On January 31, 2026, we held our Resilience, Competence and Abundance Art Workshop at The Aspen in Vancouver, generously sponsored by Catalyst Community Development. This workshop was created especially for the residents of the building — a chance to connect with fellow tenants, share a creative experience, and explore their own inner strengths through art. Birgit from "Be Embraced Foundation" is deeply thanked for making this workshop possible!
We had 16 participants all together.
- We supplied a variety of art materials for everyone!
- Each participant had an option to either color an image I created in their activity book:
Or. create their own picture in their activity book:
Make their own picture on 11 x 17-inch card stock:
Color the poster in the middle of their activity book:
I began my presentation:
My name is Kathy Poitras. I’m a local, self‑taught artist, and I’ve been painting for over 35 years. In that time, more than 350 of my original paintings have found homes, along with countless art cards and prints. I’m also the co‑founder—together with my husband, Jack—of Artists for Happiness.
At Artists for Happiness, we are on a mission to bring greater happiness and creativity to our fellows.
Today, I’m excited to share one of my own pieces with you: Musical Ascending. This painting has always felt special to me, and for this presentation it serves as our creative muse.
The inspiration for this piece came from a powerful book: The Way to Happiness, a common‑sense guide to better living. Its message resonated deeply with me, and that spark found its way into the canvas.
And we have provided you each with a copy to take home with you today.
Every year, we make New Year’s resolutions.
“I’m going to lose 30 lbs.”
“I’m finally going to write that book.”
“I’m going to change this… improve that… become better at that.”
We set these goals with the best of intentions, but life has a way of pulling us off track.
That’s exactly why this workshop was created—to help you actually accomplish the goals you’ve set for yourself.
This workshop is designed to give you practical tools, creative inspiration, and a renewed sense of possibility.
Now, let me introduce Musical Ascending.
She embodies the very concepts we’re exploring today.
Resilience
At the base of the painting, you’ll find the strength it takes to build, nurture, and sustain life—represented by the flower.
The flower is her.
Competence
In the center of the painting the woman is competent. She is playing her violin effortlessly as she flies through the sky.
Abundance
The border bursts with color, movement, and the many areas of life she touches. When we flourish, our creativity and goodness ripple outward.
The audience was introduced to their activity books.
Sample: Resilience, Competence and Abundance Activity and Workbook – Artists for Happiness
A sunflower is a beautiful symbol of resilience because it keeps turning toward the light, even on difficult days. Its strong stem, deep roots, and steady reach toward the sun show how staying grounded, nourished, and focused on what uplifts us helps us stand tall through challenges.
We didn't have a media device in the room, so I wasn't able to show this video. (I had wanted to, so here it is!)
Each person was invited to read precept #1 from the Way to Happiness,
Take Care of Yourself
and to write their own personal reflections in the activity book.
and to start expressing themselves! They could either paint their poster, color the sunflower in the activity book, or create their own image in the activity book.
The music started and the people started creating. It was lively and fun!
Competence
This athlete didn’t start strong by chance—she became competent through observation, study, and steady practice. By observing, learning proper technique, and showing up again and again to train, she built the skill, focus, and readiness that now power her forward. These same principles—look, learn, and practice—can be applied to any activity you wish to master, whether it’s art, craft, communication, teaching, or any skill that matters to you. There is a lot of joy to be had in being competent.
Competence means being able to do the things you take on—and do them well. It’s the combination of capability, skill, and the ability to meet the demands of your activities with confidence.
So how do we strengthen our competence?
We explored chapter 17 in The Way to Happiness that gives practical tools to increase one's competence.
More fully described in Chapter 21 of The Way to Happiness Book.
“The definition of Flourish is: to be in a state of activity
and production, expanding in influence, thriving, visibly doing well.
Prosper: "To achieve economic success; succeeding at what one does”
Another key concept we explore in this workshop is the idea of flourishing and prospering—and how this becomes the antidote to the voices that say, “No, you can’t do this. You’ll never succeed.”
We all encounter those voices at some point. Sometimes they come from strangers, sometimes from people close to us, and sometimes from our own doubts. But the way to rise above them is simple and profound: Flourish and Prosper.
In The Way to Happiness, this is captured beautifully in Chapter 21, which I directed everyone to during the workshop. The message is straightforward: the best way to overcome discouragement is to keep creating, keep growing, and keep moving forward—no matter what anyone says.
I shared a personal story to illustrate this:
When I first started painting, my dad—who was himself an artist—discouraged me. He told me my paintings were “cute,” but they weren’t real art. It stung, of course. But something inside me knew I needed to keep going. So I did. I kept painting, kept learning, kept expressing myself.
Eventually, I invited him to my very first exhibit.
And that exhibit was a huge success. And my dad actually realized I was an artist and his support at the show helped make it successful.