Dear Empowered Reader,
This month, as I celebrate this milestone birthday, I’m reminded that life’s most meaningful moments are woven from both triumphs and challenges. This newsletter isn’t just about marking another year—it’s about honoring how small, intentional acts of celebration can fuel our regeneration of well-being and deepen our connection to ourselves and others.
Let’s explore how to infuse joy into everyday life while reflecting on lessons learned through adversity.
Mini Celebrations: A Blueprint for Daily Joy
Daily: Start with a 5-minute morning ritual—light a candle( I use a heated lamp/ candle warmer instead of lighting a candle), sip tea mindfully, or write down one thing you’re grateful for. These moments can set a positive tone for the day ahead.
When I was experiencing burnout, these micro-moments anchored me. Even on hectic days, pausing to savor my coffee, morning movement, and meditating became non-negotiable. By taking just a few minutes each morning to center yourself, you can cultivate a sense of peace that carries throughout your day.
Weekly: Designate a “joy hour” for something purely fun—a dance break, nature walk, or creative project. This time is yours to recharge and reconnect with what brings you happiness. I prioritize my weekly sunrise/sunset walks. My walks are my weekly reset—a reminder that productivity isn’t my worth.
Setting aside this time each week allows you to reflect on your accomplishments and recharge for the days ahead.
Monthly: Host a themed “mini party”—a book club, potluck, or vision-board session. These gatherings foster community and allow you to celebrate shared interests and achievements with friends. I love a themed party. I enjoy gathering friends to celebrate the Winter and Summer Solstice. It’s healing to celebrate growth, not just achievements. These events encourage vulnerability and connection among women who share similar journeys.
Yearly: Create an annual “growth jar”—jot down milestones, lessons learned, or joyful moments throughout the year to revisit on your birthday. Reading past notes showed me how much strength emerged from struggles I once feared would break me. This practice not only highlights your growth but also reinforces the idea that every experience contributes to who you are today.
Why This Matters: Neuroscience shows that regular positive rituals rewire our brains for resilience. These practices transformed my recovery from burnout into daily acts of rebellion against societal pressures to “always do more". By intentionally celebrating small victories and joyful moments, we can shift our focus from what we lack to what we have achieved.
The journey hasn’t always been easy, but each challenge has imparted invaluable lessons that I want to share with you:
1. Embracing Imperfection:
I used to equate leadership with having all the answers. Now I lead by saying, ‘Let’s figure this out together.’ Vulnerability became my superpower. Accepting imperfection allows us to connect more deeply with others and fosters an environment where everyone feels safe to share their ideas and struggles.
2. Boundaries as Love:
Saying ‘no’ to overcommitment let me say ‘yes’ to my most fulfilling work. Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining our well-being and ensuring we have the energy to support others effectively.
3. Celebration as Resistance:
Honoring small wins—like surviving a tough week—quieted my inner critic. Joy became my protest against hustle culture. In a world that often glorifies busyness, taking time to celebrate ourselves is an act of defiance that reinforces our self-worth.
4. Community as Strength:
During times of struggle, I leaned heavily on my community. Their encouragement reminded me that I am not alone in this journey. Building a supportive network of women can provide the strength needed to weather life’s storms.
5. Authenticity in Action:
Being true to myself sometimes meant facing criticism or misunderstanding. Brené Brown's insight, ‘Authenticity is a collection of choices we have to make every day,’ became a guiding principle in both personal and professional spheres.” Choosing authenticity allows us to live fully in alignment with our values.
As I step into this new chapter filled with gratitude and excitement, I acknowledge the apprehensions that come with change. Empower Possible continues to evolve alongside me, bringing new challenges and opportunities for growth. Each birthday serves as a reminder that life is about embracing transitions—whether they are personal, professional, or spiritual—as they often lead to profound transformation.
In this spirit of growth and exploration, I encourage each of you to reflect on your own journeys.
What changes are you navigating?
How can you honor these transitions through celebration?
Remember that every step forward is worthy of recognition.
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Affirmation:
“I am worthy of celebration exactly as I am—flaws, growth, and all.”
Reflection Questions:
1. What small victory from this week deserves a silent (or loud!) cheer?
2. How might prioritizing mini-celebrations shift your relationship with stress?
3. What societal “rule” about productivity can you rebel against through joy today?
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“When I dare to be powerful—to use my strength in the service of my vision—then it becomes less important whether I am afraid.” Audre Lorde
Let this milestone remind us: Our greatest power lies not in avoiding storms but in learning to dance in the rain—and inviting others to join us in celebration.
Take Care, Dear Reader,
Julie Zaruba Fountaine Founder, Empower Possible LLC
P.S. What mini-celebration will you gift yourself this week? Hit reply—your stories fuel our collective fire! | 
