Stories From Women Who Walk

Hello to you listening in Chişinău, Capital of Eastern Europe’s Republic of Moldova!

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

As the plane began its descent into Madrid, Spain I had made up my mind that I could not, should not, would not walk the Camino de Santiago. I was no pilgrim. I would pick up my pack and catch the next flight. I was going home.

What changed? I opened a card from my friend Lorraine that slipped out from between the pages of the guide book I was holding. The card read, “WELL DONE!”

Her words continued: As you read this thousands of feet above the earth (how could she have known that?) you may be wondering why I gave you a “WELL DONE!” card to start your Camino de Santiago journey. Regardless of what does or doesn’t happen from here on out, you will be forever changed simply because you showed up. And that, my friend, is “WELL DONE!” You have been given so much and have shared that so freely with others. All that you’ve courageously and deliberately laid down and walked away from in the last few years has led to today so that you are free to pick up whatever lies before you. So, in a word - or two - “WELL DONE!”

And the rest, as they say, was Buen Camino.

Story Prompt: When has a friend’s “Well Done!” moved you out of doubt and into right action? Write that story!

Practical Tip: The magic of stories is also in the sharing. If you wish share your story with someone or something. All that matters is you have a story.

You’re always invited: “Come for the stories - stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, would you subscribe, share a 5-star rating + nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time!

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

✓ Check out What I Offer,

✓ Arrange your free Story Start-up Session,

✓ Opt In to my monthly NewsAudioLetter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and

✓ Stay current with Diane on LinkedIn.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production 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 Rabat, Capital of Morocco!

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.

As the story goes I refused to transition from toddler diapers to toddler big girl pull ups the traditional way. No matter what they promised I was not going to sit on the Little Human pot. I wanted to sit on the Big Human’s porcelain throne.

Maybe my mother saw genius in my independence or maybe she was just harried with more babies coming along behind me every 18 months or so. She gave in. I did potty training my way.

But doing it “my way” didn’t happen nearly as often as the story seems to foretell. That little girl’s voice got shut down and ignored in the din of other voices, voices of authority, duty, church, obligation, and responsibility.

And yet, her voice wasn’t gone; it was just gone missing. In time she went looking for it. Named it and claimed it as her own voice. Now she helps professional women change their narrative so they are seen, heard, understood, and listened to.

Story Prompt: Somewhere in the long ago you realized that there is no other voice like yours. When did you choose to use it? How did you decide to do it your way, with your voice. 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 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 Walla Walla, 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.

What problems do I solve?

I help professional women discover, shape and share their Origin Story - the story of how they got from There to Here - so they can connect with, engage and inspire their audience to action while transforming the lives of those they serve.

How do I work with you?

Through a mix of personalized one-on-one consulting, self-guided learning, and production assistance.

For example:

"Perhaps you are a mid-career professional or business owner looking to build greater visibility and leadership. I help experienced women - like yourself - discover their Who as well as their Why, clarify their ideas, and amplify their messages in their own voice with the spirit of who they are."

"This might be the moment to recreate your business or personal narrative, to rediscover your talents and write your next chapter. Working together we’ll stimulate deep self-reflection and bold action so you confidently, deliberately become who you aspire to be."

"Picture your ideas transforming into powerful presentations, your story shaping your website, your voice resonating with conviction as you share your message. I'll help you manifest this vision."

CTA:

The key to our partnership is focusing on your potential to bring your desired future into reality; it’s a collaborative journey. Curious? Direct message me on LinkedIn or email me at [email protected]. It’s time to say what you mean and mean what you say!

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 Phillips, Minnesota!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is 60 Seconds for Time Out Tuesday with your host, Diane Wyzga.

Thank you to all my steadfast global listeners and new subscribers for allowing me to dip into the podcast archives these past several weeks while finishing the shakedown cruise for my brand new, one of a kind Quarter Moon Story Arts website!

Imagine that voicing your ideas is an act of creation. When we have the courage to speak our minds and use our voice to say what we mean and mean what we say we have taken a bold and beautiful step toward making happen what we desire. Our best chance of being seen, heard, understood and listened to is by speaking with intention. I can help you find the words you didn’t know you had to speak with confidence and conviction to make the change you seek.

CTA: Whether you are ready to work with me as your trusted story guide or getting ready to be ready, I’m here to support you at Quarter Moon Story Arts! Please stop by to check out the services, listen to the audios, subscribe to the Engaged Storyism© Network Newsletter, and receive a practical, worthwhile bonus just for signing up!

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 Newsletter for bonus gift, valuable tips & techniques to enhance your story work, and

✓ Stay current with Diane 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.

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk. You’ll recognize yourself in these true-life stories from women who are walking their lives while their lives walk them and the lasting difference these journeys have made. I’m your host, Diane Wyzga.

Today my guest Dafna Gold Melchior - podcaster, blogger and founder of Let's Clarify It! - who’s joining us from Jerusalem, Israel. Dafna is a Clarifier. As a clarifier Dafna teaches researchers and entrepreneurs (or “ResearchPreneurs” as she calls them) how to sharpen their message and communicate with clarity so they are prepared to clearly and concisely speak about the value of their work to high stakes audiences. What helps drive this mission? Dafna’s belief that “We're the happiest and most fulfilled when our work in the world is at the intersection where what we love meets our superpower.” For Dafna it means helping others toward crystal clear expression and collaboration. Welcome to the podcast, Dafna!

Minutes 36:00

00:00 to 1:56 Intro

1:37 to 6:20 Start From Where You Are

When we talked earlier you mentioned The Israel National Trail . I understand that the fellow who was inspired to create this national trail, Avraham Tamir, had himself hiked the Appalachian Trail on the East Coast of the US. If I met up with you there what’s the first thing I’d notice?

• Visiting Israel is a matter of when!
• In a very very small country we are very diverse, the scenery changes quickly and significantly
• You will meet a mosaic of people - a lot of diversity

And if we had some time to walk along together what might I get to know about you?

• Dafna loves hiking!
• Like the host, from a large family: 2nd of 7 children, close to siblings, close to parents, married into big family, and also has family of 4 children
• Family is core component of Dafna’s life
• Host is curious about the ways in which the culture which is influenced by family has further influenced Dafna’s life
• Dafna generationally had friends with/without career moms
• Knew from a young age that she wanted to be a professional and be a mom; but where’s the balance? Is a struggle
• Dafna’s original aspirations were different: expectations versus reality

Tell us more about that:

6:20 to 12:07 The Early Israeli Experience

• Moved from USA to Israel at age 7 and quite excited as a Jew and Zionist
• Dafna told family she would be an officer in IDF (Israeli Defense Forces); how did she know that early on? No idea!
• IDF military service is compulsory for men and women in Israel
• Dafna’s professional aspirations: a singer; special ed teacher; by High School had need to serve by connecting them with one another and communication so she could be Israel’s Ambassador to United Nations
• What did she mean? Being a proud representative, loved diversity, travel, meeting people
• Speaks French, literary Arabic, English and Hebrew
• Collaboration is a key theme in Dafna’s life
• Host suggests that the under-current of life: community, bringing people together, commonality and similarity is a river under her life from beginning
• Believes she always an inter-disciplinarian; what’s wrong with me? A little bit of this and that and also other things
• Dafna’s birthday parties looked like an affirmative action committee
• Host suggests that bringing people together who might be of interest to each other when someone (Dafna) brings them together and is still doing

12:07 to 16:40 Life Choice Gets Complicated: Professional Or....?

• Graduated high school, enrolled in Army, became an officer, married, went to university for political science
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs was attractive but family was much more so
• The price people pay depending on their professional choices
• Big decision: how to take partner and family into account
• Ever since then been trying to reconnect with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs job description without going away
• Her road was re-directed to more communications
• Host suggests that these are awarenesses and understandings we don’t come to easily or lightly
• Over 20 years sees the unfolding, the reflecting, the thru-line and happy with the journey

16:40 to 23:05 “Clarify the message to amplify the impact.”

You say that: "Many people aren't aware of t...