish; it’s essential. By treating myself with the same compassion I offer to others, I’ve been able to show up more authentically and effectively for my family, my community, and my work. The photo below is from a boxing class. Joining a fitness class is one way I express self-love. Sometimes, a simple act, like pausing to ask, “What do I need right now?” can reset your energy and reaffirm your worth, no matter how chaotic life feels. Toward the end of the episode, we focused on actionable steps and encouragement for any woman who feels stuck or doubts her voice. Remember, the journey to thriving starts with permission—permission to lean into your power, set one new boundary, or take one small step toward your dreams. You don’t have to wait for the perfect moment.  The simple shift from “one day” to “day one” can change everything. EMPOWER Possible exists to walk with you, celebrate your growth, and remind you: you are already enough, and you are worthy of a life that energizes you. If you haven’t already, you can listen to the full conversation with Liz Amys on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/episode/4AzvFKIv6h12k6is2vyDf3?si=dd85a2d88698444a&nd=1&dlsi=b62aa4470a7b457b) Affirmation  “I honor my journey, embrace my possibilities, and trust that each small step leads me toward my own thriving.” Some of my favorite quotes from the Episode “Transformation isn’t linear. It’s the steady, often invisible progress that shapes who we become.” “Celebrate the small wins—micro-moments of joy are the seeds of change.” Thank you to Liz Amys for hosting me on your podcast and to you, dear reader, for journeying alongside me. May these insights inspire you to trust your path, rediscover your energy, and believe wholeheartedly in what’s possible for you and your world. Take Care, Dear Reader,   Julie Zaruba Fountaine Going for a paddle is another activity that helps me regenerate. Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. Scan the QR Code to sign up to be notified when the next Mountain 10 workshop is offered.  What is Mountain 10?                                                                                                                                                         During this three-hour workshop, we will focus on accessing your inner wisdom to bring about the changes you deeply desire in your life. We will use the Mountain 10 process, a proven, new technology for deep reflection on human change. It is based on the conviction that every person has the most important answers about direction, purpose, and calling within them. This directed reflection process leads you through four terrains of exploration, stopping at points on the journey to consider key questions about awareness, letting go, vision and realization. The terrains of your journey will take you into deeper observation of your feelings, thoughts, and images. You will explore what you need to let go of as you truly seek what you really want. We will open a space for a new vision and consider the practical steps to actualize that vision. We will deepen our insights in small circles of trust. Journaling and guided reflection will be used throughout the journey. Pep Talk by David Chen When struggle is a constant friend, And hope and strength begin to bend, Stand upon the shifting sand, And weigh your fate with open hand. The waves crash fierce against the shore, Tempting to yield and drown once more. But though heartache and pain, Choose to fight against the strain. For though you may be tired and worn, With every step, push on. Forgiving yourself...

Kind Words from Retreat Participant. A special thanks to a retreat participant for sharing a few kind words about their 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/

Upcoming Events Mountain 10 Workshops What is Mountain 10?                                                                                                                                                         During this three-hour workshop, we will focus on accessing your inner wisdom to bring about the changes you deeply desire in your life. We will use the Mountain 10 process, a proven, new technology for deep reflection on human change. It is based on the conviction that every person has the most important answers about direction, purpose, and calling within them. This directed reflection process leads you through four terrains of exploration, stopping at points on the journey to consider key questions about awareness, letting go, vision, and realization. The terrains of your journey will take you into deeper observation of your feelings, thoughts, and images. You will explore what you need to let go of as you truly seek what you really want. We will open a space for a new vision and consider the practical steps to actualize that vision. We will deepen our insights in small circles of trust. Journaling and guided reflection will be used throughout the journey. Click HERE to sign up to be on the waitlist for the next workshop. I will reach out once a workshop is scheduled that meets your availability. Please reach out if you have any questions, info@empowerpossible.com

Connect with me on social media! Copyright © EMPOWER Possible  Northfield, United States EMPOWER Possible is dedicated to empowering individuals, organizations, and communities to organize and act together to regenerate our world through Self, Social, and Systems transformation.  info@empowerpossible.com \ Website \ Mission 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.

Unlock Your Potential: Embrace Disruption

 

April 13, 2024 Regenerate Your World  Build the future you want to live in. I know these times aren't the easiest for all of us, but I am an optimist - I see the glass as refillable instead of half-full or half-empty. To brighten up your days, I publish the Regenerate Your World newsletter coming to your inbox on a bi-weekly basis. Let's Get Empowered! Unlock Your Potential: Embrace Disruption Greetings, empowered reader! I am thrilled to share about my experience as a guest on the Un-Caped Heroes podcast.  This edition of the newsletter is  inspired by my recent appearance on the Un-Caped Heroes podcast, we'll delve into the transformative power of disruption and creativity. Reflective Question: Before we dive into our exploration, let's take a moment to reflect:  When was the last time you encountered a moment of disruption in your life? How did it shape your path of personal and professional growth? Icebreaker Activity: Let's kick off our journey with a reflective icebreaker inspired by my experience on the podcast:  Consider a time when you encountered an unexpected challenge or opportunity, catching you off guard.  How did you respond?  Share your insights via email or social media @empowerpossible as we explore the power of adaptability and resilience. Podcast Summary: "DISRUPT" with Julie Zaruba Fountaine In my recent podcast interview with Un-Caped Heroes, we explored the concept of disruption and its profound impact on our lives. Here's a deeper dive into the key insights we discussed: Understanding Disruption: We redefined disruption beyond its conventional associations, emphasizing its role in challenging norms, sparking innovation, and fostering personal growth. Disruption, we discovered, is not merely about shaking up industries but also about shaking up our own perceptions and possibilities. Embracing Change: Disruption often triggers resistance and uncertainty, yet we explored the importance of embracing change as a catalyst for growth and transformation. Drawing from personal anecdotes and experiences, we discussed how embracing change can lead to unexpected opportunities and breakthroughs. The Role of Creativity: Creativity emerged as a central theme in our discussion, highlighting its power to fuel innovation and drive disruptive change. We explored practical strategies for nurturing creativity in our lives, from engaging in creative hobbies to fostering environments that encourage experimentation and risk-taking. Learning from Failure: Failure, we acknowledged, is an inevitable part of the disruptive journey. However, we reframed failure as a valuable opportunity for learning and growth. By embracing failure as a natural part of the process, we can cultivate resilience and bounce back stronger than before. Looking Ahead: As we navigate an ever-evolving world, we encouraged listeners to maintain a curious mindset, embrace uncertainty, and seek out opportunities for growth and self-discovery. By staying open to new possibilities and embracing disruption, we can unlock our full potential and shape a brighter future. Take a Listen! Feeling inspired to embark on your own journey of disruption and self-development?  Tune in to our podcast episode on Un-Caped Heroes for an enriching conversation that will ignite your curiosity and fuel your potential. Listen to the full episode here: DISRUPT with Julie Zaruba FountaineJoin the Conversation! I hope this edition of the Regenerate Your World Newsletter has sparked your curiosity and empowered you to embrace disruption as a catalyst for personal growth.  Share your insights, reflections, and stories of transformation with us as we continue on this empowering journey together. Until next time, embrace disruption and regenerate your world! Warm regards, Julie Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. Disruption by John Prophet Are we ready for what’s to come? Will we know how to behave? Never before in human history has there been such disruption.  It was once a much simpler place.  No more.  The future is arriving faster than ever before. Gia now has a neural net the brain is coming alive. Things are changing at such a clip not like anything seen before.  Things will never be the same. Computers that once filled rooms are now held in the palm of our hands.  Not too many years from now they’ll be cursing through our veins. Nanotechnology, biotechnology, computer technology exploding at such a pace, soon enough, the internet will be connected to our face. We’ll all be part of the global brain, have instant access to all the knowledge mankind has thus far obtained.  Soon, artificial intelligence will join us where we live, things will never be the same.  Machines will build machines smarter all the time.  Where we go after all this may drive us insane. Some say we’ll build virtual worlds every bit as real, and designed them to meet our every need, absolutely ideal.  No one knows for sure which way all this will go. I suggest you batten down the hatches though, it’s going to be quite the show. 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'm highlighting to the Un-Caped Heroes podcast.  I chatted with Stacy and Cassey about the word, "disrupt". Listen HERE.  Interested in catching up on our previous podcast episodes? Explore our library of past recordings, where we delve into a diverse range of topics related to happiness and well-being: Link to podcast library Connect with me on social media! Copyright © Empower Possible 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

"I Dream Of Never Being Called Resilient"

 

January 22, 2024 Regenerate Your World  Build the future you want to live in. I know these times aren't the easiest for all of us, but I am an optimist - I see the glass as refillable instead of half-full or half-empty. To brighten up your days, I publish the Regenerate Your World newsletter coming to your inbox on a bi-weekly basis. Let's Get Empowered!

“I dream of never being called resilient…” Dear Empowered Reader, This week, the focus of this newsletter is on mental health, delving specifically into the pervasive issue of burnout.  In the words of Zandashé L’Orelia Brown, "I dream of never being called resilient again in my life. I’m exhausted by strength. I want support. I want softness. I want ease. I want to be amongst kin. Not patted on the back for how well I take a hit. Or for how many." These words resonate deeply, highlighting the need for genuine connection and support rather than being applauded for overcoming unending and countless challenges. It prompts us to reflect on the negative moments we may be experiencing and what we truly need. Reflection Questions: What activities do you find yourself taking on as additional responsibilities regularly, both personally and professionally? In moments of challenge, what kind of support, softness, or ease would make a significant difference for you? How can you foster a community of kinship that prioritizes well-being over the perception of resilience through endurance? Physicians emphasize several common signs of burnout, such as anxiety, headaches, lack of sleep, fatigue, and an increasingly cynical outlook on life and work.  Take a moment to reflect: Have you noticed an uptick in any of these in your life or the lives of those around you? Below are a few free resources to help. Believe me, I know from personal experience it is difficult to prevent and overcome burnout and it is possible! Resources from www.empowerpossible.com: Navigating Career Transitions Guide:  Unlock the doors to your transformative journey by downloading the FREE “Navigating Your Career Transitions” Workbook. This resource is your key to self-discovery, guiding you to uncover your core values, strengths, and passions. Gratitude Meditation: Immerse yourself in a transformative journey of gratitude and joy with our Gratitude Meditation Free Course, where you’ll cultivate a daily practice that uplifts your spirit, enhances your well-being, and fosters a deeper appreciation for life’s blessings. This newsletter is a gentle reminder that acknowledging and addressing burnout is not a sign of weakness but an act of profound strength. It's a commitment to your well-being and an investment in a healthier, more sustainable future. In the coming days, on the EMPOWER Possible Social Media pages, I'll share insights, resources, and strategies to help you navigate and combat burnout. Let's build a community that prioritizes support, softness, and ease.  Together, we empower each other to thrive. Wishing you resilience that stems from genuine connection and well-being that goes beyond endurance. With warmth, Julie Founder, EMPOWER Possible Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. You Need Help But Not From Us': A Poem on Burnout by Rita Agarwal, MD  Teacher of the year, again Research publications, galore. Honors, accolades, committees Leadership positions, ad nauseum Excellence in clinical care Best Lecture, best lecturer, best doctor, best teacher. “Hey, I know you’re not on call, but can you…? ”“Hey, I know you’re off but could you ……?” “Hey, I know you’re in clinic but …..? ”Can you? Will you? Could you, help me? Three marathons lead to a bad hip. Successful surgery complicated by a fall. More surgery, then pus from the wound MRSA (of course)Aseptic meningitis, anemia, thrombocytopenia, superior venous thrombosis, Surgery again, again, and again “Hey, I know you’re sick but can you….?” “I know you don’t feel good but will you….?” “I know you’re recovering, but I need…….” Can you? Will you? Could you, help me? 80 hours a week for residents, Faculty just have to work harder. “Step up to plate, man. What is wrong with you?” “Hey, we’re short, everyone is working hard” “Try harder, work harder, what is wrong with you?" "100, 120, 140 hours a week….“ We paged you for hours, where were you?” “You were falling asleep writing notes” “Your EBL was way off” “One more mistake and you’re out”. “You need help…but not from us”. Depressed, defeated, desperate, humiliated, disgusted, drinking, “Do something. See someone." “Get help” “You were late, you left early, you’re not trying” “You were rude, your documentation is terrible, why aren’t you trying?” “You’re OUT” You Are OUT BURNED OUT

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 Stories That Inspire Us Podcast as it is relevant to this topic. In this episode, we unravel the mysteries of work-life harmony, liberate ourselves from the clock's constraints, and debunk the myths of time management. ⏳  Click HERE to join 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/

Upcoming Events January 23, 2024  Time Freedom: Work-Life Balance Myths Step into a world where time is not the enemy but your greatest ally! 🕰️ Join me on "Marketing Rebels: Breaking Business Barriers" with Shauna Van Mourik  In this episode, we unravel the mysteries of work-life harmony, liberate ourselves from the clock's constraints, and debunk the myths of time management. ⏳  Click HERE to join February 29, 2024, Care for the Caregiver, Leading Age Minnesota Institute and Expo I'm excited to share my passion for well-being at #Institute2024. Join me for a deep dive into Care for the Caregiver, and let's spark meaningful discussions together. Register now and join me there! https://www.leadingagemn.org/education-events/institute/

Connect with me on social media! Copyright © 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