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The Plata Life Podcast: Finding the magic of the everyday life

The Plata Life Podcast: Finding the magic of the everyday life

By Maria Plata

Hola! My name is Maria Plata. I invite you to use your sensitivity and creativity to guide the way to find the magical moments in your day-to-day life. As a teacher, mom, wife, and average human, I share my journey in self-discovery and self-acceptance through exploring creativity in a practical and meaningful way. Come along as we collect those little pebbles throughout our day and alchemize them into something magical!
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7.5 Taking a Break

The Plata Life Podcast: Finding the magic of the everyday life Feb 07, 2024

00:00
12:55
7.5 Taking a Break

7.5 Taking a Break

In this episode I share how this video helped me understand that it is now time to take a humble step back and take a break from creating.


If you're trying to figure out how to have a creative business but it feels incredibly challenging- I cannot recommend this video enough.


I am excited to see what I figure out during this time and what I can come back with to help you in this creative journey!


Thank you for listening!

Feb 07, 202412:55
7.4 Rage and Rest in the Negative Space
Jan 31, 202416:19
7.3 Appreciating the Shine
Jan 24, 202418:15
7.2 Loving Our Fear

7.2 Loving Our Fear

In this episode, I share how my little friend Agar the Fox came out to remind me that I should be AFRAID of so much! Come with me on this journey to discover how offering love and compassion to this part of myself allowed me to witness the beauty of the everyday life.


Listen and reflect on how you can love and learn from the parts of you that are fearful!


If you're interested in listening to the Agar stories, head back to Season 6 of the podcast episdoes 9-12 where I share his story.


These characters were born out of my 2023 Creative project where I gave my parts a characters based on the IFS model in a story form. I am currently working on editing the stories into a book, my lifelong dream is to be a published author- tiny turtle steps baby!

Jan 17, 202418:41
7.1 Moments of Clarity

7.1 Moments of Clarity

Do you ever find it challenging to "be in the moment"? As a neurodivergent person, this has been one of my biggest challenges. This week I share a story about my life in which I was able to integrate my characters into a challenging moment.


I ask the questions:

Who is showing up?

What do they need?


These two simple questions allowed me enough space to let my guard down and connect with my child in a deep and meaningful way.


I hope this episode helps you in some way to find those moments of clarity in your life! Stay tuned for next week's story and moment of clarity!

Jan 10, 202417:36
7.0 Letting go of the HSP label
Jan 03, 202411:38
6.51 We're just getting started

6.51 We're just getting started

This is the FINAL episode of season 6 of The Plata Life Podcast! I share the fourth part of Amani's story, which concludes the stories.


I also share why these stories have been so impactful for me this year and how I plan on continuing this creative project into the new year. Stay tuned for season 7 next week!

Dec 27, 202340:45
6.50 Amani gets out

6.50 Amani gets out

In this episode, I read the third part of Amani the inner child where she discovers it's safe enough to come out and gets curious enough about the characters. Stay tuned for the fourth and final part of this story next week!

Dec 20, 202326:07
6.49 Meet Amani

6.49 Meet Amani

In this episode, I share a little more about the day to day life of being a parent who is just doing her best. I also share the second part of Amani's story where the characters finally get to know who she is and what they must do. Stay tuned for part three next week!

Dec 13, 202329:43
6.48 Back to the City

6.48 Back to the City

In this episode, I share the beginning of the final chapter of this year's series of stories! The Plata Squad must go on a journey together back to the city to help Ali out. Stay tuned to see what happens and who they meet next!

Dec 06, 202321:47
6.47 Sam resolves the big fight

6.47 Sam resolves the big fight

In this episode, I share the 5th and final part of Sam's story. This is the 11th story of this year's project, and I am excited to share the final chapter next week. Stay tuned for that!

Nov 29, 202323:23
6.46 Sam and the Big Fight

6.46 Sam and the Big Fight

In this episode I share the fourth part of Sam's story where the characters are in a big fight. Stay tuned for next week's fifth and final part of Sam's story.

Nov 22, 202324:41
6.45 Sam and the reunion

6.45 Sam and the reunion

In this episode, we learn who showed up at Ali's house and why it's so important that Sam is there. Stay tuned for next week to learn about the journey Isabel must go on next.

Nov 15, 202324:30
6.44 Sam Shares His Story

6.44 Sam Shares His Story

In this episode I share part two of Sam's story. Just a warning, there is talk about a dog dying in this episode, so please be mindful of that. Sam shares what his previous life was like with a family who opened up to love. Stay tuned for next week's episode where I'll share part three!

Nov 08, 202341:34
6.43 Meet Sam

6.43 Meet Sam

In this episode, I share why it's so important to keep creating and believing in hope. Especially when the world feels dark. I also share the first part of my next story. It's probably going to be my favorite character ;) Stay tuned for part two next week!

Nov 01, 202327:35
6.42 Mabel in Full Fligh

6.42 Mabel in Full Fligh

In this episode, I share the fourth and final part of the story Mabel and Manolo. I also share about what is currently going on in the world and process how we can hold two feelings at the same time. Stay tuned next week for the introduction of the 11th character!

Oct 25, 202327:01
6.41 Mabel is Honest with Manolo

6.41 Mabel is Honest with Manolo

In this episode, I read part three of the story Mabel and Manolo. Mabel allows herself to be fully honest with Manolo after Isabel fixes her wing. Stay tuned for the fourth and final part next week!

Oct 18, 202325:03
6.40 Mabel Needs Help

6.40 Mabel Needs Help

In this episode, I share part two of the Mabel and Manolo the Lovebirds story. Manolo finally gets home and Mabel realizes that she is going to need help. Isabel notices the dysfunction in their relationship and realizes that this is going to be trickier than she thought.

Oct 11, 202315:48
6.39 Meet Mabel and Manolo

6.39 Meet Mabel and Manolo

In this episode, I share the first part of the 10th story: Mabel and Manolo. The main character Isabel, goes into the forest with Agar and finds the next character. Find out who she is and what her issues are! And stay tuned for next week for the second part.

Oct 04, 202321:04
6.38 Amelia Takes a Nap

6.38 Amelia Takes a Nap

In this episode, I share the fourth and final part of Amelia the Beaver story. We learn that there is a big problem with the dam she built and must act quickly in order to fix it. She finally admits how tired she is and realizes that her value is not in the hard work she produces, but in just being herself. Stay tuned for the next story!

Sep 27, 202320:44
6.37 Amelia wants to be seen

6.37 Amelia wants to be seen

In this episode, I share the third part of Amelia the Beaver where we learn the reason for her intense work ethic. She is able to let her guard down and figure out why she's been working so hard.

Sep 20, 202321:02
6.36 Amelia is named the most hardworking beaver

6.36 Amelia is named the most hardworking beaver

In this episode, I share the second part of Amelia's story. She is named the most hardworking beaver and we learn how her kits really look up to her. Isabel wonders why her work ethic is so strong and realizes that she'll be staying in the forest longer than she expected.

Sep 13, 202317:37
6.35 Meet Amelia the Beaver

6.35 Meet Amelia the Beaver

In this episode, I read the first part to the next character: Amelia the Beaver. Isabel, the main character, has decided it is time to go back home and must go through the mountain again. This time, she finds a hard-working beaver named Amelia who has no time for chit-chat. Stay tuned for next week's episode where I will share part two!

Sep 06, 202318:57
6.34 The Messy Middle of the Creative Process

6.34 The Messy Middle of the Creative Process

Do you ever feel like you're making progress but not quite sure where to go next? In this episode, I share how important this part of the creative process is. That part when you are in the middle of your work and realize that it all looks like a hot mess. This is where a lot of us walk away and don't come back. But what if we looked at it simply as part of the whole process? And a necessary part at that. I hope this episode helps you understand this a bit better! Come back next week to meet the 9th character of this series!

Aug 30, 202325:26
6.33 Cornelius as the inner critic

6.33 Cornelius as the inner critic

In this fourth and final part of Cornelius the goat, we learn more about his behavior and the reasons behind it. We also catch a glimpse of how he can become Ally's inner critic while she writes and what Isabel decides to do to help create a good flow to both of their energies. Stay tuned for next week which will be a reflection week, followed by a new character!

Aug 23, 202325:08
6.32 Cornelius Makes a Compromise

6.32 Cornelius Makes a Compromise

In this episode we learn more about the challenges that Ally and Cornelius face. He is able to move through it and make a compromise. Stay tuned for next week's fourth and final part of Cornelius the Goat.

Aug 16, 202320:32
6.31 Cornelius the Creative Genius

6.31 Cornelius the Creative Genius

In this episode I share a little about how a little stuffed animal sloth has been helping me see how easy it is for my students to play with creativity and how beneficial it's been. I also read the second part of Cornelius the Goat where we find out more about him. We discover that he is the Ally's Creative Genius and the problem they are having.

Aug 09, 202319:39
6.30 Meet Cornelius

6.30 Meet Cornelius

In this episode, I share a bit about the crazy, hectic week I've had. Then I read the first part of Cornelius the Goat. Isabel is stranded in this farm with Alistair's owner during a big storm. And yet, everything feels eerily familiar to her.

Aug 02, 202319:31
6.29 Alistair goes home

6.29 Alistair goes home

In this episode I read the fourth and final part of Alistair the horse. We find out how Isabel helps him get unstuck and experience a surprising ending.

Jul 26, 202316:54
6.28 Alistair Gets in His Own Way

6.28 Alistair Gets in His Own Way

In this episode I rant a little about going back to work and how that's going. I also share a little about therapy and how that's helped me in my creative journey. Finally, I share the third part from Alistair the Horse. We learn that he's getting in his own way, quite literally.

Jul 19, 202319:11
6.27 When we get stubborn
Jul 12, 202317:38
6.26 Alistair the Horse

6.26 Alistair the Horse

New month, new character! In this episode, I share a little about why our last family vacation was such a success for me. And then I read part one of this month's character: Alistair the Horse. Enjoy!

Jul 05, 202317:53
6.25 Shiloh Finds Their Shine

6.25 Shiloh Finds Their Shine

Woohoo! This is the fourth and final part of Shiloh the Shiny Thing! In today's episode we find out how Shiloh finally gets their shine back! You'll also find out what else they find in the deep, dark forest of this magical world.

Jun 28, 202315:57
6.24 Going into the darkness

6.24 Going into the darkness

In this episode I share part 3 of Shiloh the Shiny Thing. Isabel and Shiloh go into the dark forest and learn more about the background of why Shiloh lost his shine. At the end, they are surprised to learn that they had been followed. Stay tuned for the fourth and final part to find out what happens!

Jun 21, 202316:15
6.23 Why We Lose Our Shine

6.23 Why We Lose Our Shine

In episode 6.23 Why We Lose Our Shine I share part two of the story Shiloh the Shiny Thing. We learn more about why they lost their shine and how they feel about it. Stay tuned for next week to find out what happens when they go into the darkness of the forest.

Jun 14, 202318:24
6.22 Meet Shiloh the Shiny Thing

6.22 Meet Shiloh the Shiny Thing

Wooo...recording this episode was a struggle! After a million technical difficulties, it is done. You can meet the new character named Shiloh. In this first part we learn about an issue they are facing and get some background on where they live. Stay tuned for next week for the second part!

Jun 07, 202312:37
6.21 The Challenges of Living Life as a Creative, Sensitive Mom

6.21 The Challenges of Living Life as a Creative, Sensitive Mom

It's reflection time! In this episode, I share all about where I am on my journey and why parenting feels so hard for me these days. I think we don't share enough of the messy middle, this is one way I can share some of that with you! Thank you for listening, and stay tuned for the new character next week!

May 31, 202321:38
6.20 Pablo the Peacock Finds His Way Home

6.20 Pablo the Peacock Finds His Way Home

In this episode, I share the fourth and final part of Pablo the Peacock. You'll find out what happens when he makes his way home. Stay tuned to find out who the next character will be!

May 24, 202326:50
6.19 We are capable of change

6.19 We are capable of change

I share part three of Pablo the Peacock story in today's episode. In this part, he realizes that he must make a change and realizes how his actions have led him to this place in his life. Stay tuned for the fourth and final part next week!

May 17, 202316:27
6.18 When Pride Gets in the Way

6.18 When Pride Gets in the Way

Have you ever stopped yourself from asking for help when you really needed it? What stopped you? We explore this theme with Pablo the Peacock as I share a little more of his story. Stay tuned for part three next week!

May 10, 202314:56
6.17 Meet the new character Pablo

6.17 Meet the new character Pablo

In this episode, I share my process of how I'm figuring out how to plan my next workshop! Then I share the first part of the next story. You'll get to meet Pablo, an animal that is pacing back and forth in the forest. Apparently, he is fuming he is so mad! Stay tuned for the rest of this month to hear the full story!

May 03, 202316:05
6.16 Sally the Sloth and the duality of life

6.16 Sally the Sloth and the duality of life

In this episode I share parts 3 & 4 of the short story Sally the Sloth. We find out how she finally gets out of the cage and how she is able to fully embrace all parts of herself. Stay tuned for the next character!

Apr 26, 202323:30
6.15 What part of you is caged?

6.15 What part of you is caged?

In this episode I share all about what has been forcing me to slow down lately. Then I read part 2 of Sally the Sloth story. As you go about your week, I invite you to reflect on those parts of you that you have caged because they weren't ____ enough for society. Enjoy!

Apr 19, 202324:27
6.14 Meet the new character Sally

6.14 Meet the new character Sally

In this episode, I share the struggles of establishing a creative business. I give you some behind the scene updates on what is currently working and not working when it comes to the "business" stuff. Then I read the first part of the next story. In this part, we meet the new character, Sally. You'll have to listen to figure out what animal she is! Stay tuned for part two next week!

Apr 05, 202325:39
6.13 Living Life as a Creative Pursuit

6.13 Living Life as a Creative Pursuit

In this episode, I take the time to do some self-reflection as I take a little break from writing. I share with you my takeaways from reading the book Find Your Unicorn Space" by Eve Rodsky and how crucial it is for us (especially as women) to give ourselves that time and energy to pursue our creative endeavors. I also share the challenges and behind-the-scenes of living a creative life.

Mar 29, 202320:54
6.12 Saying Goodbye to Agar

6.12 Saying Goodbye to Agar

In this episode, I share the fourth and final part of the short story for Agar. We learn how to handle walking the path with him (fear) and what happens when we must part ways with our fear. I also share a bit more about the Creativity Workshop I led this past weekend (which was amazing by the way!!!) and some of the day to day thoughts I have as we get back into the daily routines after vacation.

Mar 22, 202319:37
6.11 When Fear Makes Us Fawn

6.11 When Fear Makes Us Fawn

In this 3rd part of the story Agar the Fox, we finally learn why he’s been following Isabel. We also learn how fear can make us behave in ways that are less than desirable.
Mar 15, 202322:21
6.10 When Fear Attacks

6.10 When Fear Attacks

In this episode, I read part 2 of Agar the fox in which we find out something special about the main character Isabel. The question you can ask yourself at the end is this: when have I let fear take ahold of me as if I was “under attack”?
Mar 08, 202317:14
6.9 Meet Agar the Fox

6.9 Meet Agar the Fox

In this episode I share a little about what my youngest’s birthday has brought up for me as a highly sensitive parent. The. I share the first part of the third story for this year. We meet the character of Agar, a little fox out in the forest. Enjoy!
Mar 01, 202324:58
6.8 Gus belongs to himself

6.8 Gus belongs to himself

In this episode I share the fourth and final part of Gus the Guinea pig story. You’ll find out what happens to him and if he finds his way back into his Montessori classroom. Thank you for listening!
Feb 22, 202327:04