60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday: The Witch of Whidbey on Helpers, Risk & Letting Go

Hello to you listening from wherever your feet touch the ground on this Halloween which has roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced SOW in) which marked the end of summer and the harvest and begins the darker half of the year.

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Story Prompt Friday and your host, the Witch of Whidbey.

Over these past 6 weeks (as I do every year) I’ve been retracing in my journal and my memories the pilgrimage I walked on the Camino de Santiago. 500 miles from St. Jean Pied de Port, France, over the Pyrenees into Spain and across Spain to Santiago and finally to Finisterre. By this time back then I was leaving Finisterre, Spain bound for uncertain transition and re-entry into life back in the States.       

“Look to the Helpers” showed up as the prevailing theme in this year’s “trek along the Buen Camino.”  No matter how lost or uncertain, cold, wet, tired, or hungry there was always someone or something to show me the way, the next step. Maybe the Camino’s yellow arrow, maybe Camino magic, maybe a stranger - how often we pilgrims relied on the kindness of strangers. In turn, we learned how to give a hand up to one another because Each One Lift One is a lesson the Camino deeply ingrains.

Something I’ve not thought of in decades came to mind as I mused on Helpers. I’d been given a brand new shiny emerald green big girl 2-wheeler bicycle for my 7th birthday. The first I’d ever owned. Now I’d have to learn how to ride it.

It was cold that New Jersey February. I remember dad holding the back of the bike seat steadying the bike as I learned to balance, keep it upright, steer down the concrete sidewalk. Once I got the hang of it I peddled a short way, and then a little longer, dad’s fingers still on the rear of the bike seat until he let go and there I went wobbling but upright, making my way down the sidewalk. I was riding a 2-wheeler bike!

That’s been my life from that day to this: testing my balance, falling down 7, getting up 8, gaining confidence. But never alone. The Helpers in my life, always there, holding, steadying, letting go, and watching with pride! There she goes! That’s our girl! All attitude, sass, class and adventure ready for what’s next.

What’s next was washing up on the shores of Whidbey Island to become the Witch of Whidbey. Still finding my way, orienting my True North compass, looking to the Helpers.

Story Prompt: What about you? How have you traveled Life’s roads? Who are your Helpers? 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 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.  If you found this podcast episode helpful, please consider sharing and attributing it to Diane Wyzga of Stories From Women Who Walk podcast with a link back to the original source.