Episodes

  • 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: What Is My Role in This Moment in History With Andrea Gibson?

    60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: What Is My Role in This Moment in History With Andrea Gibson?
    Nov 25 2024
    Hello to you listening in Round Lake, Curtis, Michigan!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.Things in this country are upside down and backward in ways we have never ever seen before. Is that good? No! It’s a nightmare. What do we do now? I’m glad you asked.First off, you can rely on me to be here with you and for you. Thanks to your devoted listening this global podcast is edging close to 200,000 plays. There will be stories and more to inform, delight, inspire, and motivate in the days ahead.As to, “What do we do now?” get comfy and relish Colorado Poet Laureat Andrea Gibson’s Letter to a Friend. Click HEREor read the letter in the Episode NotesPractical Tip: Pay particular attention to how grief and fear can give way to relief, clarity, what needs doing, and how to go about it. Ask yourself: “What is my job in this moment? What do I specifically have to offer? Where can I be of most use and service to others? How can I creatively, actively participate in pulling the arc of the moral universe toward justice for all?A tight bundle of sticks cannot be broken as easily as a single branch. We are in this together. Our lives are in our hands. More than ever before this is our opportunity to cherish life and work for it! Colorado Poet Laureate Andrea Gibson’s Letter To A Friend After the ElectionBy Andrea GibsonNovember 16, 2024Architects of ChangeFriend,I am writing about the text you sent the morning after the election. “What do we do now?” you asked. My first response was to stare blankly at a blank wall for an hour. But I’ve had a week to sit with it, and here’s what I want to share:Last April, after two years of chemotherapy, when my oncologist told me the cancer was now considered incurable, I felt the expected fear and grief. But something I didn’t tell you was this—I also felt relief. Why relief? Because when I heard the system say, “We can’t save you,” it was the first time since my diagnosis that I felt as if my life was in my hands. Watching the election, I felt something similar: grief, fear. Then this thought—Our lives are in our hands. They always were, but it’s clearer than ever now.I think I’ve told you about my friend Liza. She was one of the most committed activists I’ve ever known. She built her life like an altar to social justice. She was also a Buddhist. A couple of weeks before her death, when asked how she wanted to be remembered, she said, “Just don’t let anyone say I was the best at anything. It’s so obnoxiously American.” As we look for creative paths forward, I want to beg “the left” to stop tearing each other to shreds over who is The Best at fighting for change. When we allow our egos to do our heart’s work, what needs to get done doesn’t get done. I understand that people are frantic for a clear and direct answer. But it’s so important to choose curiosity over certainty in a moment that asks us to create something entirely new. This is that moment.I keep asking myself, “What is my job in this moment? What do I specifically have to offer?” It’s empowering to ask those questions because no one’s job will be the same. There were many years of my life that I did not feel I was actively participating in change unless I was in the streets protesting. As my health worsened, I knew that wasn’t where I would be of most service. Creatively explore where you might be most useful. Throw a What’s My Job party and explore the question with your community. Friends may reflect a specific talent or gift they see in you that you haven’t yet recognized.My friend Oak, (great name, I know) used to say, “If we can’t imagine it, we can’t create it.” Right now I’m putting active energy into imagining what’s possible. What does a compassionate world look like? What would it feel like to wake up every morning to a planet fueled by community and not capitalism? When I’m glued to my phone doom-scrolling the news, it’s almost impossible for me to creatively imagine, but anytime I’ve got my feet in the grass I open in a new way. Even in a city, you can notice the way your body changes with the seasons. You can mirror the earth’s steady and persistent pace. Save the seeds of an apple. Grow veggies in plant pots in the windowsill of your apartment. Feed a stranger. Drive a neighbor through the sunshine to a doctor’s appointment in another state. Never forget how alone we are not. The moss, the mountains, the redwood tree, the marigold, the mourning dove calling for her love’s return—are our allies. Every natural thing in this world is invested in the peace of this world. All that is good and gracious whispers, “We are with you.”I keep thinking about something I learned in my early 20’s—the rural poor are more likely to survive a catastrophic world event than the wealthiest ...
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    3 mins
  • 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: Are You Daring Enough to Claim Your Origin Story?

    60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: Are You Daring Enough to Claim Your Origin Story?
    Nov 22 2024

    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 Session,

    ✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn and 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.
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    3 mins
  • 60 Seconds for Thoughts on Thursday: How Did You Get Here & Where Did You Come From?

    60 Seconds for Thoughts on Thursday: How Did You Get Here & Where Did You Come From?
    Nov 21 2024

    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 Session,

    ✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn and 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.
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    3 mins
  • 60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: What You Get by Investing in Your Brand/Origin Story!

    60 Seconds for Wednesdays on Whidbey: What You Get by Investing in Your Brand/Origin Story!
    Nov 20 2024

    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 info@quartermoonstoryarts.net.

    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 Session,

    ✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn and 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.
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    3 mins
  • 60 Seconds for Time Out Tuesday: What if You Took a Moment to Stop, Stand & Stare?

    60 Seconds for Time Out Tuesday: What if You Took a Moment to Stop, Stand & Stare?
    Nov 19 2024

    Hello to you listening in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin!

    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.

    Walking home from a trip to the library and post office the other day in the damp chill that has settled on Whidbey Island I heard them before I saw them. Looking up I could make out two bald eagles hunting over Holmes Harbor. Like a child I held steady in silent witness and thought of this from Kenneth Grahame:

    “All this he saw, for one moment breathless and intense, vivid on the morning sky; and still, as he looked, he lived; and still, as he lived, he wondered.” ~ Kenneth Grahame

    If you are curious and would like to learn more about the bald eagle, click HERE to watch 11 minutes on the Nature Here TV show featuring bald eagles wintering in Oregon and Washington.

    Question: What has prompted you to be still, live breathless and wonder?

    You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe and spread the word with a generous 5-star review and comment - it helps us all - and join us next time!

    Meanwhile, stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website to:

    ✓ Check out Services I Offer,

    ✓ For a no-obligation conversation about your communication challenges, get in touch with me today

    ✓ Stay current with Diane as “Wyzga on Words” on Substack 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 Quarter Moon Story Arts. All rights reserved.
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    2 mins
  • 60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: What Can You Do When Fear Blocks Creativity?

    60 Seconds for Motivate Your Monday: What Can You Do When Fear Blocks Creativity?
    Nov 18 2024

    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 Story Session,

    ✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn and 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.

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    3 mins
  • 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: How Are You Sharing Your Story Message With the Waiting World?

    60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: How Are You Sharing Your Story Message With the Waiting World?
    Nov 15 2024

    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 known

    in 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 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.

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    3 mins
  • 60 Seconds for Thoughts on Thursday: When It’s Just Not Working, What About Walking Away?

    60 Seconds for Thoughts on Thursday: When It’s Just Not Working, What About Walking Away?
    Nov 14 2024

    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 info@quartermoonstoryarts.net!

    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 Story Consult Session,

    ✓ 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.

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    3 mins