Why do things always seem to work out for some people and not for others?
Do you have goals in your life that just don’t seem attainable? I’m a firm believer that you can achieve anything you want–happiness in your job, great relationship with your spouse, joy-filled hobbies–but there are some age-old philosophies that make it possible.
This episode is a bit of a stretch for me. I don’t often talk about how I feel about ego or intuition and living a life with intention. But tapping into these two things has allowed me to know what path to take, what opportunities to say yes to and what to say no to.
If you are searching to change things up a bit, I believe that there is a great deal of power in changing your mindset.
LISTEN TO THE SHOW:
My best advice for teaching art to kids.
Why do things always seem to work out for some people and not for others?Do you have goals in your life that just don’t seem attainable? I’m a firm believer that you can achieve anything you want–happiness in your job, great relationship with your spouse, joy-filled hobbies–but there are some age-old philosophies that make it possible.This episode is a bit of a stretch for me. I don’t often talk about how I feel about ego or intuition and living a life with intention. But tapping into these two things has allowed me to know what path to take, what opportunities to say yes to and what to say no to.If you are searching to change things up a bit, I believe that there is a great deal of power in changing your mindset.
LISTEN TO THE SHOW:
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:
– What might be holding you back and how to eliminate it.
– How saying NO can change your life
– How collaboration can open up possibilities in your life
– Why it’s important to start giving without the expectation of receiving.
– Understand how your ego and intuitions affect each other and how to recognize how egos can rule your thoughts.
– How finding purpose and joy in just one thing a day can be transformational
INTERVIEW LINKS:
The Lively Show with Jess Lively
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle
– What might be holding you back and how to eliminate it.
– How saying NO can change your life
– How collaboration can open up possibilities in your life
– Why it’s important to start giving without the expectation of receiving.
– Understand how your ego and intuitions affect each other and how to recognize how egos can rule your thoughts.
– How finding purpose and joy in just one thing a day can be transformational
INTERVIEW LINKS:
The Lively Show with Jess Lively
The Power of Now
A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose 
My best advice for teaching art to kids.
Yes, the day has come!
After a long time deciding if, I finally said when.
Thank you SO much for your encouragement, show suggestions and help getting Art Made Easy off the ground.
Many of you were so pumped about this show but confessed that you had no idea what a podcast was. I love you guys for your unbridled enthusiasm.
Here’s a quick definition of a podcast & what to expect from Art Made Easy:
A podcast is a free radio show. The host (me!) interviews guests or talks about a favorite subject. You get to listen through your computer, laptop or smart phone. I like to listen to my favorite podcasts in my car during long travel days or on my walks via set of ear buds and my iPhone.
You can subscribe to the show via iTunes and Stitcher radio. The benefit is that your free podcast ap on your iPhone will automatically be updated with all the podcast episodes from any show you subscribe to.
Go ahead and give it a try!
To listen on your laptop or computer, just click the play button in the colored box below.
To listen via iTunes, click on the “play in iTunes” banner and click subscribe.
And now onto the show…
For my first show, I wanted to tell you my story of how I became an art teacher. We all have different paths and this one is mine. I’ll share advice to those who are just starting out as an art teacher and some of my best tips for teaching art to kids.
This episode is for anyone who thinks they may not have the qualifications to be an art teacher. Teaching art to kids doesn’t have to happen inside a classroom. You can teach art at home, at a summer camp and even as a volunteer (like I did).
If you are an art teacher just beginning your journey, I’m sharing my best advice to get you through that tough first year. Download my free handout and keep it in your teacher planner and refer to it when you have a tough day.
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
SHOW NOTES:
Drawing With Children: A Creative Method for Adult Beginners, Too
Art Lab for Kids: 52 Creative Adventures in Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Paper, and Mixed Media-For Budding Artists of All Ages (Lab Series)
National Art Convention
CreativeLive- free online classes
Art Teachers Facebook Group
Website: Painted Paper in the Art Room (Laura Lohmann)
Website: Art of Education
Book: Classroom Management for Art, Music, and PE Teachers
PS – Please leave a review on iTunes!
Art Made Easy is now live on iTunes! Subscribing to the show and leaving an honest review really helps the show gain visibility and allows me to tailor the show to your needs.
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Thank you for sharing your insights and wisdom with all of us artsy teachers and creators. A couple of your points really rang true with me. A few yrs ago at a party someone I barely know said “it is absolutely amazing how unobservant people are (in general)…. same as you said…. most people don’t care a hill of beans what I’m doing most of the time…SO TRUE I tend to be a people pleaser and say yes to too many things and I am working hard (and making good progress the last couple of years) as I approach 49 to say yes to the things that are rich in quality and meaningful to me. I’ve been an art teachers/instructor in some capacity for 15 years and made many mistakes not saying yes to the right things. Love , love your podcasts by the way and have been following your blog pretty much from the beginning. Look forward to each one… Kara Sabatella from CT
Thank you so much, Kara. You have no idea how much your comment means to me. And it’s true what they say about growing older…you really do have more insights to what makes you happy.
Thanks for following the blog…you are amazing!
Thank you for the podcast, Patty! I’m listening! I always put on your podcasts if I am staying late after school in my room. I am a 2nd year elementary art teacher with big dreams and sometimes…well…I feel really overwhelmed. Finding you and other art ed bloggers has made me feel more connected, centered, and hopeful that I too can make a difference in kids lives and keep my passion for art and teaching alive. Thanks for being a guiding voice in my world. – Jill
Thank you, Jill! That’s exactly how I felt when I was teaching and started connecting with other bloggers. And now as a business woman, I can connect with other business-ey folks through podcasts.
So glad you are listening!
I always enjoy hearing encouraging tips for living life.
Thanks Amy!
It must have been intuition that lead me to your podcast this morning! I normally pick out very different shows to listen to on my walks to work but something made me click the Art Made Easy icon this morning. I’m so glad I did! This is such a great episode that I will definitely be checking out more of them, even though I’m not a mom or an art teacher. Thank you for being brave enough to put yourself out there in a way that pushes your comfort zone, and for sharing your wise and inspiring take on life. Love it!
Aww…thanks so much Charity. I’ve had so many of those exact moments this year when something just pushed me to listen to something, open up an email or take a look at something I wouldn’t normally do. I followed my guts most of the time and it has been such a surprise.
Hi Patty, I loved your latest podcast, very gutsy to go beneath the surface and I applaud you! To be our best as an art teacher, and in life, generally, I believe we do need to self-reflect so that we can live to the fullest, and support and guide our students. Last year I was unemployed as my teaching contract ended and I also had health issues. It gave me time to consider what I really wanted to do, and I found that gratitude and meditation practices were absolutely essential in helping me find my way. I have listened to Eckart Tolle’s audio books and also follow Dr. Joe Dispenza’s work and meditations, which I find indispensable in keeping me on track and helping me change negative patterns. Thank you for all you do in supporting art teachers!
Thank you so much Cori. Self-Reflection is the key–however painful it might be. There are always good things that results from it. Thanks so much for listening!
Patty,
I loved so many things you said, I could go on for a long time, but I’ll stick to one, no two.
First, you are my hero. I don’t usually get mushy, but five years ago I decided to start a blog. I knew nothing about technology, and it was a struggle. I always looked to your blog for the beauty of it, and it was just plain fun to see how you present all the art lessons. You were doing everything I hoped to do.
Second, I appreciate your comments on living your dream or following your bliss. I’ve always wanted to be an elementary art teacher, but our small town doesn’t have them. I went ahead and got my Masters in Art Ed anyway. I’ve taught for 30 years, and was always the unofficial art person, but I longed just to teach art.
So when I hear people talking about getting older and feeling like you’ve not lived your life as you wished, I wonder if that would be me. But another thing you said makes me realize that no, I haven’t. Every year I had at least one kid who was good in art, often no one else made a very big deal about it. But I could, and I think I improved a lot of kids’ self-esteem. I never got to teach art all day, but I got to incorporate it into the curriculum.
I just retired and am planning to teach art online. I’m learning a lot from you, you are so generous, and I can tell you bring out the best in others. Even though I’m not an art teacher or a parent… I just love listening to you talk about art stuff every week!
Thanks for sharing what’s inside you.
Lucy
Hi Lucy,
Thank you, thank you, thank you! This means so much to me. I’m glad you are able to find the small victories with your art influence. That’s all it takes really.
Thanks for the support!
Hi Patty, First time listening to your podcast which I really enjoyed. Each of your points touched home with me. Feels comforting to find confirmation in a fellow art lover.
I must tell you in case I forget that I love your design and colors chosen and the name of your business. These details drew me to your site.
I have recently began creating space in my life for spending time engaged with what I really love. I also have been reading some Zen literature and reflecting upon expectation and giving.
Expectations, when they are not met, than lead to disappointment and sadness and even anger. At times these feelings can seem devastating.
So your podcast has been quite timely and reinforcing for me.
Thank you. Irene
Thanks so much for listening, Irene. And I’m so glad you like my blog design…it’s my favorite part about my business!
thank you- at this time of the year, as I’m being pulled in a million different directions, it is good to remember I do not have to decorate the entire school for May the 4th be with you, paint a mural for the cafeteria for Earth Day- etc. I DO get frustrated, and I needed to hear what I already knew- that people ask because they think you are good at it, not because they think you are sitting around waiting for another task. My ego makes me want to ‘drink the hater-aid’ when I really need to reflect on why people want me involved. You make me want to write a blog post. It is scary that maybe no one is listening- but it can also be a freeing experience- to go out there and do and say what you feel you must! tomorrow I will find joy amid the end of year craziness. Thank you for putting yourself out there.
Love “drink the hater-aid”! So true! Thanks for listening and sharing.
I love to listen to you while I am cleaning up my elementary art room at the end of the day. Great podcast! Thank you…I am hooked.
Thank you. Clara!
I love listening to you . Thank you very much for all your efforts.
You are my true inspiration
Thank you Sana!
Thank you!
What a great podcast! I am very excited to check out Eckhart Tolle and the podcasts with Oprah you mentioned. Thanks for the calming and wise thoughts! So useful to try to implement in our day to day lives! 😀
Hello sweet Hattie! Can’t believe you listened to my podcast. I’m so flattered. I’m sure you are following the road to Rio. Can’t wait to watch our team win gold!
It was nice to hear that you struggle too. I have been out of permanent work for nearly a year and have done a lot of soul searching. This was just what I needed to hear. Thank you
I specifically connected with the “people really don’t care” mindset. When I first started 4 years ago I was worried that I didn’t have enough direction from anyone in administration on what they wanted from the program and therefore had to come up with our school’s vision myself. Having control of my own schedule and that freedom do determine where we go is now one of my biggest reliefs. I love making my own schedule monthly and being trusted to do what’s best. I am my own worst critic when I think I’m not doing enough. Silly. I realized nobody really knows more than I do and I need to own it. They just don’t care or have time to care about MY work and theirs…
Funny, I also started at PTA President and formed my own job on site after my kids were aging up and on to middle school. I was running our volunteer art program and connected with site council and administration to say that the kids needed even more exposure. I have no formal art background or training. I just love museum cafes, playing with colors and ideas and learning. My motto was from the movie “Ratatouille” – “anyone can cook” and I always tell the kids that. “anyone can do art”.. I never had a problem with jumping in and creating lessons or learning along side the kids, but I did feel alone. Your website was a lifesaver to keep the creativity contained and focused. I think my biggest learning curve was how MUCH content at once.
I just checked out your podcasts for the first time today. Fantastic! Our elementary school is over 1,000 students and I have no room, but teach out of a cart visiting class to class grades TK-5th. Yikes and yikes!! It’s taken me a long time to develop a style that works for a cart so I can break down and clean and move on. I especially liked your post-it note story of the individualized lessons and notes to all 75 kiddos. I TOTALLY get that learning the hard way is what you need to go through to make it easy.
I am now working to catch up on all the podcasts in the series. Thank you “coach” for all the tips, inspiration and references!
Stephanie
San Ramon, CA
I love reading your story, Stephanie. And I’m so glad you found the podcast. You’ll love next week’s episode as I interview an art teacher who used to teach from a cart. She has some great tips!
Thanks so much for commenting!
Oh my goodness Patty! I thank you so much for this podcast!! I was talking with a friend who is so frustrated and unhappy teaching at the moment. She is a fabulous teacher – creative and fun. But she has had a rough year and is really struggling, when I listened to your podcast, I forwarded it to her immediately and know it will help. You have such a gentle, genuine and open message please do not feel indulgent about this episode! It is s gift, thank you for sharing all of your podcasts, especially this one.
Thank you Rose. I’m so grateful you shared the podcast with a friend. That means alot!
Such a great episode Patty! I listened the other day and just so many points rang out to me. It was perfect timing that I selected your podcast for a long drive the other day – I was meant to listen to it that night.
I have so much I’d like to say that I’m going to email you the rest to not clog up your comment feed! 🙂
Thank you so much Crystal. This means so much to me! Email me anytime.
Loved this podcast! I love how you are so humble and human in sharing your experiences. I feel like I’m not an oddball but am totally normal when it comes to my feelings about life and teaching art. You are amazing. I feel I’ve found a treasure in your website, podcasts, lessons and videos. Next year will be my first year teaching art. I’m gearing up this summer! Your resources have been A#1. I am so grateful to have found you. Thank you for sharing you! We love it!
I’ve always wanted to teach art. It’s my degree. I’ve taught kindergarten for 11 years and am now finally going to teach art. I’m so excited but have some stage fright! I started teaching in my 30’s so I’m not too much of a spring peeper when it comes to teaching yet TEACHING art is a whole new ball game. You have been an amazing help.
Annie
yes!!! this episode hit home for me. I work in the medical field and at 16 years into doing MRI’s in the same office, I’m so over it!!! and I am in the process of re-creating my life and career to switching to high school art teacher! EEKKKKK!!! I know very little about wrangling a room full of high school kids and not a whole lot about art. these two facts creep in and make me second guess myself. so these mindsets that you have spoken on hit home for me. I am tired of being miserable at work, I love art and all things creative, and I love big kids! and I must continue to reassure myself that I have the power to do this and it will be worth it! it’s just really unnearving because I’ve had one career since college, and it’s a new world. somedays I’m really positive and somedays I think ‘what am I doing” but I have to focus on good intentions, study, and pray that it is going to turn out great! so TY!!!
Hello, I’m starting from the beginning and listening to all your podcasts because I’m working on a starting an online art ed site that I’ve been mulling over for years while taking care of my young children. They are now both in school and I’m getting to work on this at home. I paint and listen to your podcasts all day long and take notes! I’m learning so much and I love your gentleness and honesty, and passion about children’s art! Listening to you every day keeps me focused and on track. This episode really spoke to me because I think beneath it all I needed to know why I wanted to do this. Also, I’m really surprised that working from home, I’ve faced this huge challenge of having to put up boundaries. I feel like I need to close my curtains and hide or learn to say NO! So I’m definitely feeling what you are saying in this episode. THANK YOU!