Heads or Tails?

 

April 29, 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!

Heads or Tails?

My first day signing into the ILT Academy. Participating in the Academy changed how I view business and how I think about taking risks. Dear Empowered Reader, As we continue our journey of growth and self-discovery, it's important to reflect on the perspective through which we view the challenges and opportunities that come our way. In our last newsletter, we discussed the necessity of embracing change, but today, I want to deepen that conversation by introducing a concept that will shape how we approach every aspect of transformation: the regenerative perspective. As you may remember from the last newsletter, check it out here: https://empowerpossible.blogspot.com/2025/04/unlock-your-full-potential.html,  having a regenerative perspective means you view challenges and opportunities as part of a larger, interconnected system. Inspired by principles from nature, it emphasizes adaptability, resilience, and the ability to restore and enhance systems—whether they are personal, social, or ecological. Unlike fixed or linear thinking, a regenerative approach allows us to co-evolve with our circumstances, creating outcomes that benefit both ourselves and the world around us. Life is full of moments that challenge us to step beyond the boundaries of what feels safe and familiar. Today, I want to share a personal story that taught me the value of stepping out of my comfort zone—and how those moments of discomfort can lead to incredible growth. A few years ago, I stood on a stage, ready to pitch my ideas in the Entrepreneur’s Cup—a competition similar to Shark Tank. I had spent weeks preparing, pouring my heart into every detail of my presentation. It was exhilarating but nerve-wracking. I knew I was stepping into uncharted territory, far outside my comfort zone. There were six other competitors and I didn’t win the main prize, I tied for the crowd favorite award. That moment felt like a victory—until the tie was settled by a coin flip. As the coin spun in the air, I confidently chose heads. When it landed on tails, disappointment hit me hard. For days afterward, even the sight of a quarter reminded me of that moment—the sting of loss and embarrassment. But as time passed, I began to see that experience differently. It wasn’t just about the coin flip or the outcome; it was about the courage it took to step onto that stage in the first place. The preparation, the risk-taking, and the vulnerability of putting myself out there were all acts of growth. That moment taught me that stepping out of my comfort zone isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about embracing the possibility of growth, no matter what happens. The Power of Stepping Beyond Comfort Comfort zones are tempting places. They’re safe, predictable, and free from risk. But staying within them can keep us from experiencing life’s greatest opportunities for growth and transformation. When you step outside your comfort zone—even in small ways—you open yourself up to new possibilities. You challenge yourself to learn, adapt, and grow in ways you never thought possible. Think of it as planting seeds in unfamiliar soil; while it may feel uncertain at first, those seeds have the potential to blossom into something extraordinary. Lessons from Nature: Growth Happens Gradually One concept that inspires me is the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen, which emphasizes continuous improvement through small, incremental steps. Stepping out of your comfort zone doesn’t mean making drastic changes overnight—it’s about taking manageable steps that expand your boundaries bit by bit. Each time you stretch yourself beyond what feels safe—whether it’s speaking up in a meeting, trying a new hobby, traveling to a new place, or pursuing a bold goal—you’re nurturing resilience and adaptability. These small acts build confidence over time and prepare you for even greater challenges ahead. My Story: The Garden That Grew After Struggle Looking back on my experience at the Entrepreneur’s Cup, I see it as a moment of growth rather than failure. Much like a garden thriving after a storm, I learned valuable lessons about perspective taking and adaptability—lessons that have shaped both my personal and professional journey. That moment reminded me that stepping out of our comfort zones isn’t about guaranteeing success; it’s about embracing the process and trusting that even setbacks can lead to growth. Every challenge we face outside our comfort zone is an opportunity to become stronger and more capable. As Coach K says, "Failure is not a destination.". Your Invitation: Stretch Your Boundaries As you reflect on your own journey, I encourage you to think about one area where you can step outside your comfort zone. What’s one small action you can take today to stretch your boundaries? Remember, growth doesn’t happen all at once—it happens step by step, with each act of courage building on the last. Stepping out of your comfort zone may feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s where true transformation begins. Whether it’s trying something new or pursuing a dream that scares you a little (or a lot), trust that every step forward is bringing you closer to becoming your best self. Reflection Questions What is one small step I can take today to challenge my comfort zone? How have past experiences of stepping out of my comfort zone contributed to my personal growth? What fears or beliefs hold me back from taking risks outside my comfort zone? Affirmation I embrace discomfort as a pathway to growth and transformation. Each step outside my comfort zone brings me closer to my true potential. The EMPOWER Possible community is here to support you as you take those steps. Together, we can navigate life’s challenges with courage and resilience—and grow in ways we never imagined possible. Until next time, embrace those moments outside your comfort zone—they’re where magic happens. Take Care, Dear Reader. Julie Zaruba FountaineFounder, EMPOWER Possible The ILT cohort I was with in 2023. A group of new entrepreneurs exploring the world of business together! https://iltacademy.io/team/ Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. Keep Going by Kate Summers, ©2020 When failures come - keep going When you feel like giving up - keep going When people mock your idea - keep going When challenges you face - keep going When mistakes are made, learn - but keep going Because perseverance just keeps going!

In the Media Thanks to Voyage Minnesota for featuring me in a recent article. Check out the link to learn more about my entrepreneurial journey. https://voyageminnesota.com/interview/inspiring-conversations-with-julie-zaruba-fountaine-of-empower-possible

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.

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Discover Your Special Powers

 

August 14, 2023 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 Your Special Powers Dear Empowered Reader, Earlier this year, at a workshop I attended the icebreaker question was,  "If you could have any superpower, what would it be?"  Intriguing, right? If you're interested in knowing what I chose, just send me an email, and I'll gladly reveal my special power choice! 😊 This fun exercise got me thinking about a post I read several months ago by Chris Guillebeau (chris@sidehustleschool.com) about special abilities.  The blog post shared a few messages that resonated with me and now seems like a good time to send a summary of the post and a reminder that we all possess an array of gifts, talents, and values – our very own special powers! Let's explore a few of these extraordinary special powers together: Special Power #1: Fearless Independent Thinking Ah, the power to question, to ponder, and to delve deeper! Sometimes my elementary teachers did not enjoy the commentary from students who embraced this superpower at an early age however I am sure it has served them well later in life. Embracing this special power means you have the courage to think for yourself, even if it makes others uneasy. Throughout life, you might encounter people who prefer you to follow without question, but remember, you have the incredible ability to challenge the status quo and make your own decisions. It's okay to be a curious soul; it sets you apart in the most wonderful way! Special Power #2: Embracing the Art of Changing Your Mind Flexibility and growth are the essence of this fantastic power! 💡 Admitting you were wrong or outgrowing old beliefs takes true strength and maturity. You possess the openness to embrace new information and insights, and you willingly adapt your perspective accordingly. Cherish this power, for it enables you to evolve and become an even more amazing version of yourself! Special Power #3: Forging Your Own Path Your ability to see beyond the predetermined choices and craft your own unique journey is simply inspiring. Life might present you with apparent alternatives, but you have the wisdom to recognize that they aren't your only options. Instead, you bravely step into uncharted territory, creating a path that aligns perfectly with your dreams and aspirations. These special powers are within your reach, waiting to be harnessed and celebrated!  While they are accessible to everyone, not everyone embraces them as you now have the power to do. Your determination to think independently, adapt gracefully, and forge your own path can set you apart in the most fantastic way. As you go about your day, don't forget to tap into these abilities and embrace any other unique powers that make you who you are. By embracing your power you begin to shine, and the world is a brighter place because of it! As always I have a few reflection questions for you to ponder.  Take a few minutes to think about… What superpower would you choose for yourself, and how does it reflect your values and aspirations in life? In what ways have you embraced the special power of independent thinking in your life?  Can you recall a specific situation where your willingness to question led to positive outcomes? Reflect on a time when you had to change your mind about a deeply held belief or perspective. How did this experience contribute to your personal growth, and what lessons did you learn from it? If you have other special powers you'd like to share or any exciting experiences to discuss, feel free to send me a message, info@empowerpossible.com.  I'm always here to listen and celebrate your uniqueness!   One way to develop your superpowers and celebrate your uniqueness is to attend a workshop! Please forward this to a friend and join me for a Building Your Strengths Workshop hosted by the ALA, Click HERE to sign up. The virtual interactive workshop begins with the completion of a strength identification exercise and a reflection period. This workshop also includes the opportunity to go into small groups, participate in meaningful discussions, and will leave with a clearer understanding of personal strengths and team strengths.   This 3-week virtual workshop consists of weekly live virtual group discussions. Participants should complete the assigned readings and the media prior to the live chat session and should also come prepared with questions, both about the content and about any workplace challenges they may have encountered, to help drive the discussion.  Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have, info@empowerpossible.com Together we can regenerate our world, Julie Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. Life Doesn’t Frighten Me  by  Maya Angelou Shadows on the wall Noises down the hall Life doesn't frighten me at all Bad dogs barking loud Big ghosts in a cloud Life doesn't frighten me at all Mean old Mother Goose Lions on the loose They don't frighten me at all Dragons breathing flame On my counterpane That doesn't frighten me at all. I go boo Make them shoo I make fun Way they run I won't cry So they fly I just smile They go wild Life doesn't frighten me at all. Tough guys fight All alone at night Life doesn't frighten me at all. Panthers in the park Strangers in the dark No, they don't frighten me at all. That new classroom where Boys all pull my hair (Kissy little girls With their hair in curls) They don't frighten me at all. Don't show me frogs and snakes And listen for my scream, If I'm afraid at all It's only in my dreams. I've got a magic charm That I keep up my sleeve I can walk the ocean floor And never have to breathe. Life doesn't frighten me at all Not at all Not at all. Life doesn't frighten me at all.

In the Media Where can you find EMPOWER Possible? Besides posting on my own social media I also collaborate with other entrepreneurs.  Most recently I was a guest on She Sparks Tech I had an insightful chat with the amazing Casey Bertelsman about workplacewell-being and how to conquer burnout while achievingyour wellness goals! ❤️‍🩹 In today's fast-paced world, taking care of ourselves is more important than ever. Join us as we dive into practical tips, strategies, and personal experiences that can help you stay on track with your wellness journey. Click HERE to listen 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 1) August 18th and 19th, Dear Future Me: Women's Empowerment Summit Engage in transformative workshops that empower you to overcome trauma, execute your vision, implement self-care, & have financial wellness. own text Join Me! Engage and Transform! 2) September, Building Our Strengths Online Course The interactive workshop will begin by identifying your strengths and offer the opportunity to discuss and reflect on your strengths. By the end of the workshop, you will have a clearer understanding of your personal strengths and how you utilize them in your work and personal life. To register go to Building Our Strengths   own text Join me! Build Your Strengths    3) September 27th, Midwest Health Promotion Conference: Weaving a Web of Wellness  Presenting on the topic of Care Champions. To Register go to Health Source Solutions 4) October, New Course, Career Crossroads Launch Stay Tuned for Details! 5) October, MNSOPHE Conference, more details to come!

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