Meet Pat Donovan | Life Coach & Creativity Guide

We had the good fortune of connecting with Pat Donovan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pat, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I realized when I turned 50 years old that I had been setting aside my need for creative expression for far too long. At that point I took the leap of leaving my job as a teacher and I began writing my first book. I recognized that going back to a 9-5 job was not a good fit for me and I enrolled in a life coach training program. Since becoming a coach in 2017 I have focused on my own creativity and encourage others to find creative self-expression as well. Expressing my creativity on a regular basis has brought me so much joy and made me a better person. I see many other women my age and older who have delayed their own goals as they pursue a career, raise children and care for their loved ones and elders. While caring for others is part of what makes us human, I feel it is imperative that we begin to rediscover and reclaim what brings us joy. Expanding our creativity, whether it be through visual arts, music, dance, writing or whatever lights us up is life changing and life affirming.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have always felt drawn to creativity but for many years I felt that I wasn’t “good enough” to consider myself as an artist. I express myself through my art as a self-care practice. Along with meditation, a gratitude practice, and journaling, art helps me to feel better on a regular basis. As I’ve noticed how much having a regular practice of creative self-expression has helped me, I’ve become more and more drawn to guiding other women to do the same. I believe we are all creative and it’s through our creativity that we grow and engage with the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The first place I would take someone visiting Miami is to the Deering Estate. We would pack a picnic and go for the day. Deering has it all; history, nature, beautiful buildings with art installations, and amazing wildlife including manatees! The Wynwood Arts district would be another place to visit. There are incredible displays of graffiti around the city and many artists’ studios and galleries. There are a lot of funky little restaurants in the area to check out. We would take the Metrorail and Metromover to get to the Perez Art Museum which has wonderful art displays and is a great building to explore. There are beautiful views of the city and the Port of Miami from the covered patio area where the museum restaurant has a good menu. Next door the Frost Science Museum is definitely worth a visit. For more nature experiences I would suggest either a day trip to the Florida Keys or the Everglades. Miami Beach remains a favorite with most visitors.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My yoga teacher, Zamanta Archibold, has been a continuous source of support, calm, and encouragement for me. Zamanta gives from the heart and I am so grateful to have her as part of my life.

Website: https://www.create-joy.info/
Instagram: joyguide2020
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/createjoylifecoaching

Image Credits
Jim Adt