Celebrating A Milestone Birthday: A Journey of Growth, Regeneration, and Joy

 

February 17, 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 A Milestone Birthday: A Journey of Growth, Regeneration, and Joy The sunset and the Pacific Ocean during a trip to Hawaii 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. --- 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?   --- “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!   Sunrise walk along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. Home Is Where the Heart Is By: Mrs. Mary Lambert1933 (Cleveland) Home is where the heart is, that's where we should be.Home is where the heart is, for all the world to see. Families together, friends are welcome too. Home is where the heart is, for me and yes for you. They'll be times there will be laughter, and times there will be tears.  But when we're altogether, we'll conquer all our fears. Home is where the heart is, that's where we should be.Home is where the heart is, for you and yes for me. Let us stand together, let's all get along.We can make it happen, we'll show them we are strong.  We'll show them we belong. Home is where the heart is!

Upcoming Events Empathy Workshop Saturday, March 22  9:00 AM - 10:30 AM CST Who: People interested in fostering connection, creativity, and kindness. What: A free, 90-minute virtual experience designed to address the need for more empathy in the modern world. Why: Shift from Indifference to Kindness Connect with Like-Minded Leaders Join us for an interactive, thought-provoking workshop filled with experiential learning, breakout discussions, and exercises to help you lead with more empathy and impact. To Register click on the link,SIGN ME UP! Julie Zaruba Fountaine and Linda Brandt appreciate Late Nite Art’s People Leader Series for teaching us this format.

Kind Words  A special thanks to one of my clients for sharing a few kind words about their experience. Where can you find EMPOWER Possible? Besides posting on my own social media I also collaborate with other entrepreneurs.  Where can you find EMPOWER Possible? Besides posting on my social media I also collaborate with other entrepreneurs.  One of my recent collaborations is with Bold Journey. Check out my interview with Bold Journey by clicking the link below. ​ https://boldjourney.com/meet-julie-zaruba-fountaine 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/  sts/

Connect with me on social media! Copyright © Empower Possible Northfield, MN, 55057 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.

Renewed You: Embracing Change with Intention

 

January 20, 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 Change with Intention Utilizing a journal, like this one created by my friend, Rachel Gilbertson, is a helpful way to add a moment of reflection into your day. Dear Empowered Reader, I hope this letter finds you well and thriving as we journey through the early weeks of the new year.  I'm reaching out today to share a few thoughts on personal growth and intentional change – topics that are near and dear to my heart, and I hope, to yours as well. As I sit here, at the Northfield Library drafting this letter, I can't help but think about how far we've all come since this time last year. I'm curious – what personal growth are you most proud of?  Maybe you finally figured out that sourdough recipe rekindled an old friendship, or overcame your fear of public speaking.  For me, I am celebrating my commitment to establishing a consistent meditation practice. It's been a game-changer for my focus and ability to respond instead of react to situations throughout the day. Now, I know the word "change" can make some people bristle.  But here's the thing – approaching it intentionally can be the key to unlocking incredible growth in our lives. At Empower Possible, I am a big fan of the Intentional Change Theory, which offers a fantastic five-step framework: 1. Discover your ideal self (Who do you want to be when you grow up? It's never too late to decide!) 2. Discover your real self (Warts and all – we're all beautifully imperfect) 3. Create your learning agenda (Think of it as your personal growth curriculum) 4. Experiment with new habits (Life's a lab, and you're the mad scientist) 5. Get support (Because we all need a small village) I recently used this framework to boost my public speaking skills. I envisioned myself as a confident speaker, assessed my current abilities (improving my story telling skills), created a practice plan, tried out different techniques, and sought feedback from my colleagues (this was a test of my vulnerability but I did it and the feedback was incredibly helpful!).  The result? I feel more confident in my ability to tell stories and connect with my audience. When it comes to setting goals, I like to think of it as planning an adventure.  Here are some tips to make your goals more achievable and exciting: - Connect each goal to a "why"- what does completing this goal mean to you  - Break big goals into smaller, daily actions -Rome wasn't built in a day, but they were laying bricks every hour - Schedule "buffer time" for life's little surprises because let's face it, life loves to throw curveballs For instance, if your goal is to find a new full-time job, it can feel overwhelming at first. But by breaking it down into manageable steps—like updating your resume for 30 minutes each day, networking with one new person weekly, or dedicating time to research companies that align with your values—you’ll find that each small action brings you closer to that exciting new opportunity. I am a big believer in the power of small habits. It's like compound interest for your personal growth!  Here are some micro-habits you might consider: - Start each day with a moment of reflection. I like to ask myself, "What would it look like if I lived with a sense of purpose today? - Set aside 10 minutes for personal growth amid daily tasks. Even if it's reading an inspiring quote while brushing your teeth. - Give each day a sense of meaning. Today's purpose: Spread joy through smiling at someone or giving someone a genuine compliment.  I've found that starting my day with a quick gratitude journal has been a total game-changer. It's amazing how listing three things you're grateful for can turn even a seemingly average day into a special day. Now, I'd love for you to take a moment and ponder: 1. What small, daily habit can you start today to support your biggest goal? No habit is too small – even deciding to smile at yourself in the mirror counts! 2. How can you approach change more intentionally this year? Remember, baby steps are still steps! Your EMPOWER Framework As you embark on this exciting journey of intentional change, let the EMPOWER framework be your trusty compass: Explore your ideal self. Dream big – the sky's the limit!- Map out your current reality. Be honest, but kind to yourself. Plan your learning agenda. What skills will future-you thank you for?  Open yourself to new experiences. Say yes to adventure! Work on building new habits. Consistency is key. Enlist support from others. We're stronger together. Reflect and adjust regularly. Flexibility is your superpower. Remember, my friend, "I embrace change as an opportunity for growth and renewal." As we wrap up, I want you to know I am rooting for you. I believe in your potential to create change in your life and in the world around you. By applying these strategies and embracing intentional change, you're setting yourself up for a year of meaningful growth and achievement that would make even your future self do a happy dance. Let's regenerate our world, one small habit at a time. And remember, if you ever need a cheerleader or a listening ear, I'm just an email away. Here's to your empowered journey! With warmth and belief in you, Take care, dear reader, Julie P.S. Don't forget to celebrate your wins, no matter how small.  Did you drink an extra glass of water today? That deserves a high five! This hangs in my home office as a daily reminder to live a meaningful life. Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Click here to get your own subscription. The Year by  Ella Wheeler Wilcox What can be said in New Year rhymes, That’s not been said a thousand times? The new years come, the old years go, We know we dream, we dream we know. We rise up laughing with the light, We lie down weeping with the night. We hug the world until it stings, We curse it then and sigh for wings. We live, we love, we woo, we wed, We wreathe our brides, we sheet our dead. We laugh, we weep, we hope, we fear, And that’s the burden of the year. Ella Wheeler Wilcox. "The Year." Family Friend Poems, https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/the-year-by-ella-wheeler-wilcox

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/

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.

Edit preferences or Unsubscribe