Hello to you listening from wherever your feet touch the ground on this Halloween which has roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced SOW in) which marked the end of summer and the harvest and begins the darker half of the year.

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, the Witch of Whidbey.

Over these past 6 weeks (as I do every year) I’ve been retracing in my journal and my memories the pilgrimage I walked on the Camino de Santiago. 500 miles from St. Jean Pied de Port, France, over the Pyrenees into Spain and across Spain to Santiago and finally to Finisterre. By this time back then I was leaving Finisterre, Spain bound for uncertain transition and re-entry into life back in the States.       

“Look to the Helpers” showed up as the prevailing theme in this year’s “trek along the Buen Camino.”  No matter how lost or uncertain, cold, wet, tired, or hungry there was always someone or something to show me the way, the next step. Maybe the Camino’s yellow arrow, maybe Camino magic, maybe a stranger - how often we pilgrims relied on the kindness of strangers. In turn, we learned how to give a hand up to one another because Each One Lift One is a lesson the Camino deeply ingrains.

Something I’ve not thought of in decades came to mind as I mused on Helpers. I’d been given a brand new shiny emerald green big girl 2-wheeler bicycle for my 7th birthday. The first I’d ever owned. Now I’d have to learn how to ride it.

It was cold that New Jersey February. I remember dad holding the back of the bike seat steadying the bike as I learned to balance, keep it upright, steer down the concrete sidewalk. Once I got the hang of it I peddled a short way, and then a little longer, dad’s fingers still on the rear of the bike seat until he let go and there I went wobbling but upright, making my way down the sidewalk. I was riding a 2-wheeler bike!

That’s been my life from that day to this: testing my balance, falling down 7, getting up 8, gaining confidence. But never alone. The Helpers in my life, always there, holding, steadying, letting go, and watching with pride! There she goes! That’s our girl! All attitude, sass, class and adventure ready for what’s next.

What’s next was washing up on the shores of Whidbey Island to become the Witch of Whidbey. Still finding my way, orienting my True North compass, looking to the Helpers.

Story Prompt: What about you? How have you traveled Life’s roads? Who are your Helpers? Write that story and tell it out loud!  

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, 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. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

ALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.  If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.

Hello to you listening in Toronto, Ontario, CanadaLand!

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 morning “rise & shine” routine is not complete without a page from the book, Pluto Living - Welcome to the Plutoverse by Pluto (& Mom a.k.a. NJ Wight, renowned wildlife photographer). 

You might remember the smart and sassy older lady Canadian Miniature Schnauzer who launched her very own Pluto Living YouTube channel on March 17, 2020 where she dispensed wisdom, laughter, history lessons, and tips on how to live better with less during the COVID. Pluto is now Angel Pluto but thanks to the InterWeb you can catch up with Pluto Living videos, playlists and shorts. 

Click HERE to access the YouTube channel  

Click HERE to access the Pluto Living home page

Finally, Pluto’s message that kick-started my day: “The stay-homes are making Mom’s nerves jump around like a kangaroo convention! Everyone, you have to try to find a little spot of normal in these strange times. And maybe have a cookie? So-so-so, try to make your world just a little bit quieter for yourself in some small way. Maybe you could also do some little thing to make someone else’s world feel a little bit softer. We have to rise up and be kind.”  

Question: How are you rising up to be kind? Share the good word!  And thank you for listening.

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, 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. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

ALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.  If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.

Hello to you listening in these still indivisible United States of America!

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’ve been following Parker Palmer’s work since I bought a copy of his book, Let Your Life Speak - Listening For the Voice of Vocation, in 1999. You might be familiar with this quote which has become a guiding light for me: “Before you tell your life what you intend to do with it, listen for what it intends to do with you. Before you tell your life what truths and values you have decided to live up to, let your life tell you what truths you embody, what values you represent.”  

Over these past months We the People have turned occasional protests into protest projects coupled with growing political power to heal democracy.

What else do we need? Palmer’s book, Healing the Heart of Democracy; The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit (published in 2011) draws on our human instinct to choose hope, creativity and action for the common good over conflict.

Following are five “habits of the heart” that can help us restore democracy’s foundations as we nurture them in ourselves and each other:

   • An understanding that we are all in this together

   • An appreciation of the value of “otherness”

   • An ability to hold tension in life-giving ways

   • A sense of personal voice and agency

   • A capacity to create community

Change arises out of chaos; but we have to learn the root causes of the chaos in order to shepherd our way to change. If it’s true that a nation gets the government it deserves, I believe it is also true that We the People are shaping the government we desire with truth, values and heart work: a democracy of the people, by the people, for the people.

Question: What truths and values do you represent that will help heal our democracy? And thank you for listening.

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, 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. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

ALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.  If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.

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 tell it out loud! 

And, if you could use a hand with your transformation work, I'm here at Quarter Moon Story Arts!   Contact me.    

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, 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. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

ALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.  If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.

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 Wednesdays on Whidbey and your host, Diane Wyzga.

I have decades of story prompt exercises to help my clients clarify their ideas, create their origin story, amplify their message, and connect with their audience in a way that authentically influences them to take desired action. In my experience practicing with fewer words focuses the core message. From there we can expand to a longer story.

Practical Tip: Recall something that brought you satisfaction or contentment today. Share a glimpse of your satisfaction or contentment in a “9 Word Telegram.” 3 lines. 3 words on each line. First line is the beginning of your story. Second line is the middle of your story. Third line is the resolution or conclusion. 

For example:

Day breaks cold

Trekking forested hills

Won't back down!

OR

Democracy under assault

Millions defy lawlessness

Rallied nation reborn

OR

Fall down 7

Get up 8

Persevere through hardship 

CTA: If you’re ready (or getting ready to be ready) to work together to make your written or spoken word clear, concise and cogent please feel welcome to reach out to me at Quarter Moon Story Arts for your free Story Start-up Session.  

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, 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. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

ALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.  If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.

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 back 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 welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, 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. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

ALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.  If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.

Hello to you listening in Petaling Jaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malasia!

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.

Retracing my Camino de Santiago pilgrimage footsteps in my journal and photos as I’ve been doing since 17th September reminds me how fully alive I felt then. 

5 weeks - 500 miles walking the Way - all across Spain.

Yes, there were aches and pains, cold and rain; there were crowded dorms that smelled like wet dogs; there were doubts, mistakes, and getting lost.

And yet, and yet, all those days that came and went were the days I was living then. I was a pilgrim. The way forward beckoned me. I want to be a pilgrim again and live my life out loud.

Story Prompt: What about you? What will it take to move toward the Way that beckons you? Write that story! And tell it out loud! 

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, 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. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

ALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.  If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.

Hello to you listening wherever your feet touch the ground!  

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.

Our rights were never given — they were earned, they were won. From the ballot box to the picket line, generations of Americans have fought to secure fundamental freedoms and dignity for all of us. President Trump thinks behaving like a king makes him one; but in America, we don’t put up with would-be kings, we don't stand for attempts to crush democracy in the name of personal power. We, the People are going to make sure the world knows that our strength arises from a democratic America grounded in a healthy, well-educated and diverse nation.

 We, the People of Whidbey Island, Washington will join millions across the country in peaceful, non-violent gatherings to say loud and clear: No Kings! No Crowns! No Dictators! No Thrones!

We, the People do stand for:

•    Free Speech, not suppression

•    Peace, not violence

•    Healthcare, not illness, disease & death

•    Immigrants, not ICE

•    Rule of Law, not anarchy

•    Democracy, not tyranny

•    Compassion, not cruelty

•    Due Process, not personal vendettas, threats & revenge

•    Working Families, not fat cat billionaires

•    Servicemen & women who Protect & Defend Americans, not wage war on Americans

We, the People welcome any and all like-valued Americans to stand with us so that together we dare to create a more perfect union, building from the good up with liberty and justice for all.  

CTA: Join us on Saturday October 18th, 2025 as we gather at the Coupeville Overpass, State Route 20 & North Main Street, Coupeville, WA 98239 from 10am – 12noon PDT

Bring your friends, family, signs, loud singing voices, and “good trouble” peaceful energy.

Click HERE to RSVP for Whidbey Island’s No Kings Rally 2.0 and find more details [https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/843947/]

Click HERE to access No Kings Rally 2.0 comprehensive website with all the information you need to take part wherever your feet touch the ground. [https://www.nokings.org/]

We’re not watching history - we’re making it!

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, 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. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

ALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.  If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.

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 Wyzga.

Recently I was honored to share the mic with my podcast friend and colleague Maritza Perez, the host of My Accent Is No Accident. Together we celebrated cultural diversity by sharing stories and valuable insights about overcoming barriers, and the importance of community. If you’re curious to discover how sharing your origin story can transform lives and promote understanding in the corporate world and more, this episode is for you!

Highlights

✓ How to reclaim your powerful voice and set the stage for confidently stepping into the life you want by shaping and sharing your origin story (how you got from There to Here).

✓ How to shift attitudes and behaviors in the corporate world to overcome efforts at “gaslighting” or undermining women and work toward a more equitable workplace.

✓ How neighborhood block parties, shared food and stories can promote understanding, empathy, and ultimately, world peace.

Click HERE to watch on YouTube  [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIb6xTamebQ]

Be sure to show us some love with a thumbs up, subscribing, and leaving positive comments. Thanks for watching!

Connect with Maritza Perez

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: https://maina.now.site/home

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, 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. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

ALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.  If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.

Hello to you listening in Newport News, Virginia!

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.

Maybe like me you feel on constant alert - trying to hold it together with compassion, hope and humor even while those who cause all this suffering want to rob us of that as well. No one and no place feels safe.

We humans were not designed nor created for being on nonstop vigilance; it raises our blood pressure, our heart rate, our anxiety, while creating damage physically, mentally, emotionally. It interferes with our work, our relationships, our concentration and sleep. It harms our sense of safety, security, and control, manifesting in even greater fear and anxiety about what happens next. No  wonder we feel the way we do.

I have a solution! In this space you can count on a few moments of relief, inspiration and hope. In our hands change means hope. It’s what I want for myself; so I’m sharing it with you.  

Story Prompt: How are you attending to yourself and your loved ones, holding steady while not losing hope? Write that story and tell it out loud! 

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, 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. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website, check out the Communication Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

ALL content and image © 2019 to Present Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.  If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.