Empowerment Grows: Celebrating Connection & Social Strength Together

 

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!

Empowerment Grows: Celebrating Connection & Social Strength Together Celebrating together with friends is one way I empower my social connections. Dear Empowered Reader, As we embark on this journey together, I want to continue to introduce you to the heart of Empower Possible, what I call the three empowerments.  These are the pillars that guide how we grow personally, connect meaningfully, and create lasting change not just in our lives but in our communities and organizations. First, a quick recap: the empowerment of the self is our foundation. It’s about building resilience, gaining clarity, and nurturing the confidence to lead authentically, even when stepping into the unknown.  When I reflect on this, I see self-empowerment as the starting place for everything, because when we know and trust ourselves, we create the space to show up fully in our work, relationships, and communities. It’s the grounding from which all other growth flows. Next, we extend this foundation outward to our relationships and networks, which brings us to our second empowerment: social. This is where we celebrate the power of connection, strengthening collaboration, deepening trust, and amplifying our collective impact. Because real transformation doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when we come together, share our unique strengths, and lift each other up. In the next newsletter, we’ll explore the third empowerment: systems, the ways we align structures and strategies to sustain meaningful success. This is about the big picture, redesigning the environments we influence so they support long-term growth and well-being. Together, these three empowerments tell a story of how transformation grows, from the inside out, and from the individual to the community to the system. Let’s dive deeper into where we are now, social empowerment, and the gifts it brings. Today, I want to take that growth a step further and celebrate social empowerment,  the power we find in connection, collaboration, and community. Recently, I had the privilege of facilitating a weekend retreat for students from diverse backgrounds. When we first gathered, I could sense a deep hesitancy; several students avoided eye contact, sat with their arms crossed, and spoke quietly, hesitant to show vulnerability or challenge existing group dynamics. Instead of jumping into activities right away, I started with an icebreaker where each student shared a "rose and thorn" from their week, naming both a recent joy and a personal challenge. I modeled openness by sharing my own uncertainties about leading the retreat, which helped ease tensions and brought out a few smiles. To deepen the connection, I introduced an element of deep listening: after one student shared, their partner was asked to reflect back on what they heard without judgment or interruption. This practice helped students feel truly heard and understood, fostering trust and opening the door for more authentic sharing. Gradually, the atmosphere softened. During small breakout groups, I invited students to talk about “unfinished stories” from their lives, moments they found difficult or confusing, where they hadn’t yet found all the answers. This led to laughter over shared experiences and empathy as students realized they weren’t alone in facing struggles like balancing schoolwork and family expectations or dealing with self-doubt. A turning point came when a usually quiet student spoke up about feeling scared to fail in her goals. The group responded with encouragement and practical advice, creating a supportive environment. By the retreat’s end, many students had formed new friendships and partnerships, and we ended with group reflections, where everyone added words or drew images symbolizing trust, hope, and connection. Witnessing these students open up and connect reinforced how much more we can achieve together. Social empowerment means creating safe spaces where everyone feels seen and heard, expanding our circles of strength so that when challenges arise, we stand resilient as one. Reflection Questions to Consider: Who in your network lifts you up and helps you see new possibilities? Who in your life drains your energy or limits your potential, and how can you set healthier boundaries with them?  When was the last time you felt truly heard and supported in a team or community? How can you create more space for authentic connection and collaboration in your work or life? Our networks, friends, teams, and communities are the soil in which our strength grows.  Remember, you don’t have to do it all alone. In our next (and final) installment, I’ll share how we can take these connections and insights to influence and transform the larger systems around us. Take care, dear reader,  Julie Founder Empower Possible Playing games is also a way I connect with friends. Poem "New roots find purchase side by side,Holding ground when storms arise—Linked by kindness, vision wide,We lift each other, higher tides."Positive Affirmation:"I am open to collaboration and trust that meaningful connections will enrich my journey."

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 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.

Empowerment of Self: Leading from Within

 

October 27, 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!

Empowerment of Self: Leading from Within The Three Empowerments: Self, Social, and Systems Dear Empowered Reader, Welcome, I’m so glad you’re here. I want to sit with you, just for a few minutes, and start a conversation about what it really means to empower ourselves, especially when life asks us to step into something new and unfamiliar. This newsletter is the beginning of a three-part series exploring the heart of Empower Possible: the three empowerments. The Three Empowerments are self, social, and systems. Together, the three empowerments help us build a foundation that supports well-being, change, and transformation. Today, we begin with the most personal and foundational, the empowerment of self About a year ago, I found myself at a crossroads, one of those big career transitions that change everything. I said “yes” to a new role in a completely different industry. Exciting, right? Sure. But also with change, there is uncertainty. It meant saying goodbye to a truly wonderful team; people who I cared about and who cared about me, who laughed with me, and who made even the hardest days brighter. There was comfort there, and I left it behind for growth and a leap into the unknown. Can you relate? Maybe you’re in the middle of a big change too, or you’re about to make a decision that means letting go of something good in hopes of something great (or at least different). I remember those first few mornings in my new role, feeling awkward, a little lost, and missing my old routines and relationships. I wondered: how long will I feel like this? That’s when the idea of self-empowerment became more than a workshop topic; it became a lifeline. Honestly, I needed practical ways to ground myself. So, I journaled. I made a habit of stepping outside for a walk, even when it was cold. I learned to celebrate the tiniest wins: mastering one new process, connecting meaningfully with a new colleague, or just making it through a tough meeting. Slowly, resilience started to take root. If there’s one thing I hope you take from this, it’s that empowerment isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about tending to your own well-being, giving yourself permission to be uncomfortable, and believing that confidence grows one small step at a time. Reflection Questions to Consider: What small daily practices have helped you build resilience during times of change? How do you define success for yourself when stepping into something unfamiliar? What strengths or skills do you feel confident leaning into right now? Positive Affirmation: "Today, I honor my inner resilience and trust that clarity comes with each step forward." Let’s keep this conversation going. Next time, I’ll share how strengthening ourselves opens the door to building stronger, more meaningful connections with others, the seeds of social empowerment. I’m listening, and I’d love to hear if this resonates with you. What’s your story of leaning into the unknown? With gratitude and hope, Julie Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. While working remotely, I often work from various locations across Northfield, MN. This flexibility is more than a logistical convenience; it's a form of self-empowerment. By allowing myself to choose an environment that matches my energy and focus, I incorporate regular movement, invite novelty, and create moments to pause and reflect throughout my day. These conscious changes not only support my productivity but also remind me to care for my well-being, one workspace at a time. Poem "Within the quiet, courage grows A steady whisper, ‘You can rise.’ Light returns behind closed eyes; Strength emerges, Quiet wise." 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  Active Bodies, Motivational Interviewing Seminar, Northfield, MN, November 8 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. Mountain 10 WorkshopTo sign up for the waitlist, please click HERE to complete the form 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