The Plata Life Podcast: Finding the magic of the everyday life
By Maria Plata
The Plata Life Podcast: Finding the magic of the everyday life Nov 15, 2023
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!
7.4 Rage and Rest in the Negative Space
In this episode I share a funny/not so funny incident that involves my dog, mud, pee, and hopping on one foot.
I explore and share my learnings about how rage shows up as a mom in something we like to call "mom rage". This is the T-Rex mom character and she came out in full force.
She actually was angry beacause Amelia, the hard working beaver, kept trying to take over working extra hard. And we were all just very tired after a crazy few days!
Have a listen to learn how rage and rest can help you find that negative space where stillness can emerge.
If you're interested to learn more about these characters head over to see the illustrations of The Plata Squad
And if you want to receive a weekly newsletter where I share more about my findings and my current artwork, sign up and I will see you in your inbox on Friday mornings!
7.3 Appreciating the Shine
Welcome to the Plata Life! In this episode I share how a simple bouquet of tulips reminded that we all have our own "shine" like the character of Shiloh.
I look at this from the perspective of observing children in their own natural shine and how we can learn to embrace and accept that we are all different and unique.
In today’s world where everything seems to be about metrics and reaching some goal, are you leaving enough space for your particular type of magic to shine just because?
If you'd like to read more about this Parts Of Me Project, head over to my website:
Stay tuned for next week's moment of clarity!
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!
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!
7.0 Letting go of the HSP label
Welcome to Season 7 of The Plata Life Podcast!
Check out the new cover art, which includes the characters from Season 6! I am so glad you are here and hope that this episode gives you more information and glimpse of how my brain works.
In this episode, I share the reason why I no longer feel comfortable using the term Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) to describe my lived experience.
While I am still unclear on so much of this journey, I am learning that when I make decisions based on what I need vs. what I wish I didn't need everything feels so much better.
If you'd like to receive weekly emails about how you can work with your creativity and sensitivity, then head over to my website and subscribe to the email list:
Stay tuned each Wednesday morning for a new episode!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
6.27 When we get stubborn
In part 2 of Alistair the horse, we see very clearly that he is going to be very stubborn. Isabel remembers that these characters are on their own journey and that she must release any expectation to allow the magic to show up.
I have created a home page for these characters, check it out here: The Plata Squad
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.