Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Paradise.
Hi Nicole, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My love for writing bloomed between the pages of my first diary. My mother gave me the gift of pen and paper which ultimately unwrapped my purpose, unbeknownst to me that would be the first place my story would align.
As an early graduate from Virginia State University with honors and B.A. in Sociology, a dream job seemed nothing short of achievable. That was until life kicked in, New York City winters became crucial, dreams seemed like just dreams and my routine 9-5 was stifling. Any and every job change felt like a failure because I knew there was something I was letting die inside of me. Before I decided to save myself, I spent innumerable hours pushing people toward their purpose. I watched people take steps into their destiny due to countless conversations, action plans, and motivation that stemmed from me.
The real question was, “What was I afraid of?”
I didn’t believe then, that something which was natural to me was a talent. I didn’t realize that where you struggle can be the same place you succeed. No matter what field I worked in there were always two questions I could answer about a client and those around me. Were they happy? Did they do a job they loved? Their answers made my heart beat, my answers made my heart break. I never noticed how my struggle about where I was, was actually preparing me for where I was going. Cold winters, heart break, and failure taught me everything I know. I guided people off of my own mistakes, lack of communication, fear of moving forward, and loving with too much caution. I was changing their narrative while my story suffered. I finally decided to work on what would be my most challenging project, MYSELF! It was then I learned that my failures overqualified me for success and that the transformation from existing to living would be the most rewarding. I made the decision to live, then life began to align. I chose to meet life halfway and it was there I uncovered the other half of life that was waiting for me. Now as a Published Writer & Certified Life Coach, I emphasize the importance of communication and building up from brokenness. I believe that your pain procreates your pinnacle therefore we must take the ugliness of the world and create something beautiful.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The road was definitely not smooth but the bumps in the road paved the path for the journey that I am on now. I can’t say that it would have as much meaning as it does if it were smooth or easy. My biggest struggle was during the seasonal shift, fighting not to allow sadness to take over. If you have ever had to will yourself out of a dark place you know that it is no easy task. Then there was always the vicious cycle of:
“Being unproductive because you are depressed or depressed because you are unproductive”
One of the biggest lessons that came out of those times was how imperative it is to take care of our mental and physical well-being. The reality of life is that no one will be exempt from bad times, sadness or struggles but how we push through is what matters most. In those moments, walking which I had already loved, kept me sane. It was therapeutic and taking that first step to change was the beginning of a journey of a million miles.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Published Writer and Certified Life Coach. I am a contributor to the newly released Magazine Noire Women’s Wellness with articles for both Summer and Fall “The Power of Conversation” and “SAD & Dating Depression.” I am the author of Lyric’s Notebook: The Paradise Chronicles a collection of poetry, love notes, and affirmations which is the prelude to my forthcoming story Nobody’s Coming.
Support comes in many forms. I believe that my ability to listen and allow people to be heard is what sets me apart from others. I am a writer so undoubtedly, I love a story but more importantly, I know the outcome of what happens when we let things fester inside our souls. I listen without judgment and although I am an extremely empathic person, I am brutally honest in the same breath. I understand what it takes to be vulnerable. It is hard and can be scary, but it can also be the beginning of something magically.
The power of conversation is all about relatable stories. Sharing your pain can literally save someone’s life. But allowing people to tell their story is the important part. People want to be heard. People need to say things out loud. They need to get things off of their chest. Believe it or not, some people are tired of suffering in silence.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
It’s not about good or bad luck. It’s about the role that I have played in my life and my business. It’s reaping the rewards for being disciplined, consistent, and committed to change. It’s pulling myself out of a dark place and helping others to crawl out from under. It is then pushing past our fears and coming out on the other side of the story we have been telling ourselves. It’s fighting negative thoughts and taking our power back. It’s owning our stories, changing our narratives, and finding the gumption to go forward. And that’s not luck, it’s HARD WORK!
Contact Info:
- Website: Nicoleparadise.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/nicoleparadise_
- Other: https://issuu.com/noirewomenswellnessmag/docs/nww_july-august2022_final_8_4-3/10?ff
