practical tip

Hello to you listening in Englewood, Florida!

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.  

To this very day my clients from courtrooms to classrooms  can repeat my opening lines about presentations:

“Put down the paper and nobody gets hurt.”

and 

“To stand and deliver your work is a privilege - a gift from you to your audience.”

The human voice is the most powerful instrument we have to heal, inspire, comfort, entertain, and more. It’s the reason that Big Humans and Little Humans long to hear the same stories retold. I believe that our audiences are waiting to be gifted with our spoken words, not our notepad words.  

When you write your words you are using your brain in a particular way to convey your message in words. But that all changes when you speak those same words out loud. Why? Because writer-brain and speaker-brain are different.

Speaking your words out loud will show you right away when a turn of phrase fails, you lack a bridge from one thought to the next, when your story begins to unravel like an old sweater because it lacks integrity - it does not hang together from beginning to end.

I have produced well over 1,000 episodes.  My 4-year practice  has enabled me to embed a lot of meaning in a short space while offering commentaries that are timeless and universal.

I take a day to write my week’s worth of 5 episodes. And then I speak them aloud before recording them. This is when I hear myself say something my writer-brain didn’t catch.

Practical Tip: Take the time to speak the words of your presentation out loud. Relish the sound of your human voice. Embrace the power of your spoken word. The more you speak your words out loud the more confident you become, more fearless, more influential. It’s a gift from you to your audience. 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 no obligation  Story Start-up Session ,

✓ Opt In to my 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 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. 

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 hope

are in the shadows, in

the people who are

inventing the world

while no one looks,

who themselves don’t

know yet whether they

will 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 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.

Hello to you listening in Antioch, California!

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 you’ve heard someone caution you by saying, “You’ve bitten off more than you can chew” meaning that you might choke. Perhaps we’re being ambitious with good reason; or, maybe we’ve taken on more commitments than we can fulfill.

Right now I’m juggling this daily podcast, my robust Quarter Moon Story Arts consulting practice, Every Now & Again NewsAudioLetter, volunteer opportunities, converting Story Prompt Fridays to a book, re-learning Italian, as well as losing the Whidbey 15 that crept on during our cold, dark winter months.

It’s all good work; but you get the picture.

Maybe like me you lie awake in the wee small hours of the morning and wonder, “How will I ever manage?”

Practical Tip: I know this to be true: I can manage for 1 day what appears to be daunting for a lifetime! Think back on all that you have overcome, achieved, accomplished, and created. If you still feel the fear of what you are facing you may choose to throttle back a bit; or, allow yourself the chance to manage for just 1 day. And then 1 more day. You will benefit.  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 no obligation Story Start-up Session,

✓ Opt In to my 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 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.

Hello to you listening in Desert Hot Springs, California!

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 a friend said that she was struggling because the job she had she didn’t want, the job she wanted she didn’t get, so she felt like a failure. Is there an alternative?

What if we look objectively at the lost job opportunity as an experiment that didn’t produce the expected results.  Does that mean it failed? Not if we look at it as a data point, information pointing you in a better direction. Jonas Salk (American virologist & inventor of the polio vaccine) once said, “There is no such thing as a failed experiment, because learning what doesn't work is a necessary step to learning what does.” Or, as the famous American jazz musician Louis Armstrong said, “It’s taken me all my life to learn what not to play.”  

Practical Tip: Think of a time when you believed you had failed but you figured out how to turn that experience into an opportunity and grow toward your better self. How did you do that?  What will help you do it again and again?  You will because you’ve got what it takes! You know how to experiment!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 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 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.

Hello to you listening in Antwerp, Belgium!

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.  

Perhaps you’ve heard the old joke about two boys each of whom is brought into a room in the middle of which is a staggeringly high heap of horse manure. The first boy looks at the pile in disgust and says, “What’s the big idea? This is nothing but a pile of horse manure!” But in the other room the second boy is down on his hands and knees gleefully scooping away at the heap saying, “I just know there’s a pony down here somewhere!”

We all face unfairness, difficulties, challenges, and worse. And yet these might not be wasted moments if we can see a chance to learn from the misfortunes encompassing our plans, our contradictions, failings, and hopes.  

I keep thinking of a line from the 2004 novel Gilead by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Marilynne Robinson, a story about how wisdom was forged and lives on in generations. The narrator is the grandson of a minister who, as a young man in Maine, saw a vision of Christ bound in chains and came west to Kansas to fight for abolition and then, at age fifty, became a chaplain in the Union Army, losing his right eye in battle. Here’s what he said about the trials, turmoils and tribulations of his life: “I am confident I will find great blessing in this.” And that is what he said about everything that happened to him for the rest of his days.

Practical Tip: The School of Hard Knocks is not an easy place to get an education but the lessons learned might help us to overcome, perhaps even thrive in what Life throws our way. 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 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.

Hello to you listening in Tallinn, Estonia!

Check out this short YouTube video to learn basic Estonian for travelers: 

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more) for Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Maybe like me you find yourself from time to time a bit uncertain about how to go forward in the face of challenges that feel insurmountable. What to do? Let’s Reverse the Bucket List, the bucket that’s supposed to be filled with stuff to be done, stuff that we’ve not yet gotten around to doing.

A Reverse Bucket List is a List of all you have accomplished, from the littlest things that you felt made a difference to the biggest things you never thought you would achieve. Ask yourself:

When were you proud?

What did you learn?

How did you transform your thinking to invite compassion and kindness?

Who showed you the real meaning of true love?

Where did you find the faith, endurance, and resilience to face whatever came your way?

When were you most content? Or most fulfilled?

What would you do all over again just for the joy of it?

What did you long for as a child?  

When did you lift up another?

What did you create? Or not destroy?

Who did you have affection for and how was it returned?

What gave your life definition?  

What dreams came true? Which were you happy to leave by the wayside?

What or whom did you fight for and why?

When were you at play?  

Practical Tip: When you feel a bit lost dip into your Reverse Bucket List to see more clearly all you have done and won and lost and kept on living your Life. It’s your proof that not once, not twice but over and over again you have stepped outside your comfort zone to thrive no matter what came your way because you come from the stars and stars shine even when the night sky is clouded over. Guaranteed! [Adopted from Island Senior Resources]

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 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.

Hello to you listening in Flat Rock Village, North Carolina!

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.

A year ago I was sitting in traffic at a stop light in Oak Harbor. I remember that on the sidewalk to my right was a man, homeless by appearance, standing in the rain with his shopping cart of belongings. He held a cardboard sign: Please buy me lunch.

I rolled down my window to hand him a few bills when I saw a woman get out of her car and walk toward him with a bag of food and beverage cup from the local takeout. As she approached him she smiled and asked: What is your name? She handed him the food and drink and then reached up to hug him.

Two things: Anyone can give money; but when she asked him, What is your name? she recognized his humanity. When she reached up to hug him the word that came to mind was .... divine. As in Divinely ordained.

Story Prompt: When has someone’s gesture enabled you to be seen? How did it feel? What happened next? 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, follow, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time! Remember to stop by the QMSA 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 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: for credit & attribution Quarter Moon Story Arts

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 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. 

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 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.

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 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. 

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 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. 

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 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.

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 hope

are in the shadows, in

the people who are

inventing the world

while no one looks,

who themselves don’t

know yet whether they

will 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 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.

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 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.

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 Instructor

Practical 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 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.

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 Wyzga

On 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 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.

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.” 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 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 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.

Hello to you listening in Bushtyno, Ukraine!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Tie Out Tuesday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

Why wait for the national Thanksgiving Day holiday. Why not create an early one for yourself and loved ones. 

I am reminded of a few favorite lines of poetry by David Ignatow who wrote:

"I wish I understood the beauty in leaves falling.

To whom, to whom are we beautiful as we go?"

Practical Tip: Take a look around at your loved ones, friends, neighbors and colleagues. Deeply appreciate how they understand the beauty of you as you come and go. Say “Thank you!” to them for lightening and brightening your world.  

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 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.

Hello to you listening in Dhaka Capital of Bangladesh!

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.

The other day I was waiting at our local pharmacy with a group of elder folks. To pass the time one woman was regaling us with how she had to learn on site how to pay for admission to a national park using her cell phone because the park did not take cash or credit cards. While she admitted to feeling "empowered" (her word) by having eventually figured out the process on her new Apple smart phone she did allow that earlier times being simpler felt more stable, certain, manageable even.

I, too, can remember when times were simpler. They weren’t easier by any means! Just a bit more manageable. I was glad to be in their company.

Practical Tip: As you launch your week on this September 11th anniversary keep in mind that there’s unexpected pleasures to be gained when you strike up a conversation with strangers who are passing the time together. Take advantage of this when you can. 

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 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.

Hello to you listening in Driggs, Idaho!

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 a friend mentioned that she was having a rough go of it because the job she had she didn’t want and the job she wanted she couldn’t get and this made her feel somehow lacking. If this undesirable situation is true - and she seems to believe it’s true - now what?

What if we look objectively at the undesirable situation as an experiment that didn’t produce the expected results.  Does that mean it failed? Perhaps not. What if the so-called failed experiment is a data point; it could be pointing you in a better direction. Jonas Salk once said, “There is no such thing as a failed experiment, because learning what doesn't work is a necessary step to learning what does.” Or, as the famous American jazz musician Louis Armstrong said, “It’s taken me all my life to learn what not to play.”  

Practical Tip: Think of a time when you believed you had failed but you figured out how to turn that experience into an opportunity and grow toward your better self. Give yourself a High Five! You got this!

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 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.