Use the Good Soap

 

September 14, 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!

Use the Good Soap My "Good Soap" from a Minnesota Maker, Sweet Land Farm. Dear Empowered Reader, There’s a lesson in something as simple as the statement, "use the good soap," that relates to how we live our lives and embrace possibility. In our busy, sometimes overwhelming world, how often do we "save something for special occasions" only to find that the moment never quite arrives? Or when it does, what we saved is no longer fresh or usable? Today, I invite you to "use the good soap" to embrace your gifts, moments, and resources fully, right now. What Does It Mean to Use the Good Soap? Using the "good soap" is a metaphor for living in abundance and appreciation. It’s about valuing what we have and not delaying joy or care for a better time, which might never come or come too late. When you use the good soap, you are choosing to honor yourself with the best, the kindest self-care, and the fullest expression of your potential. A Colleague’s Story A few years ago, a colleague shared that she had made a batch of homemade soap. She said, “You actually have to use it, or it will dry out. Don't save the good soap! ” It struck me how often we save things, good soap, resources, time, emotions for some elusive 'someday special'. But if the soap dries out, it loses its purpose and power. Imagine all the times we hold back our kindness, talents, or dreams, thinking “not now” or “I’ll save it for later.” We risk everything drying out, losing its luster, or worse, being wasted. At Empower Possible, I believe in fostering empowerment and building communities to live fully, recognizing the importance of using everything we have to grow and change the world today. The focus is on championing the courage to act, to embrace opportunity, and to regenerate possibilities for ourselves and others. Like using the good soap, the mission is about not waiting for permission or perfect timing; it’s about making now the moment for action and transformation. An Affirmation for You "I choose to live boldly in the present. I welcome abundance and allow myself to use what is good and true now." Reflection Questions 1. What are you holding onto, waiting for the “right” moment to use?   2. How can you bring your full gifts into today’s world without delay?   3. What small act of ‘using the good soap’ can regenerate your spirit right now? A Personal Moment I remember a time when I received a beautiful journal, something I thought was too precious to write in casually. I kept it safe, waiting for the “right” inspiration. Months later, the cover had faded, and the pages were yellowed from waiting. It taught me that the preciousness wasn’t in the journal itself but in the moments and thoughts I poured into it. In the same way, our good soap, our cherished moments, our potential, they come alive when used, not saved. I invite you to join me in reclaiming your “good soap”, your gifts, your moments, and your power and to use them fully now. In doing so, you regenerate not only yourself but the world around you. Take care, Dear reader, Julie Zaruba Fountaine   Founder, Empower Possible One of the ways I "use the good soap" is by traveling. I took a photo of this bar of soap in a shop in Fort Collins, Colorado, during a recent trip. Idlewild is the name of a street I used to live on! Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. The Summer Day by  Mary Oliver Who made the world? Who made the swan, and the black bear? Who made the grasshopper? This grasshopper, I mean-- the one who has flung herself out of the grass, the one who is eating sugar out of my hand, who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down-- who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes. Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face. Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away. I don't know exactly what a prayer is. I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down into the grass, how to kneel in the grass, how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields, which is what I have been doing all day. Tell me, what else should I have done? Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon? Tell me, what is it you plan to do With your one wild and precious life?

In The Media Where can you find EMPOWER Possible? Besides posting on my own social media I also collaborate with other entrepreneurs.  In this empowering episode of Whole Mom, I sat down with Liz Adams and Rachel Gilbertson to explore Mountain 10 — a transformative process that weaves together intention-setting, labyrinth walking, and deep reflection to guide us through life’s challenges. We talk about how they discovered this work, the power of intentional spaces to grow and connect, and the ways Mountain 10 helps us navigate fear, find clarity, and reconnect with our truth and desires. Liz also shares what a recent retreat with Rachel sparked in her, and how these moments of stillness and intention can ripple into our everyday lives. If you’re feeling ready for a change or transition or in the middle of one right now, this conversation will inspire you to pause, breathe, and take your next step with courage and heart. 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 Embark on an extraordinary journey of growth and possibility by joining the upcoming EMPOWER Possible events!  Should you have any burning questions or want more details, don't hesitate to drop me an email at info@EmpowerPossible.com  Mountain 10 Workshop sign up for the waitlist, please click HERE to complete the form    She Leads Conference, Rochester, MN, September 26 Join us for a transformative day where women from all walks of life come together to empower, inspire, and grow in a supportive community. For more information, go to: https://www.downtownrochestermn.com/do/she-leads-conference St. Louis County Health and Human Services Conference, Duluth, MN, October 8 and 9 The St. Louis County Health and Human Services Conference is celebrating 43 years! Their theme for 2025 is Courageous Connections: The Human in Humanity. What does the “Human in Humanity” mean to you? How do you see people? The people you serve, people you work with or maybe the person at the check-out counter? How do you bring Humanity into these spaces? We work in a tough industry that has great purpose. Strengthening ourselves and our community sometimes requires reflection, understanding the human condition, and embracing ourselves. For more information, go to: https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/43rd-annual-st-louis-county-health-human-services-conference/ Active Bodies, Motivational Interviewing Seminar, Northfield, MN, November 1 Sharing the techniques and structures for creating effective engagement and support for a diversity of individuals involved in active body pursuits.  Using culturally and physically sensitive language, and physically embodying activities designed for diverse groups.

Connect with me on social media! Copyright © EMPOWER Possible  Northfield, United States EMPOWER Possible is dedicated to empowering individuals, organizations, and communities to organize and act together to regenerate our world through Self, Social, and Systems transformation.  info@empowerpossible.com \ Website \ Mission You are receiving this email because you expressed an interest in my work—thank you! You can change your email preferences or unsubscribe at any time.  Disclaimer: This newsletter contains content that has been modified and inspired by ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. While we use ChatGPT to enhance our content, it should not be considered professional advice. For specific concerns or decisions, please consult with a qualified professional or trusted source. The newsletter authors are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided by or inspired by ChatGPT.

Embracing the Art of Hosting: Cultivating Community, Growth, and Change

 

September 1, 2025 Regenerate Your World  Build the future you want to live in. I know these times aren't the easiest for all of us, but I am an optimist - I see the glass as refillable instead of half-full or half-empty. To brighten up your days, I publish the Regenerate Your World newsletter coming to your inbox on a bi-weekly basis. Let's Get Empowered!

Embracing the Art of Hosting: Cultivating Community, Growth, and Change Art of Hosting "Catepillar". The learnings from our day.  Dear Empowered Reader, This summer, I’ve been engaged with the Art of Hosting Community of Practice, a global network of practitioners dedicated to creating conversations that matter. Over more than 25 years, this community has nurtured an open-source approach to participatory leadership and group facilitation that invites us all to co-create and harvest collective wisdom in our personal and professional lives. I was first introduced to the practice in 2021 and welcomed the opportunity to further develop my Art of Hosting skills in 2025. What is the Art of Hosting? At its core, the Art of Hosting is an art, the art of hosting meaningful conversations using practices like World Café and Open Space Technology. These methods help groups harness collective intelligence, self-organize, and respond creatively to complex challenges. Guided by the Four-Fold Practice, Host Yourself, Be Hosted, Co-create, and Host & Harvest Conversations that Matter, it offers a framework rooted in presence, participatory engagement, shared purpose, and ongoing reflection. World Café and Open Space: Engaging Art of Hosting & Tools for Connection World Café: Facilitates deep, rotating conversations in small groups, creating inclusive dialogue that surfaces new insights and connections. Open Space Technology: Provides a flexible, self-organizing format where participants propose and lead conversations on what matters most to them. Together, these tools cultivate environments where professional and personal growth flourish, enabling us to listen, learn, and lead with authenticity. Reflecting on Growth: Then and Now Comparing my experiences with the Art of Hosting from 2021 to 2025, I see incredible evolution. Initially, the focus was heavily on understanding the foundations and practicing the facilitation techniques. Today, the emphasis is equally on inner work, hosting ourselves with mindfulness and care, as well as integrating these practices into broader wellness and change strategies. This blend supports not only more effective gatherings but transformational journeys for participants, including myself. Reflection Questions for You This Season What personal growth did you experience this summer? How can you carry the summer's energy into the upcoming fall season? What seeds of change are you ready to nurture within yourself and your community? Affirmation for Transformation “I embrace the changing seasons as opportunities for personal transformation.” EMPOWER Possible Connection: Mindset and Seasonal Transitions The "M" in EMPOWER stands for Meaning—our sense of meaning can influence how we approach life and change. Cultivating a sense of meaning can help us navigate the transitions from summer to fall with resilience and openness, seeing each season as a chance to regenerate and renew. By hosting ourselves with intention and empathy, we align with the natural cycles that support both personal well-being and collective flourishing. As always, I encourage you to explore these ideas in your own life and communities.  Take care, Dear reader, Julie Zaruba Fountaine Founder, EMPOWER Possible https://www.chriscorrigan.com/parkinglot/what-is-the-art-of-hosting/ Facilitating an Art of Hosting, Open Space Technology session. Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. The Four-Fold Practice by Chris Corrigan The four fold practice was the first pattern that gave rise to the Art of Hosting.  It is simply an observation that great conversations happen when people are present, when they participate, when they are hosted well and when they co-create something.  Some of the originators of the Art of Hosting, people like Toke Moeller, Monica Nissen and Jan Hein Nielsen began asking the question, what if these patterns became practices?  And in that moment the decades long inquiry that is the Art of Hosting was born. Our Beyond the Basics offering refers to these practices, but only now have I seen what we are doing.  Toke has always called the four fold practice “The Basics” and I have no need to creat new basics.  But I can see now how deeply rooted we are in extending and deepening them. Be present. For all hosts, personal practice is essential.  Whatever you can do to bring yourself to be present with a group serves the group.  In the Beyond the Basics offering, Caitlin is a deep practitioner of The Work of Byron Katie, which is a powerful personal practice that we all use to get at what keeps us stuck, to address what we are afraid of, and to help us become resilient and quality hosts of uncertainty, complexity and confusion.  The first clarity we need to address is our own, and we do that with the Work. Participate. It is impossible to be a part of a participatory process without participating.  And it is impossible to affect a complex system from the outside.  Understanding how systems works helps us to be more effective participants in the strategic work we are called on to lead and host.  Using theory from the science and sociology of complex adaptive systems creates a more powerful way to see and understand and leverage people’s participation in their own work.  Through teaching Cynefin and working with harvesting methods that are sense-making based, we extend the practice of participation to move beyond the acts of listening, speaking and learning and into the realms of sensing, interpreting and decision making. Be a host, so everyone can make a contribution.  Tim’s work with his Collaborative Advantage model extends this practice of hosting beyond the methods that for the core of the Art of Hosting practice. While we are deep practitioners of World Cafe, Circle, Pro-Action Cafe and Open Space, we know these methods alone are not enough to host large scale strategic change work.  We need a framework to understand the levels of transformation that need to be hosted and the key design pieces (such as power, results and capacity) that need to be addressed so long term change can continue to be hosted from within systems and organizations. Co-create.  It is one thing to say “just work together” and quite another thing to do it when our communities and organizations are soaked in differences.  Where power, privilege, race, economic opportunity and all kinds of other differences are at play we need a set of practices that can bring us to deeply transformative shared work.  Tuesday has been developing this framework for many years now and it is taking form in a way that has fundamentally changed my own approach to co-creation.  Moving to a place of shared work is taking co-creation beyond the basic level of just doing things together.

Kind Words from a Coaching Client A special thanks to one of my coaching clients for sharing a few kind words about her coaching experience. In The Media Where can you find EMPOWER Possible? Besides posting on my own social media I also collaborate with other entrepreneurs.  Thank you to Jessica Osborn for hosting me on your podcast in April. Below is the episode description.  Feeling the burden of non-stop hustle? We've all been there—caught in the to-dos, trying to keep the burnout at bay while chasing success the way we've been told you have to - working longer and harder than anyone else. Well, what if you DON'T have to do it that way? For every story of hard work and grind ... there's another story of reaching success by working LESS! Why do we seem to tune into the ones that tell you success is the result of sleeping very little and spending all your time chasing goals? Even if you take a moment to think about this, it makes no sense at all! You already know you're much more productive when you're energized and highly focused. That means your brains need sleep, rest and space. Short bursts of work where you can focus on the important things. So... it's time to talk boundaries, joy, and finding your stride in the rush of work-life challenges. By pressing play on this episode, you'll discover: - Why we often find ourselves struggling to utter the simple word "no," and how it impacts our path to joyful success - What signs scream "it's time to move on" from your job and craft the role that truly aligns with you? - The absolute value of self-awareness in writing your own story of personal and professional triumph. - How can setting boundaries revolutionize the way you work, live, and maintain a sense of self? Click HERE to check out the podcast Interested in catching up on our previous podcast episodes? We invite you to explore our library of past recordings, where we delve into a diverse range of topics related to happiness and well-being. https://empowerpossible.com/podcasts/  Embark on an extraordinary journey of growth and possibility by joining the upcoming EMPOWER Possible events!  ​ Should you have any burning questions or want more details, don't hesitate to drop me an email at info@EmpowerPossible.com  Mountain 10 Workshop sign up for the waitlist, please click HERE to complete the form    She Leads Conference, Rochester, MN, September 26 Join us for a transformative day where women from all walks of life come together to empower, inspire, and grow in a supportive community. For more information, go to: https://www.downtownrochestermn.com/do/she-leads-conference St. Louis County Health and Human Services Conference, Duluth, MN, October 8 and 9 The St. Louis County Health and Human Services Conference is celebrating 43 years! Their theme for 2025 is Courageous Connections: The Human in Humanity. What does the “Human in Humanity” mean to you? How do you see people? The people you serve, people you work with or maybe the person at the check-out counter? How do you bring Humanity into these spaces? We work in a tough industry that has great purpose. Strengthening ourselves and our community sometimes requires reflection, understanding the human condition, and embracing ourselves. For more information, go to: https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/training/43rd-annual-st-louis-county-health-human-services-conference/ Active Bodies, Motivational Interviewing Seminar, Northfield, MN, November 1 Sharing the techniques and structures for creating effective engagement and support for a diversity of individuals involved in active body pursuits.  Using culturally and physically sensitive language, and physically embodying activities designed for diverse groups.

Connect with me on social media! Copyright © EMPOWER Possible  Northfield, United States EMPOWER Possible is dedicated to empowering individuals, organizations, and communities to organize and act together to regenerate our world through Self, Social, and Systems transformation.  info@empowerpossible.com \ Website \ Mission You are receiving this email because you expressed an interest in my work—thank you! You can change your email preferences or unsubscribe at any time.  Disclaimer: This newsletter contains content that has been modified and inspired by ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. While we use ChatGPT to enhance our content, it should not be considered professional advice. For specific concerns or decisions, please consult with a qualified professional or trusted source. The newsletter authors are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided by or inspired by ChatGPT.

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.