60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: The Power of “Well Done!” at 10,000 Feet

Hello to you Lorraine, listening in Corona del Mar, California!

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

It was early morning when I lifted the shade and looked out the airplane window at the brown, mid-September harvested fields of Spain below me, stretching as far as the eye could see. I felt sick, gut-clenching, breath-holding, throat-constricting sick. What a stupid idea! What was I thinking! How ridiculous, foolish even, to even imagine that I could walk across Spain - alone - as a pilgrim - with nothing more than a backpack and a guide book. Who was I kidding?

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

What happened next? Tucked between the pages of the guide book I was holding was an envelope and in the envelope a short message from my story galpal, Lorraine. Her first words were “WELL DONE!”

Her words continued: As you read this thousands of feet above the earth (and 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!”

What could I do? What would you do?

The plane descended, taxied to the Madrid Airport gate, and I disembarked with the rest of the passengers. I found my way to baggage claim, through customs, and out of the terminal looking for the bus that would take me across Madrid to the station for the train to Pamplona where I over-nighted before taking another bus to St. Jean Pied de Port, France to finally begin my Camino de Santiago. I walked out of France, over the Pyrenees Mountains, into Spain, and then 500 miles on foot to Santiago.

Since then I say my life is BC & AC: Before Camino and After Camino. Not a day goes by that I don’t recall my pilgrimage, relying on the kindness of strangers, and the unforgettable words that gave me the courage to set out: WELL DONE!

Story Prompt: Who gave you a hand up when you needed it most and expected it least? What happened next? Write that story and tell it out loud!

Thank you for listening!    

You're always welcome: "Come for the stories - Stay for the magic!" Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a 5-star rating and nice review on your social media or podcast channel of choice, bring your friends and rellies, and join us! You will have wonderful company as we continue to walk our lives together. Be sure to stop by my Quarter Moon Story Arts website and stay current with me as "Wyzga on Words" on Substack. 

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

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

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