Hello to you listening in Scarborough, Maine!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.On Wednesday December 13th, 2023 beginning at 11AM PST / 2PM EST my colleagues Dr. Hoda Kilani (Right Career Fit) and SB Rawz (Rawz Coaching) and I will be hosting a free hour-long event: Bias in the Workplace: How Humans Can Mindfully Make It Better for Everyone. In this interactive gathering we’ll talk about the normal reality of human biases (they are not all terrible all the time), explore personal experiences, and offer some take-aways, as follows:1. How to catch and regroup from our own quiet biases;2. Share tools for connecting more fully, productively, and as whole people; and3. Find the humor in this sometimes UNmindful, UNskillful  human speech experienceRegister HERE for another in the RCF Speaker Series collection.    Looking forward to problem-solving together!You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you listening in Wilmington, Delaware!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.I remember my mother taking me to our local library when I was a very little girl so I could apply for and receive my very own library card. To this day one of my most treasured possessions is my library card. Reading becomes us.    “To read means to borrow; to create out of one’s reading is paying off one’s debts.” [Charles Lillard, poet & historian]Story Prompt: What have you read? What have you borrowed? What have you created? What debts have you paid off? Write that story!  You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you listening in Geneseo, New York!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Thoughts on Thanksgiving Thursday and your host, Diane Wyzga.Here in the US Thanksgiving Day is a designated holiday. I am deeply thankful for you and each of you on this podcast journey of almost 4 years. Together we have shared so many intersecting tales of the human heart.Following are a few prompts to get you reflecting on just how fortunate you might be and whom you might thank because “Each One Lift One” is how we roll here.Who showed you unforgettable kindness or forgiveness.Who kept you from making a big mistake.Who reassured you when you were afraid.Who taught you an important lesson by example.Who inspired you by standing up for what is right.You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you listening in Sumner, Washington!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.If this is the day before Thanksgiving I’m elbow deep in boxes of pumpkin pies cutting and boxing slices for upwards of 700 turkey dinners being prepared by 200 Mobile Turkey Unit volunteers who have been busy carving freshly roasted turkeys, peeling mountains of potatoes for mashing, stirring vats of stuffing, spooning up cranberry relish, bagging rolls and butter, napkins, utensils and even coffee. On Thanksgiving morning I’ll help to deliver some of 700 *complete* turkey dinners to those on the Island who otherwise might not have one.  We are celebrating our 25th year since this nonprofit community event was founded in 1999 by Tom Arhontas, who had a special place in his heart for people in need.Click the LINK  to share in the spirit of volunteer giving, check out the story, photos and videos of what we do and how we do it here on our Island.You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you listening in Decatur-Forsyth, Illinois!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Time Out Tuesday and your host, Diane Wyzga.What happens when our brain automatically judges a person, makes assumptions about them, and functions on those preconceived assumptions?How can we approach others with more openness and curiosity so that we might make deeper, more functional connections?To be biased is human. While bias is not inherently negative it can negatively affect attitudes, behaviors and even culture in the workplace.My colleagues Dr. Hoda Kilani (Right Career Fit) and SB Rawz (Rawz Business Coaching) and I invite you a free hour-long event: Bias in the Workplace: How Humans Can Mindfully Make It Better for Everyone on Wednesday 13th December 11AM PST.  In this interactive gathering we’ll talk about the normal reality of human biases, and share tips plus strategies to boost awareness of unconscious bias, create understanding and tolerance, improve employee relations, morale and the work culture.Register HERE for another in the RCF Speaker Series collection.    Looking forward to seeing you there!You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you listening in Perry County, Pennsylvania!Coming to you from Whidbey Island Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday, and your host Diane Wyzga.  Imagine yourself talking with a very good friend and telling them a story about something that happened in your day. Imagine them listening with energy and delight. It helps  you and your story to bloom, right? Your creative energy flows.Now, imagine yourself telling the same story to someone who really can’t be bothered to take the time or be interested in you or what you have to share. When we feel unsafe, judged or misunderstood our creative energy stops.Sometimes we end up standing in our own way by coming up against our fears that we have nothing worthwhile to say, to produce, to express. Our creativity stops.  Practical Tip: When you come up against fearful feelings blocking your creativity imagine yourself back with your delighted friend. Visualize yourself basking in the warm glow of their delight, support, encouragement. Imagine that this feeling is all about protective love and energy for you and what you have to offer the waiting world. Now, let go of what’s holding you back, and create your good work!You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you listening in Ellicott City, Maryland!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga."I did it! I really did it! I didn’t believe I could do it! But I did it!"Imagine my client’s enthusiasm when she produced a radically genuine origin story of her very own! It had been a work in progress as heartfelt creations can be. Yes, origin story work takes time and dedication; it is the most consequential story of your life. Why? It tells the story of how you got from there to here. Origin stories are designed to connect with, engage and influence your audience to action while also transforming the lives of those you serve.Funny thing: when my clients create their origin story they often feel as if it had always been there. I believe that it has been, waiting for you.    “Loud,in a whisper so obvious I’ve always knownin words I’ve always been able to hear the answer  Was always there.”[The Wild Silence Raynor Winn]Story Prompt: Know this: your story matters; it can help you advance your profession, claim your voice, communicate effectively, or drive innovation in a world anxious to hear you. What words are you using to share your singular message? Write that story!  You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you listening in Dudley, West Midlands, UK!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Thoughts on Thursday and your host, Diane Wyzga.Challenge: Are you struggling with articulating ideas clearly, effectively communicating with clients, or grappling with the challenge of creating compelling and memorable narratives that resonate with your audience? What about crafting emotionally meaningful stories that convey your message in a powerfully memorable way?Solution: I have a risk-taking, unorthodox solution. Let it all go. Take a few hours off. Go for a walk. Think of nothing. Appreciate the rhythm of walking. All good writing has a rhythm. All good sentences start off with a beat like that first confident footstep toward beginning anew! Enjoy the sensation of walking. Give thanks for this opportunity to clear your mind and heart.Result: When you return to your work confidently invite the story that wants to be told, the idea that is already becoming clarified, the genuine communication you wish to have to connect with others in a heartfelt way. Now you are ready to create.CTA: Need a little more? What’s your project? How can I help? I’m here at [email protected]!  You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you listening in Slacks Creek, Queensland, Australia!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.In my role as a storytelling communication change-maker I help professionals and organizations create their origin and brand stories. My clients benefit from co-creating stories tailored to their specific needs and goals. Here's how each type of story can play a role:   Origin Story:       When to Use: An origin story is particularly powerful when you want to establish a strong foundation and connect with your audience on a personal level. It's useful for conveying the origin or starting point of your enterprise, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the values that drive you.       How I Can Help: As a communication change-maker, I guide my clients through the archeological dig on their narrative to reveal compelling origin stories that resonate with authenticity and emotional impact. Together we focus on extracting and refining key elements of their journey to craft the most consequential story of their life: how they got from there to here.   Brand Story:       When to Use: A brand story is key to developing a cohesive narrative around current identity, mission, and values. It's about conveying the ongoing journey, evolution, and the unique personality of the brand.       How I Can Help: I help my clients clarify ideas so they can articulate and amplify their messaging story. One-on-one consulting sessions focus on refining their brand narrative, mission statements, and key messaging based on their foundational origin story.CTA: Understanding the specific goals and challenges of my clients helps me guide them to the most appropriate storytelling approach. If you are curious about how origin and brand stories might enhance your messaging success, contact me at [email protected]  to learn more. You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you listening in Muscat, Capital of Oman!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Time Out Tuesday and your host, Diane WyzgaMy very dear friend, colleague and newly launched podcast host, Mark O’Brien, invited me to share 60 minutes of radio air time with him on his program The Anxious Voyage talking about living life, making a ruckus, and lifting up this tired world as only two storytellers can.  Our conversation was intimate, insightful, and illuminating ranging from adversity to accomplishment, tragedy to triumph. As Mark said, “If you don't know Diane Wyzga, you should. If you watch this show, you'll want to.” NOTE: You can find recordings of the show on:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4cXoftnMYJ7bREYG-K9engLinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/ezZYpE-xFacebook: https://lnkd.in/emAvkGXBand on your favorite podcast app. All links are in the Episode Notes.CTA: Please be sure to watch our show on The Anxious Voyage on Dreamvisions 7 Radio Network and subscribe to Mark’s program! As I have always said “Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Because if you don’t go you won’t know.You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you listening in Fredricton, New Brunswick, Canada!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.Question: Are origin and brand stories one and the same? Not at all. While origin stories and brand stories share similarities, they serve distinct purposes in the realm of storytelling and branding.Origin Story: An origin story typically focuses on how your work began, your journey, and the foundational moments that define professional or organizational identity.  You’ve heard me talk about the "archeological dig" to get to your origin story. It’s your Who. It precedes your Why. Origin stories often highlight the challenges you’ve overcome, your values, and the mission or purpose that drives your work. This is the most consequential story you’ll ever create because it tells how you got from there to here, bringing your particular vision into existence.Brand Story: On the other hand, a brand story encompasses a broader narrative that builds on the foundational origin story. Its role is to show the ongoing evolution, present-day identity, and how the values, mission, and personality of the brand are incorporated in the process. It’s your Why. This overall narrative shapes how the brand is perceived and how it connects with your audience.Question: Now that you know the difference between the stories that are key to building your identity and connecting with your audience, what motivates you to create and tell them? What’s your project? How can I help?You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you listening in Glendora, California!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.What is a story? In its most basic form: “That was - Something happened - This is." Here’s more: "A story is content plus context."  Our human brains crave meaning. Without context you are left with a list of unrelated facts. Our human brains also create meaning. As a result, widely held but false narratives can become firmly embedded in people’s need to believe things.Why should we care? Unless we are very clear about the stories we tell we might end up imprisoned by irresponsible narratives based on inaccurate memories. As we look around the world we are witness to “arsenals of memories.”I cannot say whose memories are accurate or not. All I can do is sift through the clues of my life, how I live, what I value, or what my experiences, hardships and achievements have taught me. I have to look closely at the archeological remains of my life to begin to comprehend my story with compassion, insight and humor. Is it true? Or, do I owe my story another look? Am I curious about the accuracy of the narrative that I have been telling and the one that I could be telling?Story Prompt: What might it take for you to leave behind the habitual parroting of boring story lines to delve deep into the emotions, sensory images, and experiences of your story with compassion, insight and humor? Write that story!You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.

Hello, to you listening in Wasilla, Alaska!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Thoughts on Thursday and your host, Diane Wyzga.Not too very long ago I met up with Michael Alvarez on the editorial staff of Bold Journey magazine. For over 10 years using stories gleaned from the experiences of people just like us, Bold Journey has created a place to have conversations around human challenges – thriving after divorce, bouncing back after a layoff, overcoming imposter syndrome, or developing the ability to ignore haters. Why? So we might learn from, support and inspire each other.Michael’s first interview question to me was a surprise: How did you find your purpose? My answer was equally surprising: “I didn’t. Purpose came looking for me.”CTA: If you are curious to learn what happened next, I invite you to click to read the article, Finding & Living With Purpose or on the Bold Journey home page. While there take time to read stores of others who have overcome challenges. Why? So we might learn from, support and inspire each other. You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.

Hello to you listening in Belleville, Ontario, Canada!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.What if you invested in your brand/origin story with a co-creator? For 30 years, I’ve helped professionals take their story from a message only they could hear to the publishing world, the courtroom, hospitals, board meetings, the airwaves, and more. Stories that swayed juries. Built markets. Spread ideas. Changed things.Today I help people find the words they didn’t know they had to tell the most consequential story of their life: the story of how they got from there to here. What happens next? You connect with, engage and enliven your audience to action while transforming the lives of those you serve.What might you get personally and professionally when you co-create your brand/origin story with me?  • Discover your Who, your genuine self, values, how you work, why, and for whom;  • Become increasingly adept at claiming your talents, skills and contributions;• Demonstrate your particular expertise;• Stay motivated while developing your projects; and,• Come face-to-face with the fact that no one in history has your voice, your mix of skills, talents, and ways to use them. You are your brand story!CTA: Investing in co-creating your brand/origin story is absolutely critical for personal as well as business and marketing purposes. It’s the most consequential story of your life. How you got from there to here so that you connect with, engage and influence your audience to action while transforming the lives of those you serve. Curious? I can help. Email me at [email protected].  When you summon the courage to say “Yes!” that’s the place where your story changes.You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.

Hello to you listening in Hebden Bridge, a market town in the Calderdale district of West Yorkshire, England!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Time Out Tuesday and your host, Diane Wyzga.You’ve heard his music as the backdrop for my 60 Seconds podcast episodes, my guest interviews, and most recently my newly launched Quarter Moon Story Arts NewsAudioLetter. Steve Schuck is my delightfully complex and complicated - as family members of Creatives might agree - musician, recording artist, song writer, author, and brother-in-law. His label, Night Heron Music, has received multiple awards.But Steve and I also share a love of poetry. All Hallows by recently deceased Nobel Prize winning poet Louise Gluck is one of his favorite seasonal poems. We thought you might enjoy it.All Hallows"Even now this landscape is assembling.The hills darken. The oxensleep in their blue yoke,the fields having beenpicked clean, the sheavesbound evenly and piled at the roadsideamong cinquefoil, as the toothed moon rises:This is the barrennessof harvest or pestilence.And the wife leaning out the windowwith her hand extended, as in payment,and the seedsdistinct, gold, callingCome hereCome here, little oneAnd the soul creeps out of the tree." [~ Louise Gluck, from her first book of poems, The House on Marshland]You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.

Hello to you listening in Londrina, Brazil!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane WyzgaMy very dear friend, colleague and newly launched podcast host, Mark O’Brien, has invited me to share 60 minutes of radio air time with him on his program The Anxious Voyage talking about living life, making a ruckus, and lifting up this tired world as only two storytellers can.  Check out the description of the upcoming show on Dreamvisions 7 Radio Network. Seventh Episode: Letting Go of the Handlebars: Diane Wyzga. Lieutenant, U.S. Navy Nurse Corps. Attorney. Litigation consultant. Corporate trainer and keynoter. Workshop creator and facilitator . Podcaster. Camino de Santiago pilgrim. Storyteller and storytelling coach. Incest survivor. Divorce survivor. Glass ceiling smasher. How many people does that describe? Just one. Her name is Diane Wyzga. She’s here on the planet to show us how much we can overcome, how much we can accomplish, and how much farther we can get when we believe in ourselves. Diane will be with me to share what a life well-lived can be. We both hope you’ll join us.All the links to watch and listen live on Monday 10th November at 10AM Pacific, 11AM Mountain, Noon Central and 1PM Eastern are posted here in the Episode Notes.You can watch the show live at https://lnkd.in/eCXQdGgYYou can listen to the show live at https://lnkd.in/eZxQjyH3After it airs, you can find recordings of the show on:LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/ezZYpE-xFacebook: https://lnkd.in/emAvkGXBYouTube: https://lnkd.in/enCWUN8Hand on your favorite podcast app.Be sure to join us! As I have always said “Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Because if you don’t go you won’t know.You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you listening in Salta, Argentina!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.Claiming your origin story is not for sissies. Claiming your origin story begins with an archeological dig - on yourself. What’s that? An archeological dig is an excavation! Excavation exposes, processes and records archaeological remains. Those remains are the clues to your life, how you live, what you value, your experiences, hardships and  achievements. It’s not an easy project; not everyone gets to do this. But for those who say “I want to know who I am!”, there are treasures untold to be found.CTA: I invite you to leave behind the habitual parroting of boring story lines to delve deep into emotions, sensory images, and experiences with compassion, insight and humor. When we consciously engage with our story we practice genuine communication with ourselves. When we learn how to genuinely communicate with ourselves, we can use these same tools to share our message, values, and truth so we are seen, heard, understood, and listened to.  Story Prompt: What’s your excavation project? Write that story!  You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.

Hello to you listening in Painesville, Ohio!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Thoughts on Thursday and your host, Diane Wyzga.  Let’s call it like it is: We are living in decidedly difficult times. As a result we might feel restless, anxious, irritable, impatient or just plain cranky. That negative tension fills our body affecting us from head to toe so we have difficulty managing even simple everyday situations.In my experience breathing exercises hold the key to relief. Practical Tip:  Try this: sit quietly and begin to breathe slowly in and out. With each breath calm your mind by releasing troubling thoughts. Focus on the ways in which your body begins to relax. Encourage your body to reach deeper states of calm by breathing more slowly, more deeply. You might repeat to yourself: "Breathing in, I know I am alive; breathing out, I smile to life in me and around me." With this simple technique you are decreasing stress, anxiety, and fear.  Question? How does this work? Answer: Breathing deeply floods your system with oxygen and calms you. By mindfully slowing your breath, you send a signal to your body that all is well, peace is within you. As soon as you become aware of tension rising in you begin slowly and deeply breathing to dispel the anxiety you feel. It works. Guaranteed.  You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.

Hello to you listening in Sofia, Capital of Bulgaria, Europe! Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington, this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.Albert Einstein, a world famous scientist, asserted, "Imagination is more important than knowledge." Why is that? The reason is simple: our imagination isn't just a creative tool; having an imagination and using our imagination influences everything we do, think about and create. Our imagination is the driving force behind our theories, dreams,  inventions, ideas, innovations, creations, and solutions. Without the power to imagine and dream we could not unlock the boundless possibilities our minds can envision.But wait! There’s more to this tale. Imagination is the beating heart of storytelling! It allows both storyteller and listener to co-create mental images and emotional connections with the narrative. Imagination is the bridge between the words or images used in the story and the experience of being in the story. When you engage your listener’s imagination with what I call a “heartfelt story artfully told” you invite them into the very heart of your narrative where they can see parallels in the story's plot and characters, and the events and people in their own life.Question: How does this work?Answer: To learn more click this LINK to listen to my newly launched Quarter Moon Story Arts NewsAudioLetter where I talk about the role of imagination to captivate, invigorate and empower your audience. As I’ve taught for 30 years, “heartfelt stories artfully told” have the power to foster community, understanding and empathy, improve attitudes and behaviors, collectively overcome challenges, and ultimately, change lives for a more harmonious world.Learn more about what I call the “sorcery of stories” so we can meet a world-wide need: hope and better stories!  Each One Lift One: Of course, feel welcome to spread my NewsAudioLetter all over like grape jelly on a toddler!If you've not yet subscribed, please Opt In, get a valuable bonus gift, stay in touch. The Opt In LINK can be found right here OR under the black band at the bottom of the NewsAudioLetter. I plan to issue short, sweet, value-packed monthly audio-editions with tips, ideas, and techniques for story-ing. “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!”CTA: Til our next episode, what’s your project? How can I help?You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.

Hello to you listening in Middletown, New Jersey!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is the Witch of Whidbey with 60 Seconds for Time Out Tuesday this All Hallow’s Eve.Maybe like me you were discouraged from displaying your womanly witchy powers, dabbling in sparks of magic that would heal the world, seeing beyond the everyday reality to the knowledge of imagination.Maybe a witch saw you for who you really are, took you by the hand and said “Now! The time is now to choose your magic.”Maybe it’s as simple as receiving a poem from Donna Ashworth to remind yourself of the woman you are:THE WITCH WOUND“They call it the witch wound.We were punished you see, broken, slain, for shining too brightly.So we learned to hide that spark.We learned to play it down, play dumb, play dead.And we were taught to fear the light within us, lest it herald our downfallBut not anymore.You are not a wicked witch my friend, you are quite simply, or complicatedly, a woman.And your magic is not something you can choose, or lose.It always is, and always has lived within you.And you need no longer hide it.I call it the witch wound, but the time to heal is here.Now.Let that magic out.” [~Donna Ashworth]WORDS: Witch Wound, from ‘Wild Hope’   UK: https://amzn.eu/d/2j0Nquu   US: https://a.co/d/h6FEaTvYou’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.

Hello to you listening in Humacao, Puerto Rico!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.Maybe like me you’ve felt that you have no story to tell; or, if you did no one would listen. If there is one thing that unites us all it’s this: we each have a particular story at the core of our lives. I call this our origin story. When we own our origin story, share our origin story, invite others to do the same we leading with courage. How so? By trusting in the hardships that have led us to a place of transformation, we can connect with, engage, enliven, and kick open the doors for others to help them shift attitudes, behaviors, cultures.Give me 15 minutes and I’ll share with you 3 key reasons why your story time has come. Click the LINK in the Episode Notes to access my InsteadTalks YouTube video. If the image is blurry blame it on technical hiccups. Instead, just listen to "the music of the spoken word."CTA: If claiming your origin story sounds like something you’ve been waiting for then join me at Quarter Moon Story Arts! What’s your project? How can I help?You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you listening in Quito, Ecuador!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.Stories possess the remarkable ability to connect, engage, enliven, and transform a world often marked by division. Like now. Personal narratives driven by self-compassion serve as powerful countermeasures against hate, fear, and violence. Through storytelling individuals can embark on a journey of self-discovery, uncovering their true selves and establishing dependability in their communication.The essence of storytelling is ingrained in our human survival experience, thriving on imagination. Images resonate deeply, triggering sensations that, in turn, invoke memories, creating profound meaning that spurs action. Unearthing our personal stories points the way to our genuine selves. Sharing these stories enables us to cultivate the trustworthiness needed to foster societal and cultural interaction and transformation.But not just any story holds this remarkable power. I’m talking about the stories born from recognizing our own sorrows and longings felt as prejudice, discrimination, neglect, or perhaps humiliation, betrayal, desperation, or anger. But power to what purpose? That these stories might lead us to a place of comprehension, empathy, even forgiveness.  What if we’ve been handed a chance to acknowledge the alienating circumstances we've created as catalysts for awareness and action. What if in the face of our insecurities, we can gather around new possibilities, collaborating with our ideas, imaginations, and empathy for the fragile human condition. What if in these times of profound discord and personal anxiety, our deeply understood stories of personal compassion, forgiveness, and transformation from superficial to genuine can bring us together in unexpected ways. But how do we get there?Story Prompt: What if you could show us The Way of the Storyteller? Write that story!Practical Tip: The magic of stories is also in the sharing. If you wish share your story with someone or something.   All that matters is you have a story.You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you listening in Los Lunas, New Mexico!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Thoughts on Thursday and your host, Diane Wyzga.Maybe like me you know molasses but not it’s British cousin treacle. Think thick, dark, viscous, sticky syrup. Good for treating snakebites and industrial food use.Maybe there have been days when you’ve felt like you’re slogging through black treacle syrup to get to the other side; but can’t quite make it. Maybe progress on your project seems impossible. Or, you can’t work out the next step, figure out a course of action no matter how hard you try. What happens next?  It could be as simple as recognizing that you’re at an impasse. This feeling is a red flag saying your state of mind has shifted, you will not do your best work by muscling through. It’s a good time to stand down, take a break, focus on something else, or invite help.  Question: How long will it take to restore your sense of clarity? It depends. What matters is that you’ve noticed something’s hindering your forward progress. That’s your wisdom speaking!  Practical Tip: Consider a reframe of your current situation to help restore a determined state of mind. Consider your options based on prior experiences. When has something like this happened to you before? How did you overcome it? What lesson learned then can apply to now? Take your time sorting it out. You will prevail. Black treacle syrup is just ..... syrup.Meanwhile, where are you stuck? How can I help?You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you listening in Olot, province of Girona in the Catalonia region of Spain!  Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington, this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.Question: How Do Stories Enliven & Empower Listeners? Give me 8 minutes and I’ll tell you. Click this LINK to listen to my newly launched Quarter Moon Story Arts NewsAudioLetter where I talk about the role of imagination to captivate, invigorate and empower your audience. As I’ve taught for 30 years, “heartfelt stories artfully told” have the power to foster community, understanding and empathy, improve attitudes and behaviors, collectively overcome challenges, and ultimately, change lives for a more harmonious world.Learn more about what I call the "sorcery of stories" so that we can meet a world-wide need: hope and better stories!  Of course, feel welcome to spread my NewsAudioLetter all over like grape jelly on a toddler!If you've not yet subscribed, please Opt In, get a valuable bonus gift, stay in touch. The Opt In link can be found under the black band at the bottom of the NewsAudioLetter. I plan to issue short, sweet, value-packed monthly audio-editions with tips, ideas, and techniques for story-ing. “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!”Question: Til our next episode, what’s your project? How can I help? You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you and Happy Birthday Marty Wyzga listening in Parker, Colorado! Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Time Out Tuesday and your host, Diane Wyzga.Since 17th September I’ve been virtually retracing my pilgrimage steps on the Camino de Santiago, an annual ritual to remind me what I gained, what I was willing to toss away, marking my life as BC & AC: Before Camino and After Camino.That cold dark morning I climbed the wet mountain trail to arrive at the Cruz de Ferro - also called the Iron Cross - bearing rocks for 16 friends and family members. Funny to be carrying all that extra weight when our packs are supposed to be pared down to the least we need. But I had promised that I would include my beloveds in this Camino ritual to set down burdens by leaving a rock and a prayer  - even symbolically - leaving behind for them the weight of fears, heartbreak, mistakes, regrets, disappointments. For me it was fear of poverty.  What the Camino gave me then and continues to give me now is a profound sense of community I’ve found nowhere else. Whether we prayed for ourselves at the Cruz de Ferro or for the state of the world or for something in between I just know that our prayers were heard. And answered; but perhaps not in the way we expected. Why? Because we don’t get what we ask for; we get what we dream of. And that might take time to recognize.Know this: we are all pilgrims on the road walking each other home the best way we can with compassion, stories, and believing that Each One Lift One is the way of the Buen Camino.You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you listening in Ada, Oklahoma! Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.So often we are told to be quiet and hide our light of achievement under a bushel basket which, frankly, is really dumb advice. I suggest that starting now we practice Celebrating Everything! Let’s recognize the full scope of our achievements, abundance, resources, assets, talents, network of support, faith, family, friends, listeners like you and more!Today, give me 8 minutes and I’ll give you the “sorcery of stories” as you listen to the inaugural issue of my NewsAudioLetter. Click this LINK to learn more about the power of imagination and how stories enliven and empower listeners. I trust this meets a world-wide need: hope and delight no matter where your feet touch the ground!  Of course, please go ahead and spread my NewsAudioLetter all around like grape jelly on a toddler.And, if you've not yet subscribed, feel welcome to Opt In, get a quality bonus gift, stay in touch. I plan to issue short, value-packed monthly editions with tips, ideas, and techniques for story-ing. The Opt In link can be found under the black band at the bottom of the NewsAudioLetter. “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!”Til our next episode, what’s your project? How can I help? You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you listening in Bogor, Indonesia!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.My Camino pilgrimage journal reveals my tendency to complain about the various discomforts and challenges along the way. I grumbled about rocky paths, ill-fitting gear, and ever-changing weather leading me to consider quitting not long after I had started out. I wondered whether I had what it took to keep going, even a little bit.  And then this transformative moment during a scorching trek to Zubiri when I walked with other pilgrims: a Korean opera singer who sang “O Solo Mio” a capella, filling the air with his resonant voice; a French woman who found humor in clothes I had pinned to my backpack like a mobile shopping cart; and, a local woman who pointed me toward the nearby village for the albergue with a simple “poco.”The necessity of these times is so that we can look back in wonder and fall on our knees in GRATITUDE for all the help that comes from unexpected places and people who - unbeknownst to us - are quietly conspiring on our behalf. If we do not feel grateful for what we already have what makes us think we would be happy with more?  Story Prompt: Who reassured you when you felt uncertain and grumbling so that you could keep going with gratitude? Write that story!  Practical Tip: The magic of stories is also in the sharing. If you wish share your story with someone or something.   All that matters is you have a story.You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you listening in Dudley, Massachusetts! Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Thoughts on Thursday and your host, Diane Wyzga.As I virtually retrace my Camino pilgrimage steps, I’ve been reflecting on my origin story with all its wrong turns. It’s natural to believe that only our wise and successful choices should shape our origin story. I’m here to tell you that sometimes, in the grand scheme of Life, our errors are the very things that save us. As Clarice Lispector beautifully put it, we won't find salvation until we cherish our mistakes. [“Out of a whole lifetime, by God, sometimes the only thing that saves a person is error, and I know that we shall not be saved so long as our error is not precious to us.” ~ Clarice Lispector, from the story “Mineirinho”]Embracing our wrong turns, dead ends, and missteps is essential because they serve as invaluable teachers. Through these errors, we discover who we aren't meant to be and what paths aren't meant for us. In our mistakes we discover our unique and powerful origin story. Practical Tip: When my clients ask me how to uncover their powerful origin story and where to begin, I tell them: "Start as if everything will fall into place by simply taking the first step." And you know what? It does. What’s your project? How can I help?You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you and Happy Birthday, Steve Wyzga, in Frederick, Maryland! Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.My brother Steve possess a remarkable talent for turning adversity into opportunity. He came to mind as I stood in the albergue kitchen, filled with doubt and self-pity on a cold, dark, wet morning along the Camino. Having fallen ill due to the close quarters in 40-bed pilgrim dorms, I also had limited foul weather gear, a meager breakfast of hot water, and a black mood as I contemplated my next move.Then, a fellow pilgrim walked into the small kitchen wearing a dark tee shirt. In that moment I recalled a favorite quote: “In life, many things will catch your eye, but few will catch your heart; follow those." What caught my heart was the word "ADJUST" in bold white letters on the back of his shirt. This was Steve's way, and it would be mine, too. To hell with fears! I’m heading out!Question: What inspired you to summon the courage to continue your journey in challenging times? What’s your project? How can I help you get back on the road again?You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you listening in Dianella, Stirling, Western Australia!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Time Out Tuesday and your host, Diane Wyzga.  It’s often said our hesitations and miseries stem from our fear of solitude, of being unable to sit quietly. What if we embraced quiet moments of reflection, allowing ourselves to daydream? This might lead to self-discovery about what’s been holding you back, practical advice and the courage to  embark on a new journey. Now! The time has come! I am ready.For those waiting for a sign to start, know this: that moment will come - you will be called to set out. The power of quiet contemplation is preparing you for your adventure.Practical Tip: Whether you are ready or getting ready to be ready, what’s your project. How can I help? You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you listening in  Kokomo, Indiana!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.Each year at this time my Camino de Santiago memories come to life as I retrace my pilgrimage steps through the pages of my journal. Why this annual ritual? It’s a witness to my life: how I lived life before Camino and living it after Camino.In truth I want to relive the memories like strolling down a cobblestone village street, entering a small bar for a glass of vino tinto, and savoring it outside with a view of the Meseta, the vast plains I traversed. I recall an elderly gentleman joining me, finding peace in the Meseta's tranquility. After returning my glass the bar owner proudly displayed a yellowed article: the Tempranillo he served me had earned recognition in The Wine Enthusiast. He was so proud of what he had produced in his vineyards.I revisit these experiences because they’ve become a guide emphasizing the wisdom of looking back when unsure of the way forward. Looking back at where you’ve been can reveal the future of where you should go.Question: How do you reflect on the past to navigate your future? And, if you could use a guide what’s your project? How can I help?You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you listening in Atapuerca, Spain, home of a World Heritage UNESCO archeological site!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.I‘ve been virtually retracing my Camino de Santiago pilgrimage steps - 5 weeks, 500 miles - as I do every year on the anniversary. Memories of shared meals hold a special place in my heart as a significant part of my pilgrim journey. Some albergues offered a pilgrim dinner menu for 5 or 7 Euros, including vino tinto, spaghetti, lentils, French Fries, fried trout, green beans with garlic, and perhaps a green salad or fruit for dessert.One memorable night when the albergue hospitelero was unable to prepare their signature paella dish we pilgrims set out into the village to buy supplies from the small mercado. Working together we prepared a simple but delicious meal: sliced tomatoes, potatoes boiled in their jackets, diced bacon with wilted spinach, and huevos fritos: eggs basted in copious amounts of olive oil. I recall the shared effort and the profound sense of togetherness it represented.  Story Prompt: What has made a meal memorable to you? Write that story! Practical Tip: The magic of stories is also in the sharing. If you wish share your story with someone or something.   All that matters is you have a story.You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session, ✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.

Hello to you listening in Travelers Rest, South Carolina!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Thoughts on Thursday and your host, Diane Wyzga.I learned to sail many decades ago in a tiny boat: an 8 foot by 4 foot El Toro, a single-handed, single-masted, fiberglass dinghy. I sailed her in the challenging waters of Norfolk, Virginia’s shipping lanes with crazy currents, shifting winds, freighters, container ships, and USNavy vessel traffic.Navigating challenging conditions taught me valuable lessons applicable to life goals. Setting a clear Destination, having a well-defined Direction, and maintaining a single-minded Intention to my purpose were crucial for safety and success. As the skipper of my tiny boat I understood I could not control external forces but needed to work with them.  Practical Tip: My analogy underscores the importance of aligning purpose with planning to reach your desire. Adopting a single-minded and resolute approach to goal setting allows you to stay focused on your desired destination while adapting your plans to changing circumstances and  confidently facing unexpected events on your own terms. When you are doing the best you can with what you have all that matters is the time it took for you to fulfill your journey.  NOTE: If you want to see the tiny El Toro in action, check the Episode Notes for a YouTube link to a video recap of the 2021 El Toro Regatta at the Center for Wooden Boats at South Lake Union in Seattle.You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer ,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session ,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.

Hello! to you and each of you listening all around the world!  Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.What a remarkable journey we’ve been on! In just over three years Stories From Women Who Walk - initially  featuring stories about women navigating life’s challenges - has grown into something even more inspiring. I introduced daily 60 Seconds episodes in response to your desire for bite-sized inspirational, motivational and thought-provoking content resulting in an impressive milestone of more than 155,000 global plays. Thank you for walking along while we share the “sorcery of stories” side by side!Over the months I expanded into on-land story courses,  established a new website, Quarter Moon Story Arts, with Services tailored to meet your communication needs and desires, launched a NewsAudioLetter with meaningful content, and collaborated on guest appearances, client growth and recognition as a conference speaker. My mission remains to help you clarify your ideas and amplify your message so that you connect with, engage, inspire, and enliven your audience to action while transforming the lives of those you serve.CTA: Whether you are ready to work with me now or preparing for future collaboration I stand committed to helping you with your communication transformation so you are seen, heard, understood and listened to. I encourage everyone to explore Quarter Moon Story Arts website, take advantage of the many resources, and subscribe to the monthly NewsAudioLetter using the direct links in the Episode Notes. Thank you and here's to our continued success and storytelling magic!You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer ,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session ,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.

Hello to you listening in Riga, Capital of Latvia!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Time Out Tuesday and your host, Diane Wyzga.Maybe like me you’ve dared to throw caution to the wind to let your imagination run wild and free, inspiring others to challenge conventional ideas. Maybe you feel like a weirdo. But when our loved ones and colleagues see us challenging the so-called notions of what can and can not be, they feel emboldened to explore their own out-of-the-box concepts.Sharing your creative thoughts and positive outcomes encourages a ripple effect, as Rebecca Solnit beautifully puts it, "The grounds for hope are in the shadows, in the people who are inventing the world while no one looks."Practical Tip: By sharing your wild and innovative ideas, you invite others to contribute their examples of change, innovation, and transformation. It's a guaranteed way to foster positive change and creativity!“The grounds for hopeare in the shadows, inthe people who areinventing the worldwhile no one looks,who themselves don’tknow yet whether theywill have any effect." [~ Rebecca Solnit] You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session, ✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you listening in Camden and Lincolnville, Maine!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.My friend John Ostrand owns and operates Green Tree Coffee & Tea in Lincolnville, Maine.  It’s my go-to source for coffee beans despite the coffee mecca in Washington State.What does the war in Ukraine have to do with roasting coffee beans in Camden, Maine? Maks Isakov and his family fled the war in Ukraine ending up in Mid-Coast Maine in 2022. John and the community are supporting Maks in launching his coffee company, Kavka Coffee, and eventually creating a welcoming coffee café for storytelling and connections.From the Soul of Ukraine. Roasted on the Coast of Maine. What are the chances? For those who may not be able to tell one cup of coffee from another, Kavka Coffee takes pride in crafting exceptional blends from specialty Arabica coffee beans, and they're committed to donating $1 per bag of coffee sold to Ukraine humanitarian efforts, as well as eventually local charities in Maine. Kavka will make your day special from the very first sip. Buy a few bags. I did! The direct Shopping link:  Shop Kavka Coffee here: To further support Maks and Kavka Coffee, I’m highlighting their Kickstarter funding goal of raising $9,000.00 so Maks can buy a coffee bean roasting machine of his own. The direct link is in the Episode Notes. But, time is running out. This is an all or nothing deal! Your support must arrive by the deadline of October 18th, 2023, 9:17AM PDT.  Let’s do our part. I did! Each One Lift One is how we roll here!Funding Kickstarter Project hereYou’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer ,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session ,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you listening in Davos, Switzerland!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.I was preparing a storytelling workshop series for professional women who wanted to craft their origin story when I came across a scrap of paper with these lines:    “No life, however charmed, is un-visited by searing disappointment, numbing grief, chilling betrayal, dull routine, crushing defeat, or exasperating detail. And there is a great restorative dignity and holy self-empowerment in playing to the best of one’s ability the hand one is dealt, however unwinning it may seem.”[William Sebrans]It’s the perfect workshop opening. Why? Because these words call on us story makers, shapers, keepers, and tellers to face the rough stuff, heels dragging in the dirt, kicking and fighting along the way for no other reason than to restore our holy selves by playing the hand we’ve been dealt. It’s the way of the world.Story Prompt: As your stories grow you, slowly revealing their secrets, how are you playing the wretched and noble hand you’ve been dealt? Write that story!Practical Tip: The magic of stories is also in the sharing. If you wish share your story with someone or something.   All that matters is you have a story.You’re invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a nice shout out on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time! Remember to stop by the website, check out the Services, arrange a Discovery Call, and Opt In to stay current with Diane and Quarter Moon Story Arts and on LinkedIn.  Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present: for credit & attribution Quarter Moon Story Arts

Hello to you listening in Canandaigua, New York!  Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Thoughts on Thursday and your host, Diane Wyzga.Question: What connects art and literature? The answer might sound too simple to be true. Imagination. And yet, the answer has never lost its truth.This from Australian artist, writer and filmmaker Shaun Tan:  “Being able to exercise your mind to imagine other ways of existing, and being able to get excited about that, to pre-visualize, to feel in advance something hopeful. Facts and logic don’t seem to cut it with humanity. Even fear and crisis don’t afford the proportional response – in the face of slow death we drag our heels and turn inward, we elect false leaders, we make excuses. The real motivation for change has to be positive, being able to imagine things already getting better. Stories have a huge role to play here, given that every significant change that’s ever happened in human society has begun with someone telling a story, for better or worse. As artists and writers, we have a natural bias toward truth and honesty, so our stories can be strong and enduring. Not necessarily right or wrong, but able to advance the imagination towards positive, motivating feelings, to have conceptual enthusiasm, beyond the terror of facts and seemingly insurmountable problems.”Question: How does your art, your writing, your particular way of being in the world advance our human imagination and society? CTA: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, follow, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. You’re invited:  Remember to stop by the website, check out the Services, arrange a Discovery Call, and Opt In to stay current with Diane and Quarter Moon Story Arts and on LinkedIn.  Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present: for credit & attribution Quarter Moon Story Arts

Hello to you listening in Port Townsend, Washington!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.Admiralty Head Lighthouse harkens back to the day of sailing ships powered by wind. When the ships entered the Strait of San Juan de Fuca from the Pacific Ocean the ship captain would know to steer a hard right to starboard when he saw the blazing beacon from the Lighthouse high on a bluff 127 feet above Admiralty Inlet before continuing safely south to Puget Sound and on into Seattle. Each lighthouse - no matter where in the world - has its very own distinctive light pattern, or signature. Lighthouses mark points of navigation, warn about dangerous coastlines, and guide ships into a safe harbor.But not all harbors are created equal for all boats. Some are for deep draft vessels, others for pleasure craft, and so on. Here’s the thing about a lighthouse: it doesn’t run up and down the coast beckoning all boats to its harbor. It serves a specifically sized boat.Question: Lighthouses don’t chase boats; why do you chase clients? What is it only you have to offer? Who needs it  and wants it? How will you attract your particular client with your very own distinctive beacon of light? And, how will they know you are signaling them?Call to Action: If this episode resonates with you and you’re looking for someone to help navigate you and your message, contact me on LinkedIn or Quarter Moon Story Arts for a consult.  You’re invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a nice shout out on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time! Remember to stop by the website, check out the Services, arrange a Discovery Call, and Opt In to stay current with Diane and Quarter Moon Story Arts and on LinkedIn. Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present: for credit & attribution Quarter Moon Story Arts

Hello to you listening in Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Spain!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Time Out Tuesday and your host, Diane Wyzga.One morning on the Camino I called ahead to inquire about an available bed in an albergue I hoped to reach by the end of my day. The hospitelero who answered the phone asked, “How many pilgrims?” I realized he meant me; I was no tourist, I was a pilgrim. And like pilgrims who have gone before me I was learning to rely on the kindness of strangers and Camino magic when I most needed it.What do I mean?  It was still quite dark when I set out on Sunday morning leaving town on the dirt path that led me to the Laguna - a place where witchcraft had been practiced since the 16th Century. I kept walking as the dense mist over the water obscured the path until I looked up to see that I was lost - in an industrial area - shuttered for the weekend - a few chained dogs who lunged and barked. I was quite lost. Now what?And truly - out of nowhere appeared a man in dirty coveralls. I asked him “Donde esta la camino?” He vaguely waved toward a dirt path uttering some words in Spanish, one I recognized: fabricante (factory). After taking a few hesitant steps I turned back to thank him; but he was gone. Just gone. I kept walking another 30 minutes in the direction he had signaled until I found the factory, crawled under a chain link fence, tumbled down into a ditch, scrambled up the other side, crossed a 2-lane road and there it was: the small familiar blue and yellow sign with the scallop shell; I was back on the Camino.Here’s the thing: when you feel like you are quite lost, hold it with both hands and trust. Trust that the kindness of strangers will show you the way. You’re invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a nice shout out on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time! Remember to stop by the website, check out the Services, arrange a Discovery Call, and Opt In to stay current with Diane and Quarter Moon Story Arts and on LinkedIn.  Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present: for credit & attribution Quarter Moon Story Arts

Hello to you listening in Navarette, Spain!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.I have been retracing my boot steps across Spain as I remember the anniversary of my Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. 5 weeks - 500 miles - border to border.My journal reminds me how hot, tired, fatigued, and doubtful I often felt. Early on in the first week I wrote this line, “I don’t make a very good pilgrim.”What was I thinking? At that point I was still walking in my old shoes, my old habits, my old thoughts. I had not yet put my head and heart and body into sync. Until you learn this lesson you will likely feel that you don’t make a good pilgrim - whatever that means for you. It is both the curse and the blessing of the Camino; but the only way that you will learn.I can’t say today whether I make a good pilgrim or not. I can say I have walked a path I will never walk again and yet here I am retracing my boot steps across Spain. As you walk into your week I greet you: Buen Camino, peregrino!You’re invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a nice shout out on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time! Remember to stop by the website, check out the Services, arrange a Discovery Call, and Opt In to stay current with Diane and Quarter Moon Story Arts and on LinkedIn. Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present: for credit & attribution Quarter Moon Story Arts 

Hello to you listening in Roseau, Capital of Dominica, Lesser Antilles!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.Many people are under the impression that the Hero’s Journey made famous by Joseph Campbell is about an external journey to vanquish foes and return with some Truth.In truth, the real journey is an internal one. The Hero is called to a task that is not at the surface of her being; rather, the task requires her to do what I have called for some 30 years now an “archeological dig on oneself.” It’s serious stuff. No wonder the Hero resists.We think we can remain emotionally safe by hiding our vulnerability. The problem is that as long as we resist the call (and I know well how I resisted the call to leave behind my Voiceless Victim self) we will never be able to live our Truth, never experience our Essence.Yes, the Hero goes out on a quest; but that external journey is just the stage on which the story is played. Saying Yes! to the Hero’s Journey begins the inner journey work, the transformation that allows us to move out of our fear to courage, from being stuck in our old identity to living alive and awake, realizing our true potential, fulfilling our destiny, or experiencing our longed-for heart’s desire.Story Prompt: What are you finally ready to trade by saying Yes! to walking the Hero’s Journey? Write that story!  And, if you could use a hand with your transformation work, I'm here at Quarter Moon Story Arts!   Contact me.    You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.

Hello to you listening in Gray’s Point, Sydney, Australia!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Thoughts on Thursday and your host, Diane Wyzga.Maybe like me you’re curious about how to stick with the practice of letting go of your unhelpful reactive habits to arrive at your spiritual grounded center. I can tell you this about that. The more progress you make the more difficult it might feel. Don’t worry about that. As you make progress toward your grounded center, be aware of letting go and focus on becoming more conscious, more grounded.Practical Tip: As an example that might be of use I can tell you I was dreading going home for another ritualized, duty-bound family Christmas holiday with all the drama and upset that these gatherings can bring up. The advice I was given was to simply be there, observe, experience the experience of observing while being in the present moment. Do your best to quiet the chattering Monkey Mind with its unrelenting 24/7 static. Let go of reacting. Let go of discomfort. Let go of fear. Let go of righteous, opinionated, judgmental habits. Come back to your breath, sit with compassion, forgiveness and peace of mind for yourself. Even if you can manage this for only a few minutes at a time those minutes will grow as you do! Guaranteed! Because we’ve decided we’re done with hard times messing with our mind.You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.

Hello to you listening in Ilhéus, State of Bahia, Brazil!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.StruggleYou want a communication transformation.You have something to say but may not know the words to create the change you want to see.You want to advance your business, practice or cause, but don’t know how to say what you mean in your own voice.   You want to win a case, sell an idea, share a vision, or launch a book, but your story idea is vague.You want to connect with, engage and influence your audience, but can’t find the story that will lead them to action.SolutionI’m Diane, your story guide. I help professionals like you find the words you didn’t think you had so that you can create a successful:   Origin or Brand Story   Book or Business Idea   Keynote, Presentation or Workshop Series   About Page story that’s really about you   Purpose / Mission / Vision Statement aligned with your valuesResultSo that you:Clarify your story message, direction and strategy,  Remove hurdles and obstacles,Develop a plan with tools you can use to build your vision,Speak with confidence and conviction to make the change you seek, andAmplify your message by being seen, heard and understood, and listened to while transforming the lives of those you serveCTA: Whether you are ready to work with me as your trusted story guide or getting ready to be ready, I’m here to support you at Quarter Moon Story Arts!  Please stop by to check out the Services, listen to the Audios, subscribe to the NewsAudioLetter, and receive a practical, worthwhile bonus just for signing up! Take advantage of how easy it is to connect with me. All the links are right below. Just Click to be transported to where you want to go!You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.

Hello to you Patrice Kealy celebrating your Happy Birthday up in the Lovely Land of Maine!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Time Out Tuesday and your host, Diane Wyzga.  In her book “Wanderlust: A History of Walking  author Rebecca Solnit captures solitary ambling perfectly: “Walking, ideally, is a state in which the mind, the body, and the world are aligned, as though they were three characters finally in conversation together, three notes suddenly making a chord. Walking allows us to be in our bodies and in the world without being made busy by them.”Speaking of walking did you know that women make excellent backpackers because "... we’re well equipped, biologically and physically. We’re built for endurance, have high pain tolerance, store fat better than men, are stronger in the hips (which is necessary for carrying backpacks), and are more in tune with our bodies so we know when to rest. And, women excel at creating community on the trail, at supporting each other. Elizabeth Vasquez, REI Outdoor School InstructorPractical Tip: Whomever you are, wherever you live take some time today to walk, hike, trek, stroll, or even saunter outside for a chance to be in happy harmony with yourself and those around you.     You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.

Hello to you listening in Koh Yao Noi, Thailand!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane WyzgaOn Monday the 18th of September I stepped off the LinkedIn platform. Why? Each year at this time I revisit my Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. 5 weeks. 500 miles. Across Spain. This year I want to truly honor my pilgrimage by taking a break from devices and platforms as much as I can, including LinkedIn.I plan to use my time for 5 R’s: Reconsider, Reconfigure, Restore, Refresh, Renew and walking a great deal. While it’s unlikely I’ll match my Camino mileage I’d like to log 50 miles a week between now and November 1st.Question: What will happen in the meantime? I have no idea. Maybe folks will forget me, my connections will shrivel, my presence will evaporate ...... or not.My friend and colleague Jeffrey Tan (Pathfinder /  Leadership Mastery Facilitator / Coach) had this to say to me: "In this day and age, it takes great courage and control to stay away from the devices and platforms, but break away we must or remain enslaved by them we will. Take your Rs and see you again... Auf wiedersehen.”Practical Tip: Whatever it is you are contemplating step out, step off, step to it! “The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.” [Amelia Earhart]You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved. 

Hello to you listening in Chişinău, Capital of Eastern Europe’s Republic of Moldova!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.As the plane began its descent into Madrid, Spain I had made up my mind that I could not, should not, would not walk the Camino de Santiago. I was no pilgrim. I would pick up my pack and catch the next flight. I was going home.What changed? I opened a card from my friend Lorraine that slipped out from between the pages of the guide book I was holding. The card read, “WELL DONE!”Her words continued: As you read this thousands of feet above the earth (how could she have known that?) you may be wondering why I gave you a “WELL DONE!” card to start your Camino de Santiago journey. Regardless of what does or doesn’t happen from here on out, you will be forever changed simply because you showed up. And that, my friend, is “WELL DONE!” You have been given so much and have shared that so freely with others. All that you’ve courageously and deliberately laid down and walked away from in the last few years has led to today so that you are free to pick up whatever lies before you. So, in a word - or two - “WELL DONE!”And the rest, as they say, was Buen Camino.  Story Prompt: When has a friend’s “Well Done!” moved you out of doubt and into right action? Write that story!Practical Tip: The magic of stories is also in the sharing. If you wish share your story with someone or something.   All that matters is you have a story.You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.

Hello to you listening in San Jose, Capital of Costa Rica!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Thoughts on Thursday and your host, Diane Wyzga.Did you ever wonder: How did I get here? Where did I come from? How did I get started?You can’t really imagine your own beginnings any more than you can imagine your parents beginning them. Think about it: how do you begin to imagine all that went before - the end result of which is you? All you know - all you can ever really know - is that this was, something changed, and that is. Your world began.All along the timeline of your life you’ve come from where you were; but *how* is often more puzzle than open road.I like that some stories leave out details because you have to go look for them and that is always another story.Question: How did you get here? Where did you come from? What got you started? How do you know you’ve arrived?  You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:✓ Check out What I Offer,✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.Stories From Women Who Walk Production TeamPodcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story ArtsMusic: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron MusicAll content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.