Monday, May 22, 2023

Coping During Difficult Times

 

 

May 22, 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 half-full, instead of 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!

Coping During Difficult Times

Team Alicia Celebration Dinner
 

Hello, Regenerate Your World Readers!


The past few months (or years...) have been challenging for many of us, and while the specific details may differ, the effects of these events are something we can all relate to.

That's why I want to share my coping strategies and invite you to join me on a transformative journey of growth and healing through the "Transitions" course I am in the process of developing.

🌟 Discover Effective Coping Strategies. Review the strategies below and think about which one you would like to try. If one strategy doesn't work for you, try another one.

1️⃣ Embrace Nature's Healing Power: Step outside, even if just for 10 minutes, and connect with the natural world around you. Witness the transformative effect of fresh air and sunshine on your well-being.

2️⃣ Find Solace in Fiction: Escape into the enchanting world of fiction as you snuggle under a cozy blanket in your favorite rocking chair. Immerse yourself in captivating stories that transport you to new realms and offer solace.

3️⃣ Cherish Laughter and Connection: Surround yourself with friends who bring joy and laughter to your life. Share moments of levity, create memories and strengthen your support network.

4️⃣ Harness the Power of Mantras: Explore the transformative impact of positive affirmations. In a separate newsletter, we'll delve deeper into this powerful tool that can uplift your spirits and foster resilience. Stay tuned!

5️⃣ Nourish Your Body and Soul: Treat yourself to a delicious, nourishing meal that fuels not just your body but also your spirit. Discover the therapeutic value of savoring good food.

6️⃣ Sip Warm Comfort: Find solace in a steaming cup of tea, allowing its soothing warmth to calm your mind and restore your inner balance.

7️⃣ Embrace the Strength of Family: Surround yourself with loved ones, cherishing their presence and finding comfort in the bonds that sustain us during difficult times.

8️⃣ Witness the Beauty of the Universe: Watch the sunrise or sunset, marveling at the wonders of nature that remind us of the constant ebb and flow of life's transitions.

9️⃣ Cultivate Gratitude: Engage in the practice of gratitude journaling, where you can reflect on the blessings and moments of joy that have graced your life, fostering a positive mindset.

🔟 Rediscover Life's Adventures: Revisit memories of past travels, relishing the experiences that have shaped you and embracing the imperfections that make your story beautiful.


Sometimes the most difficult part isn't naming your coping strategies but instead actually implementing them into your daily life. This is where your fire plan comes in. 🔥


For example, let's consider how I incorporate these strategies into my daily life.

As part of my fire plan, I will provide two examples from the list above. If you want to know more email me!


1️⃣ Embrace Nature's Healing Power: I understand the importance of connecting with nature to enhance well-being. I incorporate this strategy into my daily routine. During lunch breaks or whenever I need a mental break, I step outside for at least 10 minutes. I walk around the block or simply look out at the trees from my deck, and take in the natural surroundings. I breathe in the fresh air, feel the warmth of the sun on my skin, and observe the beauty of the natural world around me. This brief connection with nature helps me recharge, reduce stress, and gain perspective.


2️⃣ Find Solace in Fiction: I recognize the power of reading fiction books to provide a mental escape and rejuvenation. In the evenings or on weekends, I carve out time specifically for fiction reading. I created a cozy corner in their home with a comfortable chair, a soft blanket, and my favorite books. I allow my mind to wander and be transported to different worlds. This dedicated time for fiction reading serves as a much-needed break from work-related stress and responsibilities, providing solace, relaxation, and a valuable source of inspiration.


What's your fire plan?


What steps can you take today to embark on this journey of healing and growth?


Share your experiences and let's support each other on this path to long-term well-being.


Want more information about the "Transitions After a Difficult Time" course where we will embark on a transformative journey toward regaining your strength and resilience please email me, info@empowerpossible.com


Together, we can rise stronger than ever before.

Julie

#Transitions #PersonalGrowth #Resilience #Healing #Regeneration



 
 
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Laughter & Poetry

By Hempstone

In a world full of chaos and strife,
I often turn to humor just to survive.
To jest and laugh at life's absurdity,
Keeps my heart light with positivity.

But sometimes, even laughter falls short,
When life's challenges hit me with full force.
In those moments, I turn to my pen,
To write poetry that soothes my heart again.

 

Upcoming Events

1) May 27th, LeanIn MSP 10 Year Celebration, 9am-10:30am CST, Ridgedale MN Library

Have you wanted to envision your life in 10 years, but never found the time to do it? Join the Lean In Together community on Saturday, May 27th and we will make your wish come true. #community #leanin To Register email info@empowerpossible.com


2) June 6th, Women and Leadership Symposium, Madison Wisconsin

Myths of Happiness, for more information email info@empowerpossible.com


3) August, 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


4) September, New Course Launch Stay Tuned for Details! Transitions Course


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 The CEO Mindset.

Check out the episode linked HERE to learn more about reaching your goals.

Connect with me on social media!

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Copyright © EMPOWER Possible

4912 Idlewild St., Duluth, United States, 55804


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.

Sunday, May 7, 2023

When Life Gives You Lemons

 

 

May 7, 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 half-full, instead of 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!

Change Your Systems

Team Alicia Celebration Dinner
 

Hello, Regenerate Your World Readers!


I would like to welcome Andrea Patrick to the EMPOWER Possible community!

Below are her thoughts on how to make lemonade out of lemons.


When life gives you lemons, it’s important to know what you need to make lemonade. I recently experienced a difficult and challenging time with my family and understand the importance of this first hand. I was faced with my past, and had to confront the baggage THAT PAST produced. Thankfully I was up for the task. I was able to navigate those trying days without the emotional, psychological and physical reactions that would have made my experience unbearable.


I know my circumstances are not unusual, but my reaction, and how I got there, is. Hello, my name is Andrea Patrick and I consider myself the B-U boss… Whether you’re an entrepreneur, professional, or a stay at home parent, the ability to be unapologetically you is what makes it easy to live a life you love. As a Personal Branding coach & Marketing Strategist, I coach my clients to unlock their past, analyze their present and create a strategy for achieving goals and securing a life they love living.


My methods may be considered unorthodox, but because I’ve lived every second of them, I know they work. Before reading any further, take a moment to document your current thoughts about self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-preservation. Your mindset helps you manage your emotions, motivations, and perspectives better. Becoming the CEO of you means adopting positive mindsets that help you do and be your best in every situation you may find yourself in. My goal with this article is to give you the tools you’ll need to make the appropriate adjustments to your mindset, and that it be a catalyst for positive life changes.


Aristotle said, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom”. It doesn’t mean you won’t make mistakes, quite the contrary, we all make mistakes. The difference with those who are more self-aware is that they look for, and learn from, the lessons those mistakes illuminate.


Self-Awareness

My research for this content led me to an article by Tchiki Davis, Ph.D, where she mentioned a lesson she’d learned writing her book, Outsmart Your Smartphone: Conscious Tech Habits for Finding Happiness, Balance, and Connection IRL. She found that our lives can get out-of-control pretty fast if we don’t know how and under what circumstances our emotional nature is triggered. I believe knowing what triggers you, what motivates & inspires you, and what your non-negotiables are opens you up to the WHAT’s, WHERE’s, WHY’s and HOW’s of living your best life. Clarity comes from knowing what motivates you, knowing where your sensitivities lie, knowing why you do what you do, and knowing how you apply what you know about yourself to achieve your idea of happiness.


Most of us are running on auto-pilot, we take things as they come, and react to what happens to us. Our minds are so busy with our daily routine we don’t even think about what we NEED until a situation jolts us out of our fog.. Instead of getting defensive, making excuses, or blaming another person, becoming more self-aware helps us understand our successes and failures better. Answering the The WHAT’s, WHERE’s, WHY’s, and HOW’s should be an exercise in honesty if you want to develop a solid and sustainable foundation for the dream life you want. This honesty becomes the beginning of the confidence we often feel we lack.



Self - Confidence

Confidence comes from being in an environment that fosters positivity and can be considered a learned behavior. The KEY to confidence is CERTAINTY. The key to certainty is self awareness, and the key to self-awareness is understanding how to manage change, knowing what’s really important, minimizing your choices & optimizing your options, and putting structure around the chaos that will inevitably come your way. As I see it, the relationship between confidence and certainty makes SELF-confidence, and feelings of self-worth, easier to obtain.


CONFIDENCE: is a state of being clear-headed that a chosen course of action is the best or most effective. Self-awareness gives us this clarity.


CERTAINTY: are the beliefs which a person has no rational grounds for doubting.


Answering the The WHAT’s, WHERE’s, WHY’s, and HOW’s is how you get there.


In my opinion, confidence is about taking outward actions while certainty is about internal trust.


Your level of certainty drastically affects your ability to be confident. An article, found in Psychology Today defines confidence as ..."How strongly you believe in your capabilities to learn new skills, perform at a certain level, attain a goal, or achieve your own definition of success." Achieving confidence is much more difficult when we try to do so echoing the actions of others. It’s important to construct a personal framework and use that framework to translate what we see others doing into a language that reflects our authenticity. This can be a daunting task, but when you have the right team, you’ll be successful more times than not.. Self preservation happens by choosing the lens through which you see yourself and the world around you. The people you surround yourself with help you keep that lens clean and clear.



Self - Preservation

Self-awareness and self-confidence are the building blocks to self-preservation. When you know yourself and what you need to do and be your best, you can teach others how to treat you and manage expectations, yours and others. In recent videos on my YouTube channel, I described the importance of setting boundaries, using your CEO Mindset to lead and how valuable it is to have the right team members in your circle of influence. These videos emphasize the need to become the CEO of you. Finding your voice and communicating your needs save you from the stress, frustrations, and overwhelm associated with just about everything in life. Preserving your ability to walk through life authentically isn’t a gift given, it’s an intention accomplished.

I have coached many individuals and seen my fair share of them struggling with imposter syndrome, limiting beliefs, and negative self-talk. With the help of my proven system, many have gone on to save thousands of dollars in unnecessary expenses and energy while others have made millions by utilizing their personal framework to guide their decisions..


A CEO mindset makes evaluating, increasing confidence and sharing your value much more organic. How much easier would your life be if you were confident enough to be UNAPOLOGETICALLY YOU?!


If you’re ready to have similar outcomes, join my email list to learn more about my challenge, The Search 4 Success. I’ll help you find your authentic blueprint and start creating success strategies that help you live the life of your dreams.


A special thanks to our guest writer Andrea Patrick for sharing her wisdom.


 
 
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If life gives you lemons, make lemonade!


By BerthdduSuit Jul 2008


You can take what life throws at you,
And let it turn you sour,
Or hold on tight and enjoy the ride,
Make the most of every hour.

You can always play the victim,
Feeling sorry for yourself,
Or learn from these experiences,
Put the trophies on a shelf.

What happens to us makes us who we are,
Experiences good or bad,
If you let bad times drag you down,
They slowly drive you mad.

Seize all of life's opportunities,
Make the most of your lot,
To you it may seem pitiful,
To others it's all they've got.

 

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 The CEO Mindset.

Check out the episode linked HERE to learn more about reaching your goals.

Upcoming Events

1) Join me at The RINK Pitch Competition!


The RINK Pitch Competition is a catalyst that connects our start-up funders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and creative talent to help them showcase ideas and bring their ideas from paper and their garage tinkering into reality and real businesses! Innovate 218 is the Arrowhead region's Launch Minnesota hub, a statewide collaborative effort to accelerate the growth of startups and amplify Minnesota as a national leader in innovation!

Date: May 9th

Where: Rustic Pig Chisholm, MN

Time:

5:00-5:55 PM -Social and Appetizers
6:00-7:00 PM - Presentation of (5 pitches- 5 minutes to pitch, 5 min for judges to poke holes & ask questions)
7:00-7:30 PM - Judges deliberate and more socializing for crowd
7:30-8:00 PM - Awards & judge feedback (Crowd pleaser vote)
8:00-9:00 PM - Mingle and Network
Join our Live Studio Audience: https://bit.ly/LSAtherinkmay2023


2) May 27th, LeanIn MSP 10 Year Celebration, 9am-10:30am CST, Ridgedale MN Library

Have you wanted to envision your life in 10 years, but never found the time to do it? Join the Lean In Together community on Saturday, May 27th and we will make your wish come true. #community #leanin To Register email info@empowerpossible.com


3) June 6th, Women and Leadership Symposium, Madison Wisconsin

Myths of Happiness, for more information email info@empowerpossible.com


4) August, 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


5) September, New Course Launch Stay Tuned for Details!


Join me!

Connect with me on social media!

pinterestlinkedinwebsite_linkfacebookinstagram

Copyright © EMPOWER Possible

4912 Idlewild St., Duluth, United States, 55804


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.

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT

 

 

April 18, 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 half-full, instead of 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!

Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT

Team Alicia Celebration Dinner
 

Greetings Regenerate Your World Readers!


Last weekend I was reading the Unhustle Rebels Newsletter, HuslteGPT Dr. Suess, and more, the author discussed their experience with ChatGPT.


Reading the Unhustle newsletter, got me thinking about how to utilize ChatGPT in the health and wellness space.


So I logged into my account and typed in the search bar “Create a 1000-word newsletter discussing the influence of ChatGPT on health and well-being". Below is the response that was generated.


Dear readers,


In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has made significant strides in improving our lives and well-being. One such AI-powered tool is ChatGPT, an advanced language model that has gained popularity for its ability to communicate with people in natural language.

In this newsletter, we will explore the influence of ChatGPT on health and well-being, and how it can provide support, guidance, and resources to individuals seeking to improve their overall wellness.


What is ChatGPT?


ChatGPT is an AI language model developed by OpenAI, which is one of the leading research institutions in the field of artificial intelligence. It uses a deep neural network architecture that has been trained on vast amounts of data to generate human-like language and understand natural language inputs from users.


ChatGPT has been designed to communicate with users in a conversational style, much like how we would communicate with another person. It can answer questions, provide recommendations, and offer insights on a wide range of topics, including health and well-being.


How can ChatGPT improve health and well-being?


ChatGPT has the potential to transform the healthcare industry by providing accessible, accurate, and personalized information to individuals seeking to improve their health and well-being.


Here are some ways in which ChatGPT can be beneficial:


  • Accessible and personalized health information

ChatGPT can provide access to health information to anyone with an internet connection, regardless of their location or language. This is particularly important for people who may not have access to traditional healthcare services or may face language barriers.

Moreover, ChatGPT can provide personalized health information tailored to an individual's specific needs. By analyzing an individual's health history, lifestyle, and preferences, ChatGPT can provide recommendations on nutrition, exercise, and mental health that are specific to their needs.

  • Mental health support

Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and ChatGPT can provide support and resources to individuals struggling with mental health issues. ChatGPT can provide information on coping mechanisms, relaxation techniques, and self-care strategies that can help manage stress, anxiety, and depression.

Moreover, ChatGPT can offer emotional support by having meaningful conversations with users and helping them develop coping strategies to manage their mental health issues.

  • Fitness and nutrition guidance

ChatGPT can provide guidance on fitness and nutrition, which are essential components of overall health and well-being. It can provide recommendations on workouts, meal plans, and healthy eating habits that are tailored to an individual's specific needs.

Moreover, ChatGPT can help users set goals, track their progress, and provide feedback and motivation to help them stay on track with their fitness and nutrition goals.

  • Medical Diagnosis and treatment recommendations

ChatGPT can assist in medical diagnosis by providing accurate and timely information on symptoms, conditions, and treatments. By analyzing an individual's symptoms and medical history, ChatGPT can provide preliminary diagnoses and recommend appropriate treatments.

Moreover, ChatGPT can help users make informed decisions about their healthcare by providing information on the benefits, risks, and alternatives of various treatments.


How to use ChatGPT for health and well-being?


Using ChatGPT for health and well-being is easy and straightforward. Here are some steps to get started:

  • Access ChatGPT through a web browser or a mobile app.
  • Choose the health and well-being category or topic that you are interested in.
  • Ask your question or provide your input in natural language.
  • ChatGPT will analyze your inputs and provide an accurate and personalized response.
  • Continue the conversation and ask follow-up questions or provide more input.
  • Take action based on the information and recommendations provided by ChatGPT
  • END OF ARTICLE

Next, I asked what are the limitations of ChatGPT, below is the response

While ChatGPT has many benefits, it also has some limitations that are important to consider.

  • Bias and inaccuracy: Like any language model, ChatGPT may contain biases and inaccuracies due to the data it was trained on. These biases and inaccuracies may result in incorrect information or recommendations, particularly for sensitive topics such as mental health or medical conditions.
  • Lack of empathy and human touch: While ChatGPT can provide support and guidance, it lacks the empathy and human touch that are essential in healthcare. This may make it challenging for some individuals to connect with ChatGPT and trust its recommendations.
  • Limited understanding of context: ChatGPT may not always understand the context or intent behind a user's inputs, leading to incorrect or irrelevant responses. This may be particularly challenging for complex questions or scenarios that require human intuition and understanding.
  • Lack of accountability: ChatGPT does not have the same level of accountability as healthcare professionals, who are held to ethical and legal standards. This may make it difficult for users to seek recourse in case of harm or misinformation.

Conclusion


ChatGPT has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry by providing accessible, personalized, and timely information and resources to individuals seeking to improve their health and well-being. While it has some limitations, its benefits far outweigh its drawbacks, making it a valuable tool for individuals looking to take charge of their health and wellness.


As always, it is essential to seek professional medical advice in case of any health concerns or emergencies. ChatGPT should be used as a supplementary tool for information and guidance, not as a substitute for professional medical advice.


Thank you for reading, and we hope that this newsletter has provided valuable insights into the influence of ChatGPT on health and well-being.

END OF ARTICLE


This got me more interested in learning about the experiences others have with ChatGPT. I recently asked the question,

“Does anyone have positive experiences with ChatGPT? How do you use it and why? Thanks!” on social media.


Below are a few of the responses I receive that summarize the varying opinions on ChatGPT.


Many stated, “I have no idea what it even is. “


A few shared they use it for “play”, like this individual, "I have only used it once. It worked. We were having a Super Bowl party and one woman was a huge fan of Patrick Mahomes. I asked Chat GPT to write a poem about it. It turned out great. I never admitted that I didn’t write it myself, 😏. I don’t trust AI though.".


Others shared, there are points where it might be useful but aren’t sure yet, “ I've done consumer research for a ChatGPT-like company (And Google Bard as well). Might be useful in some cases, but I don't think it lives up to the hype (for now), let alone all the controversy it's creating”.


Overall it was very interesting to see the array of responses and judging by the number of responses I received a topic a lot of people are interested in.


Now is your turn, please share what are your thoughts on ChatGPT.


Do you think you will use it? If so, how?


When it comes to technology in general how do you use it to support your well-being?


How as a consumer do we know when we are interacting with AI vs. a “real” person/does it matter?


As always thank you for your readership and I would love to hear from you!


Cheers,

Julie



 
 
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AI Poem

By ChatGPT

AI, AI, in the cloud, Tackling well-being, strong and proud. Health and fitness, mental clarity, You're the one for us, with such clarity.

From chatbots to virtual coaches, You make well-being a series of choices. Step by step, you guide us through, Our health and well-being, anew.

No need for tears or weariness, AI, you make health fun, no less! With your humor and your wit, Well-being's now the perfect fit.

So here's to you, our AI friend, Your impact on health will never end. We're grateful for your support and aid, With you by our side, wellness is made.

 

Upcoming Events

Where can you find EMPOWER Possible?

Women and Leadership Symposium

The Women and Leadership Symposium brings together engaged professionals for networking, professional development, learning from women leaders, and sharing of best practices. In addition to the keynote address, there will be 28 breakout sessions on topics related to:
Relationship building

Well-being

Building influence

Career management

Workplace skills

Engagement, inclusion, and diversity

This annual symposium brings together individuals committed to the excellence and empowerment of women in all sectors to discuss relevant issues and topics that will educate and inspire.

Tuesday, June 6, 20238:30 am–3:30 pm

Location: Union South UW Madison
Register: UW–Madison and UW System Participants $100
Register: Non-UW Participants $125

To register go to: https://hr.wisc.edu/women-and-leadership-symposium/attend/



EMPOWER Possible Free Resources

Resilience is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress — such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems, or workplace and financial stressors. It means "bouncing back" from difficult experiences.

Resilience is part of an emotional skill set. Complete this worksheet to start building resilience today. Click the link to download.

Building Resilience

Take a few minutes to relax and envision an empowered future. The act of visualization helps you to practice and imagine the future you would like to have. It directs your mind to focus on your goals for the future. Click the link below to get started.

Empowerment visualization

Connect with me on social media!

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Copyright © EMPOWER Possible

4912 Idlewild St., Duluth, United States, 55804


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.

How to Embrace Change

  May 12, 2024 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 a...