Martha Towler Bringing Her Art and Creativity to Your Kids!

Posted: August 23rd, 2010 | No Comments »

Martha Towler has embarked on her second career as a teaching artist. After many years as a graphic designer, Martha has combined what she loves with her creativity and has paved a flexible path where she can balance the demands of a job with quality time with her family! See what’s happening at www.kidspartyart.com.

Job (aka, Career/Calling/Inspiration): Kids Party Art, Teaching Artist. I work with children through art by bringing art projects to birthday parties and classrooms.

Age: 50

Family situation: I have a 9-year-old son whom I’ve parented by myself, and am involved in a long-term relationship.

How do you make sure you feel good everyday? My basic feel-good strategy is ensuring that I have time for meditation and exercise in the morning.

What inspires you to do the work that you do? I love what I do, especially when children make a connection and you see the light go on. They learn new skills and discover something about themselves. Some favorite moments? At a party with all sorts of commotion, there are two kids sitting at a table making their third art piece. In a second grade class studying Native Americans, building a wigwam: a girl who had trouble following the curriculum suddenly excelled in her studies when we started building!

How did you muster up the courage/confidence/stamina to create the life you have? Being available for my family in the way they need me is the biggest motivator. I wanted to do work that I truly love and allowed me to be in charge of my own time.

What’s your approach to nutrition? I keep it healthy, well balanced. I don’t deprive us of anything but keep it all in moderation.

How do you stay inspired when difficult challenges arise? Meditation and staying focused on everything that’s good in my life. It’s easy to pity oneself but that doesn’t help. Staying positive does and meditation helps me do just that.

What do you do to stay in balance? By remaining fully engaged and present in each moment.  Ensure that I am entirely present when I’m with someone or fully engaged in what I’m doing. Everyday tasks are easier and relationships are more satisfying that way. Balance is easier to maintain.

What’s your ultimate indulgence – just for you? Getting to the ice rink when they first open and have the rink to myself. Then going home to have some ice cream for breakfast!

What advice do you have for women aiming to have it all? Forgive your self for self-perceived imperfections. No one can do everything perfectly. You may not be the perfect wife, mother and executive, and that’s okay. Forgive yourself for not being able to be all things to all people. If you aren’t successful at achieving a particular goal, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It just means you have to work on your game. Take notes and try again. It will all come together.

Any other thoughts? Read some words of inspiration everyday. It helps connect your inner self to something greater than our everyday world.