It’s the greatest, most unassuming symphony, the human body at work. We make about two million new red blood cells every second, replace our stomach lining every two to nine days, can regrow a quarter of our liver to full size in weeks. A quadrillion (1015) DNA repairs heal the tens of thousands of lesions that blight our cells every day. In continual overhaul, we literally, viscerally embody death and rebirth, faithfully shedding in the deepest places what do not serve us. We even trade in our skeleton every 10 years with bones that had renewed at a rate of 10% a year. Maybe this is why we often take stock every birthday decade, prompted by more than rising digits. Even as the color of our hair and the strength of our skin surrender to time, we are given a new framework to build the next decade upon and to stand a little taller.

In triumph over a willful winter, the Georgian spring here beckons, the landscape outside and in my mind flush with green and promise. And so I release all that keeps me from the best version of myself. I will rewrite this page in ten years or less because to hope, to reach is to change. And change is the journey.

1,657 responses to “About the Wayfarer”

  1. I had an absolutely wonderful experience reading your blog. Would love to read more…

    1. So terribly sweet. I appreciate the follow. Welcome to this wonderful community!

      Xxx
      Diana

  2. cool blog, I’m going to enjoy reading this one.

    1. Hey, thanks for the support. =)

      HW

  3. HI! I just hit the big 40 myself this past year…and it does feel like a new age dawning! – A Blog, A Website, A supported self-publishing package purchased, and my FuzzBucket – my calico cat! Thanks for liking some of my posts on http://www.rebirthofsanity.com. I have decided to change the name of my book to “The Rebirth of Sanity” for I feel it goes better with my pen name and overall theme of my book. Nice to have met you and thanks again! LaVancia

    1. =) Great update. Happy for you.

      Here’s to resurrection!

      HW

  4. […] changing my blog title, but I made up my mind today not to after having an exchange with Diana at Holistic Wayfarer. I will share what those comments […]

  5. H!, Mothers, who and what they are. Mothers have an undying support, for their children right or wrong, and it is across the board.
    There is something about having a child, that makes a women extremely strong and terribly vulnerable at the same time. It would be easier to cut out their heart than it would be to turn their back on their child. There is no greater joy than being a mother and at times no deeper sorrow than that experienced by a mother, who has not lived up to her expectation in some capacity.
    Thank You Lord–“Amen”

    1. Quite appreciate your sentiments here. It is beautiful how you point out the strength and painful vulnerability mothers develop and experience at the same time. I know I became even more of a dragoness when I became a mother =) and yet very soft. A lovely tribute to our calling. Thank you so much for this blessing today.

      HW

  6. Thank you for the follow. Your blog is extraordinary. So glad to be following you.

    1. Very sweet, Daniel. I’m not seeing you on my subscriber list but I appreciate the pledge of support. =)

      HW

  7. I am happy I found you among the world of bloggers. Beautiful “About”—beautiful you!

    1. Thx so much, J. Appreciate the follow. Welcome to this rich community of thinkers. =)

    1. I have up a No More Awards, Thank You on the sidebar. Thanks for thinking of me, Laura. And my hands have been too full with the homeschooling to respond: wishing you healing and all things good.

      1. Completely understandable. Just a thanks… and if you get the time, I wrote a silly but so meaningful story, and you are a fairy in it. Just know, you made the pivotal difference in my life I couldn’t see until you waved your wand, in 45 years of my life. I’m now ready to fly, yet I’ll never be able to repay you.

        http://beginninglifeat43.com/2014/09/17/moment-of-enlightenment/
        Its not too long, I’m working on it.

      2. As I said, I’ve been very busy. Didn’t have the chance to reply when I was over but that’s funny. Holistic Fairy. Thanks, and sweet tale. Out the door soon. Take care, L!

  8. Thanks for the “like”. What a fabulous blog. Love your introduction. Will enjoy exploring.

    1. Visit was my pleasure, Sandra. Thank you for the warm greeting. Welcome to this wonderful community.

      Diana

  9. Ok D, upon further review, and after hearing more of your praises, I am offering a gift never to be used again, nor can be returned.

    Will this be an incessant stream of lavish garland tossing? Nope.
    Will this be a Dean Martinesque glass tinkling fest? Nope
    Will this accentuate your massive trophy case? Nope
    Will this highlight your impeccable grammar? Nope
    Will this consider your poise in handling difficult posters? Nope
    Will this allude to your excellent selection of topics? Nope

    What then?
    Here it is: drum roll please……………..ba bada dum dum- thank you.

    ________________________________________________________
    You are simply….. ‘way fairer’ than most…………….there, said it. Done.
    ________________________________________________________

    Couldn’t resist, but did wonder if this usage ever crossed your mind-

    Congrats on such exemplary blogwork. From what you write, and from what others say, you are quite the inspiration. 😉

    1. The part that pleases me the least: “nor can be returned.” :/

      Disappoints the most:
      ” glass tinkling fest? Nope”
      Shoot. Tempt me with the thought of alcohol and retract.

      Impresses me most for your WaY with words:
      “simply….. ‘way fairer’ than most…”

      Makes this the happiest of comments, full of sun and fun:
      “ba bada dum dum”

      HA. THANKS. I have given my all on these pages and am grateful for the sweet reward of thanks. You are amazing.

      1. Hey ‘No fare……….’
        I like your response better…………..

        -u out roasted the roaster……….

        See the wide grin…….friend.
        Fare ye well. 😉

  10. Thank you for the like. I really enjoyed reading your about. The gritty truths and humble flavors blessed me.

    1. =) Thanks for taking a moment.

      HW

      1. Truly it was my pleasure!

  11. Hi! I have nominated YOU for the Liebster Award. As said there, “I am nominating people with whom I have had very insightful and educational discussions with, who care about their followers and whose sites I really enjoy visiting…if you’ve done this already and do not wish to participate anymore, kindly give us a link to your Liebster Award page — I really do want to read your answers! If you can’t answer because it does not follow your blog’s strict format, or you simply just don’t want to, no biggies, we understand.”

    I just want you to know I appreciate you and your blog. You can find your award here: Rock, Liebster!

    1. Hey Jen, you missed the No More Awards, Thank You, on my sidebar. Appreciate your thinking of me. Congrats.

      Xx
      D.

      1. LOL!!!! Now I think I remember. Well, the award is still yours and you can’t make me take it back 😉 As said, no need to participate and I really do like your blog 🙂

      2. I know your heart. =) Have so appreciated your support. And yes, I do care about my readers. Look fwd to your answers. Turning in now.

        Xxx
        D.

  12. Lovely words.

    “Everyday is like a self addressed envelope we post to ourself. Be careful what you put in it.”

    1. I, actually, needed the quote today. Thank you.

  13. Beautiful writing! And thank you for checking out a couple of my posts. On your use of the metaphor of Moses’ forty year desert sojourn, here are a few of my thoughts from a different angle, written to encourage. http://pnissila.wordpress.com/2012/08/29/desert-training-devotional/

    I look forward to reading more of your beautiful, poetic prose :).

    1. Always love M Henry. =) That particular insight on God’s blueprint really speaks to me at this moment. Thanks so much for the precious truth. I appreciate your own reflections on God’s will coming into its own. Thanks for the follow and for engaging the community of writers and thinkers here. I appreciate Susan’s reverence. I’ve approved your comment and trust you’ll hear from her.

      Blessings,
      Diana

  14. Thanks so much for the follow, my fellow wordsmith. I’m glad that the WordPress community has such a proclivity for reaching out to one another. I look forward to sharing pieces with you.

    1. =) Welcome to A Holistic Journey, Elizabeth.

      Diana

  15. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Look forward to reading more of yours – great to get perspectives from other parts of the world

    1. I appreciate the good word and follow, Phil. Welcome to this wonderful community. =)

      Diana

  16. Hey!!
    Thanks for following my blog – http://www.whatiheart2day.wordpress.com I really appreciate it 🙂
    I loved reading some of your posts. Will come back soon. Great going!
    Have an awesome day!

  17. Hey there, thanks for visiting my blog! I decided to give you a follow. Come back soon! Have a great day!

    1. I see you on my list. =) Hope you enjoy. Thanks.

      HW

  18. Hey D:

    ABOUT your offer.

    I saw your invite for the ‘ happy hour’ contrib, and immmediately thought of something so demure, unnassuming, and off the charts awesome, that I proudly said to self: surely it will make the director’s cut! Then I was brought to earth by the quality of the opposition. 😉

    Didn’t matter, for lo and behold I saw your dead line had passed, oops. Other days, other posts, other times. If/when I post it, I’ll be sure to give you a shout.

    I’m guessing the results for you will be pretty cool to sift through and decide. Good idea.

    1. Go ahead and send. ASAP. I’m getting them ready for publish. No promises, though.

    2. Be sure to keep to the word limit.

  19. Thank you for liking my post. Pleased to meet you! 🙂

    1. Thx for the follow. Welcome to A Holistic Journey. It’s been quite a ride. =)

      HW

  20. Just beautiful! I’m enjoying your blog tremendously and am happy I took the time to read “About” you. Motherhood can, indeed, swallow us up, but it seems our selves eventually rise to the surface, demanding our attention!

    1. LOL YES, our SELF does rise and demand, doesn’t it? Thank you for the warm greeting and taking the time here, Laura.

      Blessings,
      Diana

  21. I could not find a place to comment but he sure is cute in the video. Maybe precious is better word for your son. Really, I mean gee, i thought my two kiddos were precious too when they were youngster and they are still precious to me as adults.

    1. Ha ha thanks so much for persisting with the comment. Guess why I shut down the comment switch on that one? I didn’t want to take up dear readers’ time, allowing them to tell me how cute he is LOL. Yep. THANK you dearly, Y.

  22. “I remembered that writing is how I really breathe.” – Glad I stumbled upon this beautiful line this morning, after just contemplating last night my need to get back to writing. I wouldn’t have said it this way last night, but now I have words – I have not been breathing enough lately.

    Enjoyed my first perusal of your blog. Look forward to reading more. Thanks for the like on my post.

    1. Appreciate the warm intro, feedback, and follow, Lisa. Visit was my pleasure and I welcome you to A Holistic Journey. =)

      Diana

  23. I have fallen in love with your blog! I love that you’re a dragonness mother, as I once was. There is no greater heartbreak than having to bury your children, but there is joy in knowing that this is not the end…that because of the Atonement of Christ, I will be with them again. Thank you for following my blog, http://faithhopeloveequalsjoy.WordPress.com I really appreciate it.

    1. You sure do have your joy formula right. =) I appreciate the warm greeting and follow. Looking fwd to sharing the journey.

      Blessings,
      Diana

  24. I saw a reblog of your artcle “Make Him Feel Like A Man” on Opinionated Man’s Blog and it caught my attention, read through it and loved it, you spoke the truth. Too many women are chasing after men when all they have to do is sit tight and let the men do the chasing and wooing, after all men are hunters by nature. Thank you for sharing that article. I am now following your blog and look forward to more interesting reads ahead 🙂

    1. Thx for the feedback and follow. =) You said it perfectly: hunters by nature. Welcome to A Holistic Journey.

      Diana

  25. Hey Diana, your blog is beautiful and I look forward to reading more 🙂

    1. =) Thanks for the good word and follow, Suzanne. Welcome to A Holistic Journey.

      Xx
      Diana

  26. Hi, Diana. I’ve been here before, and came back prompted by your likes and the nature of your blog. It’s a feast. This time I’m going to stay.
    Elouise

    1. So sweet. I appreciate the feedback, Elouise. Thank you for the pledge of support. Welcome to A Holistic Journey!

      XXxxxx
      Diana

  27. Thank you for stopping by my blog. Lovely to meet you and read yours too.

    1. Very sweet of you, Angie. I have up a No More Awards, Thank You on my sidebar but I certainly appreciate the regards. If you don’t mind changing my name to Wayfarer, it’s just something I’d prefer in public “presentations” but if you’ve edited that page enough, I understand. =) Congrats and keep up the fine blogging.

      Diana

      1. There it is, on your About page 🙂 Mental note taken! And I’m an editing queen so the edits are made, no problem. Thanks for letting me know your preference and, of course, for your encouragement. Feel well and hope your weekend is lovely.

      2. Thx for everything, A. =)

  28. Diana,
    I greatly enjoy your blog. You write with conviction and yet in a relaxed style. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. And thanks for stopping by my blog.

    I’m happy your outcome in the hospital was not cancer. Hope you will find a way to be in less pain while eating. May God bless you.

    Betsy

    1. Very sweet of you, Betsy. Thanks so much for the clear feedback on my writing and regards. It doesn’t hurt to eat, but it doesn’t go down well. I didn’t feel I had to explain, that place on the post.

      Appreciate your time.

      Blessings,
      Diana

  29. Thank you for stopping by The Enchanted Blog. Your journey is a soulful one and I hope that it is also enchanting. Please stop by to visit me again, and I will do the same. Hugs.

    1. =) Thx for taking a moment. Appreciate the good word.

  30. A thoroughly enjoyable read that left me considering a vast array of…things. Things that needed considering, like what was I doing so long ago when I turned 40? And though I quite obviously could never be a mother, perhaps it is the fact that I only had a mother of my own for 8 or 9 years before the Lord decided He needed her more than I did that makes the entire topic of motherhood so interesting to me, like a mystery a have yet to solve. Anyway, I think if I read enough of your beautiful words, I just might get somewhat of an answer to at least some of my questions regarding that subject. We’ll just have to see. For now though, thank-you for the few moments of sharing your life with those you have yet to meet. It seems you touched more than a few.

    1. I sure appreciate the response – and follow. I am touched you share your history and thoughtful reflections from this post. I would love to hear any answers that should present themselves in the journey ahead. Thank you for the gracious word on this blog and welcome to this wonderful community of thinkers.

      Diana =)

  31. Hi Diana, thank for stopping by my blog and for the follow. You have a grand blog and I like your About page, you have described about your journey so well. You have surely achieved a lot and lot to learn from you and your blog. 🙂

    1. I appreciate the good word and follow, Grace.

      Grace and light,
      Diana

      =)

      1. Thank you Diana – Grace and light to you too. 🙂

  32. Want a e-pal? 🙂 Send me an email to my address if you like. 🙂 Always a pleasure and never a chore to read your posts.

    1. Thanks for the good word, MC. I’m right here, if you want to talk. =)

  33. Thanks for stopping by my blog on homelessness, and I wish you all the best on your path in wholeness and remaining a loving, caring and responsible mom. Been there. It’s not easy, but doable. In the spirit of the Buddha, May you be happy, May you be safe, May you be healthy, and May you be at ease.

    1. Visit was my pleasure and I appreciate the good word. That ease grabs me.

      Thank you for your time.

      Diana

  34. Thanks for visiting my Cronechronicler blog and your “like” on my poetry. I connect at a deep place with your About post. I’m in the next generation of mothering and my grandchildren teach me a lot of new things. Since I was in my 40’s I have been on a pilgrimage to plumb the image of God in myself. The journey never grows old.

    1. That is great to know about your journey. Just wonderful how blogging enables us to connect so richly, isn’t it? I appreciate the follow. Welcome to A Holistic Journey. I look fwd to sharing in each other’s stories.

      Diana

  35. Dear D:

    Couldn’t find your e-mail address, so I am forced to contact you this way. When you get a chance, would you e-mail me separately so I don’t clog up your web site. I would love for you to participate in a series on favorite children’s books, and have a list of questions I can e-mail you, if you are interested. I posted my own musings on the subject just now. Let me know.

    Love,
    E

  36. Hi Diana!

    My name is Steph and I just came across this piece (http://holisticwayfarer.com/2014/09/10/a-curtain-hung-between-us/) and loved it. I was wondering if you’d be open to letting me republish it on my site, Human Parts (https://medium.com/human-parts). If you’re interested, please shoot me an email at hihumanparts@gmail.com. Thank you 🙂

    1. I’ll fwd your request to the guest who contributed the piece on this blog, Steph, so that he pops on over. Out of respect for the author, I would normally have you wait for his green light but he’s not been readily reachable and since he was so happy about all the reblogs, it would make sense to give you the go-ahead. So thanks for the interest and support. I hope your readers enjoy it, and we’ll be by as soon as we come out from under. =)

      Diana

    2. Hi Steph,

      Awesome! Very happy to be on your beautiful site (just popped over, will definitely be back). Will shoot you a quick e-mail so that you have my contact information.

      Thanks again, really appreciate it!

      Best,
      Dominic

    3. I’m not seeing a space to enter comments in but what a rich place you have built, Steph. The thoughtful piece on the dark surfaces is amazing. So many layers to that, I know, from my paltry appreciation of crystals and natural elements. Keep up the great work.

      Diana

      1. Thanks so much for checking it out, Diana! You keep up the great work as well 🙂 Steph

  37. i would like to thank you for dropping by and having a read. i see that you have been blogging for sometime and have many followers …

    1. Just a little over a year-and-a-half. =) Came on WP in March. Thx for the visit.

    2. And thank you for the follow. =) Welcome to A Holistic Journey.

      Diana

  38. Hi, thank you for stopping by and liking my blog.

    1. My pleasure. I appreciate the follow. Welcome to A Holistic Journey. =)

      Diana

      1. Thanks! Look forward to the journey! 🙂

  39. Thanks for liking my post. “The little girl feeling from first grade is a clear memory.” (Even after 40 years.) The same is true after 60. Good, at least, that I still have my memory.

    1. I read on the blogs that people realize how “not old” 50, 60 is. =) Thx for coming over.

      HW

  40. Thank-you so much for visiting my blog and liking one of my posts. I am very grateful. I have just had a quick look at your blog and will be back for more.

    1. Sweet of you. =)

      HW

  41. Interesting concept, holistic Mom. I wonder if you are a first? Thanks for stopping by.

    1. First as a holistic mom? No, that’s actually a designation some mothers use of themselves. =)

  42. […] important post was made on a blog I follow called , “A Holistic Journey“. The blogger, alohaleya, recently wrote a post, My Fiction Put Me In Debt, in which she talks about the effects of […]

  43. Beautiful writing. I am turning 40 in a month and have also thought of my life in long phases. Every 12 years I feel like there is a major change. I had my son at 36 and that definitely changed everything. I look forward to exploring your site.

    1. Oh, thanks for connecting. =) That is neat to know about you. Appreciate the follow and welcome to A Holistic Journey.

      Xx
      Diana

  44. Thank you for the like. I look forward to reading more 🙂 would love your feedback as well.

    Dils

    1. Sweet of you to connect. Thanks for the follow and yes, keeping in active touch would be great. Talk again. =)

      Diana

  45. I’m glad that you liked my post “Delete. Rewrite” and that you have decided to write again. Turning 40 is a milestone, but each passing decade is more and more liberating. The best is yet to come.

    1. Visit was my pleasure and thanks for connecting. I appreciate the hope you hold out. I can’t help wonder if my best to come will take a detour – the long way around – for the homeschooling that will require even more of me in the next ten years. But it’s good to hear from someone who’s been.

      =)

      Xxx
      Diana

  46. On reaching 40 I found myself taking a career change from editing video stories to sharing those stories with students in England and Northern Ireland. It was a hard journey to take moving away from my passion. Yet in the decade that followed I published two of my own novels and two book’s by other authors, directed two feature length films, finished my first Masters and completed a second. Influenced over 2000 students and, more importantly, was influenced by them. I also found more time to be with my two sons and my loving wife.

    At 51 I hit a brick wall as a teacher, realising that what was expected in an institution meant I had to go against, I believed, my faith and what it meant to be a teacher. My blood pressure was high and was suffering from anxiety. My doctors told me to stop.

    Now out of the rat-race of institutional teaching, I have found time to relax, learnt to bind books, learning to play the violin, having time to talk to people and am developing my own courses. In the last week, I have realised I need to slow down even further because when you do you can start to see what is around you and begin to appreciate where you are. I am now making it a point to read others’ blogs, like your’s, which I am finding inspiration and energizing my own writing again.

    The most important part is listening then communicating with others. It helps put a different perspective on life. So thanks you for this opportunity to share my thoughts again.

    1. I appreciate knowing more of your story, George. The current (pun intended) money series here has in itself opened the writers and readers to unexpected perspectives and undone assumptions as well as help reframe our history and self-talk. So it is wonderful of you to have slowed down to listen. We will hear both the melody and the counterpoint in the narratives, wont’ we? It is remarkable how you managed to juggle all you did but yes, it is acrobatics, the attempt at balance and we do wear ourself out. All the best to you in your rich endeavors. Thank you so much for having joined me on A Holistic Journey.

      Warmly,
      Diana

  47. […] About the Wayfarer. […]

  48. Thank you for liking one of my recent posts, and I look forward to following your warm and appreciative approach to communicating with others.

    1. Visit was my pleasure and thank you for connecting, Steve. Keep up the thoughtful bogging and welcome to A Holistic Journey! =)

      Diana

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