60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: How Does a Breakdown Become a Breakthrough?

Hello to you listening in Fredricton, New Brunswick Province, Canada! 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.  There is a gift in hindsight! Believe it or not hindsight can show us when a breakdown became a breakthrough, a spiritual crisis became a spiritual awakening, a trial of tears became the trail of gratitude.It has to be hindsight because when swamped by difficult situations we feel scared, uncertain, anxious or worse. Then time passes. Finally, we are ready, willing and able to take a look at what we perceived was our complete and utter failure at creating our life, speaking our voice, succeeding at business, and so on. What we perceived as failure has the potential of possibility, possibility we would not have been able to appreciate when we were feeling swamped.  What if we could imagine that Life is a grand experiment. The beauty of an experiment is that when it doesn’t work out the way you intended that’s the moment you learned. Learning is the price of success.  Story Prompt: Think about a time when it looked like you had lost everything; but in time you chose a do-over with what you had learned. What happened then? Write that story!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 SubstackStories 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. 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. 

Hello to you listening in Nairobi, Kenya!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.The old ones in China tell a story about an equally old painter who invited friends to his home to see his latest work.His friends gathered around to admire the artist’s painting which he had hung on a wall. The painting was a scene of a little park and a tiny footbridge crossing a stream that meandered through a forest that opened onto a meadow where stood a small cottage with an equally small door painted blue. Those gathered together turned around to tell the painter how much they admired his work but he was nowhere to be found. One of his friends said, "Look! There he is! In the painting!" He walked up the path that led to the door of the cottage, stopped, turned, smiled, and disappeared inside.Question: Imagine becoming so engrossed in your project that you end up disappearing into it in the same way. What do you imagine happens next? Become that!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 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 here, there, and everywhere 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 Motivate Your Monday and your host, Diane Wyzga.We know the power of We the People coming together to defend our democracy against the lawlessness of this administration. We’ve felt our power at Hands Off rallies! We’ve seen it multiply at No Kings rallies! Now, are you ready to join the next major national mass mobilization?  July 17th is time for getting in “Good Trouble - Necessary Trouble” to defend our democracy, and carry forward the legacy of civil rights hero and Congressman John Lewis. Good Trouble Lives On is a national day of peaceful, non-violent action to challenge injustice, take a stand against the attacks on our civil and human rights by the Trump administration, and remind them that in America, the power lies with We the People. Are you with us?The Trump administration has launched full-scale attacks on our civil and human rights. Good Trouble Lives On is more than a rally; it’s a moral reckoning. We the People are establishing new fronts in the struggle to redeem the soul of America! Are you with us?Click HERE to find over 1,300 Good Trouble Lives On events scheduled in all 50 states on Thursday 17th July 2025 and join one near you!    Click HERE to sign up for GOOD TROUBLE LIVES ON on  WHIDBEY ISLAND!    Co-sponsored by: Indivisible Whidbey and Whidbey Island League of Women VotersWHEN: Thursday, July 17 from 11AM to 1 PM PDTWHERE: Intersection of State Route 20 & North Main Street, Coupeville, WA 98239WHAT: Sign waving, singing, and rallying, followed by a symbolic walk across the highway bridge to honor the life of civil rights leader and human rights champion, John Lewis.WHY: Sharing our values and commitment to fight for our nation and our democracy.Click HERE to access, John Lewis: Good Trouble, the documentary film and learn the back story of good trouble, necessary trouble  TrailerThanks for listening and see you out there Thursday 17th July 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 SubstackStories 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 for a call to belong to who you are however imperfect!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.I am done waiting for perfect clarity to claim my place in this world.We've been told that doing equals worth, that we must have it all figured out to deserve our place at the table. But here's what I know: it's not about arriving perfect—it's about showing up authentic.I showed up to walk 500 miles of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, learning breath by breath, heartbeat by heartbeat, step by step. I figured it out mile by messy imperfect mile.Here’s what else I know: you can’t claim your kingdom hiding in the castle. I’m stepping out of my castle, crown askew, declaring myself ready to go as an elder woman summoning other elder women into our tribe of Whidbey Island Witches. We wield magic through stories. We refuse to let our voices be diminished. No more waiting for permission.We say what we mean and mean what we say. We create a ruckus and make “good trouble” not because we have all the answers, but because we have what the world needs: our questions, rage, tenderness, truth, and collective wisdom.We're figuring out how to create a world of harmony, integrity, kindness, and justice—a world designed for all of us, not just the chosen few. It will be messy, imperfect, courageous, brave, and bold! Join us!Story Prompt: What about you? What would happen if you stepped out of your castle, crown askew, ready to figure it out as you go? 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 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 Shrewsbury, UK!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.“It doesn’t matter how long you have forgotten, only how soon you remember.” (Buddha)We don’t often recall our memories with any reliable accuracy. But that’s okay. Sharing our stories is not about nailing down the facts of an event or the exact recall of circumstances. Rather, the point of stories is to take the splintered, fractioned, mismatched pieces of our lives and, by telling the stories we need to tell stitch together moments of wholeness.Over my storytelling decades I have to come to realize that I don’t need to translate or provide meaning for life events. When I speak my stories from the heart I begin to shift away from painful episodes to heal the suffering I’ve attached to what those episodes mean or meant. What happens next? By sharing my story maybe I help someone else heal. How do I know? I hear someone say: “What! You, too! I thought I was the only one.” [C.S. Lewis]Like the Badger in Crow and Weasel by Barry Lopez reminds us: “The stories people tell have a way of taking care of them. If stories come to you, care for them. And learn to give them away where they are needed. Sometimes a person needs a story more than food to stay alive. That is why we put these stories in each other’s memory. This is how people care for themselves.”Question: What happens when you open the door to retelling a story that you’ve forgotten but now you remember? 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 story questions, don’t delay - get in touch today,✓ Stay current with Diane as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.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 Utica, New York! 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 had the pleasure of sharing the mic with my friend, colleague, podcast host, author and genuinely wonderful human being, Dave Roberts, (The Teaching Journeys podcast) about the mission of empowering women through storytelling and resilience. If you are curious to learn how adventure, justice and self-expression show up in Diane’s mission to empower women, this profoundly revealing episode is for you! Join us!Highlights• Diane’s post-college backpacking adventure across Europe, serving as a USNavy nurse, and pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago;• The importance of understanding one's identity (your Who) through personal narratives;• The role of safe spaces in amplifying voices;• Emphasizing self-empowerment through affirmations like 'I am, I can, I will'; and• The tools and services Diane provides women through her organization, Quarter Moon Story Arts.Click HERE to listen to our conversation on Apple.Click HERE to watch the broadcast on YouTube. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OC_gxhy228E&t=3s]Please be sure to spread the word with a generous 5-star review and comment; it helps us all.ResourcesDave Roberts, MSW, LMSW is an adjunct professor of psychology child life at Utica University, an author and a bereavement support specialist. He created The Teaching Journeys Podcast with one thing in mind: To have meaningful conversations with individuals , young and old, whose life journeys/challenges, can teach us something about addressing our own. It is Dave's hope that the teachings from these conversations live on in future generations. "We are all students and teachers...... let's learn from each other."• The Teaching Journeys Podcast is available on your favorite podcast platforms: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-teaching-journeys-podcast/id1680247119• To find out more about Dave go to: davidrobertsmsw.com and his author site psychologyprofessorandminister.com• Email: [email protected]• Blog: When the Psychology Professor Met the Minister: https://psychologyprofessorandminister.com/blog/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 story questions, don’t delay - get in touch today,✓ Stay current with Diane as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.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 for a call to belong to who you are however imperfect!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.I am done waiting for perfect clarity to claim my place in this world.We've been told that doing equals worth, that we must have it all figured out to deserve our place at the table. But here's what I know: it's not about arriving perfect—it's about showing up authentic.I showed up to walk 500 miles of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, learning breath by breath, heartbeat by heartbeat, step by step. I figured it out mile by messy imperfect mile.Here’s what else I know: you can’t claim your kingdom hiding in the castle. I’m stepping out of my castle, crown askew, declaring myself ready to go as an elder woman summoning other elder women into our tribe of Whidbey Island Witches. We wield magic through stories. We refuse to let our voices be diminished. No more waiting for permission.We say what we mean and mean what we say. We create a ruckus and make “good trouble” not because we have all the answers, but because we have what the world needs: our questions, rage, tenderness, truth, and collective wisdom.We're figuring out how to create a world of harmony, integrity, kindness, and justice—a world designed for all of us, not just the chosen few. It will be messy, imperfect, courageous, brave, and bold! Join us!Story Prompt: What about you? What would happen if you stepped out of your castle, crown askew, ready to figure it out as you go? 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 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 Greenbank, 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.Driving home on our 2-lane rural road in the morning fog I saw a flash of white and then a larger familiar brown body. A tiny ghost fawn high stepping ahead of its mother before both ducked into the safety of the woods and then .... gone. A ghost fawn is all white instead of the typical brown coat. They are a rare and magical sight to see here on Whidbey.Our life is like that, eh? Every so often we are treated to a “Glory Be Shazaam!” moment of magic; but more often magic tiptoes toward us from the margins of our lives. Magic lives in the margins of our lives never out of reach if we are only willing sit quietly with patience, wait, watch, listen, and call it into being.Question: When has magic from the margins of your life shown up and surprised you? What happened next?Thank you for listening and staying for the magic!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 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 Rehoboth, Massuchusetts!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 had the pleasure of talking with my friend and colleague DreamVisions7 Radio & TV Network owner Deborah Beauvais on her Love By Intuition Show. DreamVisions7 is serving the planet through the vibration of our voices. Each radio host creates a safe space to share their internal soul growth while offering unique healing modalities and tools to assist you and our planet. If you are longing for a little synergy, collaboration for the good, or human connection with spiritual enrichment, this episode is for YOU!Highlights:  • Professional and Personal Journey• Soul Growth• What was created  - What was left behind• Sovereignty & Visibility: helping women be seen, heard, understood and listened to  • Presence,  by way of our stories, creates possibility Click HERE to catch the replay of our 50-minute inspiring, uplifting and value-packed conversation on YouTube. Or, if listening is more your style, click HERE for the audio replay of our conversation on Love by Intuition:ResourcesContact Deborah Beauvais and check out the many shows on DreamVisions7 Radio Network to transform your life and business. Come join our community of listeners, hosts, sponsors and advertisers.• Website: https://dreamvisions7radio.com/• E-mail Deborah Beauvais: [email protected]• Phone: 508-226-1723You’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 Services I Offer,✓ Arrange your no-sales complimentary coaching session to learn more: ,✓ Stay current with Diane  as Wyzga on Words on SubstackStories 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 Victoria, BC, CanadaLand!Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds (and a bit more for a change up) for Story Prompt Friday and your host, Diane Wyzga.My friend Michelle asked me something that made me stop and think. She said, "You always end Story Prompt Friday with 'Write that story!' But you believe in the music of the spoken word - telling stories out loud - why not say that?Michelle knows me well.Here's the thing about our voices - they carry magic that our fingers can't capture. When you write your story, you're having a conversation with yourself. It’s a lovely and necessary place to begin. But when you speak your story out loud, something different happens. Something powerful.Your voice carries the rhythm of your heartbeat. It holds the catch in your throat when you remember something tender. It speeds up when you get excited and slows down when the moment matters most. These aren't just sounds - they're the music of your experience.Think about the last time someone told you a story that made you lean in closer. Was it their words alone? Or was it the way their voice dropped to an intimate whisper? The way they paused right before the surprise? The way their whole face lit up when they got to the good part?When you tell your story out loud, you're not just sharing information. You're sharing yourself. Your voice carries your personality, your emotions, your truth in ways that words on a page simply cannot.Here's what I've learned in thirty years of teaching people to tell their stories: most of us have forgotten how powerful our voices are. We text instead of call. We email instead of visit. We've become quiet.Your story needs your voice. It needs the way you say certain words. It needs your pauses, your emphasis, your breath. These aren't extras - they're essential story ingredients.When you stand up and tell your story, you're claiming space in the world. You're saying, "This happened. This matters. I matter." That's not just storytelling - that's courage.And here's the magical surprise: when you tell your story out loud, you hear it differently than when you write it. You discover new meanings. You find the parts that will move your listeners. You learn which moments need more time and which ones can move faster.Your voice teaches you about your own story.Your stories are waiting for the full power of your voice. They're waiting for the music of the spoken word only you can make.So yes, write your stories. But don't stop there. Find someone to tell them to, a loved one, an animal companion, even to yourself as you’re walking outside or working in your garden. That’s where I practice! What’s important is that you have a story to share.Give others that gift. Give yourself that gift. If you need a hand up I can help. Email me at [email protected] to arrange for a no obligation Discovery Call or reach out to me ("Wyzga on Words") on Substack. I’d love the opportunity to work with you!  Story Prompt: Starting now, tell your story 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 & Story Services, arrange a no-obligation Discovery Call, and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack.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.