MAINTAIN THE FLAME
Dr. B
As a child growing up on the east side of Austin, there were no grand expectations for my future. The plan, as it was laid out, was simple:
graduate from high school, become a secretary with the state of Texas,
and secure a good retirement plan. Add to that the dysfunctional family environment in which I grew up replete with domestic violence,
teen pregnancy, and criminal activity and it seemed impossible to imagine a life in which I would achieve my dreams. Well impossible to everyone but me.
Because deep inside, I’ve always felt that fire to succeed.
On some days, the flames flicker intensely, on others they dwindle slightly.
But the burning desire to live an empowered life is always there. Despite all the external and internal roadblocks from my family environment to a lack of money to low self-esteem I have met and mastered every challenge with which I’ve been confronted. I earned my bachelor’s degree in three years, and a master’s in one. At 27, I was one of Texas Southern University’s youngest-ever Ed.D. recipients.And I was the first African American to be crowned Miss Austin.
I’ve held a lot of titles over the past two decades, directing higher education programs and helping to lead public schools.
It’s a blessing to shape education initiatives and be a daily presence in students’ lives. But at the end of the day, my favorite title is one that doesn’t come with an office. It’s “mom.” If my past has taught me anything, it’s this: the most important thing you can do whether you’re a parent, an educator, or an advocate is to build children up and prepare them for the future. Your home is your training ground: Let them know it’s OK to make mistakes, it’s OK to fail, because we’re here and we’re going to get through it together. I am an author, life coach, and speaker that enjoys speaking to women across the world about "Living an Audaciously Authentic Life".
Unfortunately, I lost my sister unexpectedly at the age of 48 and it has taught me to savor every moment. I have worked in the field of education for over twenty-five years, and I have recently become the care giver for both of my parents. As the youngest of six children, it was difficult to take care of my parents without sibling assistance while being a wife, mother, and successful entrepreneur. After losing my dad it gave me the boost of encouragement that was needed to continue his entrepreneurial legacy while impacting others on a larger scale. It is my goal to encourage others to look past their situation and enjoy the ride. I tell my children the same thing I tell myself, and I now tell you Choose to be happy. You get one shot at life. Live it by your standards. Dare to be different.
Author Dr. Nicole
Dr. Nicole D. Bradford is a published author, life coach, entrepreneur, and speaker with two decades of experience in the field of education. She energizes and equips others to take action and live audaciously authentic lives. Dr. Bradford enjoys traveling and encouraging others to tap into their younger self.
She asks that we reflect to when we were younger, had a zest for life, and didn't care who was around or what they thought. Unfortunately, so many of us lose our excitement for life as we transition into adulthood.
Dr. Bradford is a very transparent coach/speaker that has overcome several challenges in her life, and she uses her challenges from witnessing domestic violence as a child, workplace labels/limitations, supervising while young, and desiring success and being labeled and disliked by peers and family members (both in-laws and outlaws).
She stresses the importance of creating the life that you desire and take steps to move from pleasing others to doing what makes you genuinely happy. It is very important that we focus on removing the lies, labels and limitations that maybe placed on you by others so that you can live an Audaciously Authentic life. As a first-generation college graduate and the youngest of six children, she began her career working with disenfranchised youth and setting up programs to ensure their success. Dr. Bradford has been fortunate to work as a Professor, Vice President of Student Services, Teacher, Assistant Principal, and Campus Principal. Dr. Nicole is the owner and founder of Maintain the Flame and the author of 1 Step Is All It Takes and is currently writing her next book, "My Soul is NOT for Sale.
" Dr. Nicole wrote 1 Step Is All It Takes to help readers take 1 step every day towards the life they have always dreamed of. The book provides personal challenges that allow readers to evaluate their lives and the situations they are currently dealing with so they can strategize and ensure their success. Several bible verses are included in the book to connect readers to the word of God, while directing them in the way in which He would have them go.
What inspired you to write 1 Step Is All It Takes?
In 2018, I lost my sister unexpectedly at the age of forty-eight years old. In addition to losing my sister in 2019 I became the caregiver for both of my parents who I lost within ten months of each other after they had been married for sixty-one years. The loss of those family members taught me the importance of life. My sister had recently retired and had been retired only a few short months before God decided to call her home. I was inspired to write the book to shed light on the fact that we may take each day for granted, but nothing is promised on this earth. I'm sure that my sister had plans for her retirement, and she was in the process of planning her fiftieth birthday party, which she was never able to attend. 1 Step Is All It Takes allows you to set aside the next thirty days and focus on yourself and your relationship with God as you work towards the goals and dreams that you have set for yourself.
Why is this book essential to society?
Society is dealing with so many challenges. Every day, we hear about mass shootings, the challenges of mental health, and unfortunately, we witness the negative effect that it is having on our youth. This book helps those individuals who may be stuck amid depression, self-doubt, or just immobility. It will reassure those in need the importance of realizing their potential and seeking what God/Life has in store for them.
Who did you write this book for, and what do you want them to take away from reading it?
This book was written for anyone who desires to seek change. Instead of seeking approval for others our families, friends, etc. focus on becoming who we were created to be. Although it is the most difficult task to obtain, 1 Step commits a person towards a forward motion initiated with only one foot. This forward motion causes the other foot to fall in line, which then causes a series of steps towards your next goal in life. Remember 1 Step is All it takes!!!!