Day 234: Mary Bradford
“I pretty much grabbed hold of the power that my father had and the intense will to live that he had, and I just basically grabbed hold of that and used that as my anchor for inspiration.”
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Toni Reece: Thank you so much, Mary, for agreeing to part of this Project, and before we go into the questions, can you please introduce yourself?
Mary Bradford: Yes, my name’s Mary Bradford.
Toni: And Mary what do you do?
Mary: I’m an inspirational author and teacher.
Toni: Oh, fantastic, well then you’re at the right place. Well Mary, when you think of that word inspiration, who do you inspire and how does that happen?
Mary: Well basically, Toni, I inspire people that I feel in need, that they have need to be inspired in some way for their life. Everyone has trials and tribulations, and sometimes we just need to nudge them through them. And to me, that’s very inspiring because there are people in this world that come to me and say “Well, if it weren’t for what you said to me, I wouldn’t have gotten through today.”
Toni: Wow.
Mary: Yeah, so …
Toni: So how do you do that? How are people inspired by you, Mary? What happens?
Mary: I’m very good with my words, and I also have a lot of compassion, and I believe that that plays a big role in inspiring people. When you’re compassionate toward a person, they tend to understand what you’re trying … the messages that you’re trying to get across easier than if you’re, you know “Okay, hello, how are you?” You know, that type thing. So I basically try to dig deeper than the normal person would do that.
Toni: Is there a lot of empathy that someone would experience from you as well?
Mary: Yes.
Toni: When you are working with people, are you, you know, let’s say that I’m having a bad day today and I’m looking for a little inspiration. How would I find you? What would I find when I did find you?
Mary: When you find me, you most likely would be via Internet, and you would just basically tell me what’s going on, and I would help you come to a conclusion of what the situation is that you needed. Say … I’m working with a girl right now whose father just passed away, and she’s had one death after another, and it’s a very difficult time for her. So what I’m doing is I’m coaching her along each day. Day by day she comes to me and asks me “What would I do about this, what, you know, would I do about that,” and I explain to her through my own experiences what I have done, and it brings people to a better state of mind that way.
Toni: Well, the better state of mind, I think that’s a great lead-in to the second question of the Project, which is how do you help others explore their potential? So if I’m inspired by you and it takes me to a better state of mind, what else happens that may help me to explore my potential?
Mary: What happens is I always give messages inside of what I have to say, and I always ask people just to … to pay close attention to what I’m saying, because I always leave messages with them, and they’ll find an “ah-ha” moment maybe about three or four hours after we’re done with our conversation. And they hang onto the words that I say, and then they do come back to me and tell me “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe what you said was so right on,” you know. There are incidences where I’ve left a person with a thought that, you know, they never would have thought about.
Toni: Wow. Can you give me an example of one of those? Is that possible?
Mary: Yes. For instance, I have a girl who wants to commit suicide, and I leave her with a thought of if she did that, there would be a rippling effect to everyone that loves her, and would she be willing to leave people in that state on her own self and is it to her advantage to go, or is it to her advantage to stay and possibly some day be an inspiration to others.
Toni: Okay.
Mary: Through her attempts.
Toni: Wow, that’s pretty powerful. What inspires you, Mary?
Mary: What inspires me? Basically everything from a bird chirping to watching an older person doing their everyday chores and things like that. Everything inspires me. I am an artist, and I feel that through my art I’m a little bit more aware than everyone else. I will stand in front of a flower and be completely inspired.
Toni: Do you tend to reach for the same tools or, I don’t know, methods when you’re looking for a little inspiration for yourself?
Mary: No, no. I always find it everywhere. It’s almost like I’ve been inspiring people for so long that inspiration seems to come to me. It’s being drawn to me like a magnet.
Toni: Have you always felt that way, Mary? Was it always a passion of yours to ignite that inspiration in others or to help them be inspired? Was that something you just always knew you were going to do?
Mary: Yes, it is something that I always knew I would do. Even as a child and actually a teenager growing up, when I could feel the energy shift in a room I would say “Okay, it’s time to leave” and everybody would look at me, and we would leave the room and the next thing you know trouble would start. So I knew that it was, you know, something that I really wanted to do to help people understand that they can connect to themselves and they really don’t need other people to inspire them, even though we do that.
Toni: Was there a moment when you just knew that this was something that you were meant to do? Was it a defining moment that you thought “This is what I’m going to do the rest of my life?”
Mary: Well, actually yes. I had a long bout of … I walked a long bout with my father who had colorectal cancer, and when he passed away, I decided that I would share my story, and it was a very inspirational story. He told me that the last thing that he wanted to do before he passed away was to walk his baby down the aisle — and that’s to be, you know, married — and my father did that and passed away a month to the day of my wedding. But I found that such an impact on my life that I decided that I was going to be an inspiration to others.
Toni: Oh, okay, so really it was using that emotion almost as a jumping point for you.
Mary: Right. I pretty much grabbed hold of the power that my father had and the intense will to live that he had, and I just basically grabbed hold of that and used that as my anchor for inspiration.
Toni: And what do you do now and in days to come to explore your own potential so you can continue to be as inspiring as you are for others?
Mary: I think it naturally comes to me. I’m like … how do I say this … basically I wake up inspired. When I wake up, I start my day, I always thank the Creator for helping me through yet another day, and I feel that comfort in the morning. What I do is I spend a little bit of private time, and then I go on with my day, and it just takes me.
It’s almost like you’re being pulled somewhere. It just takes me to a person that needs me, you know, an animal that is jumping across the street and something that will catch my eye that I can write about, you know what I mean, that people never in this hectic life that we live, they don’t take the time to stop and look at things like I would. So I put it into paper and into words, and I inspire people that way.
Toni: So really your daily life is whatever comes to you or you see is what you use for that inspiration in order to either write about it, help someone, share that idea, or that thought. So every day is like almost like a different canvas for you.
Mary: Yes, that’s correct.
Toni: Well Mary, we can’t thank you enough for showing up on the Project today, and we will have a way for people to see what you do. You did tell me prior to the interview that you also create greeting cards. Is that correct?
Mary: Yes I do.
Toni: So we will have a way for people to check that out if they would like to, and we thank you for being part of the Get Inspired! Project.
Mary: Thank you, Toni. I appreciate being here.
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For more information about Mary Bradford: www.krystalkidsgreetings.com
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User Comments
Kev
On May 22, 2010 at 10:03 pm
The interview was a good read.I initially deleted Mary…..big mistake, like shooting myself in the foot, and I invited her to come back while holding my breath in case she didn’t as a result of my rude deleting. Mary is my top inspiration in my goal to stop drinking for the reason that she has had the experience to know and her words to me that are lodged in my brain are ‘kev you must never drink again!’
Thanks Mary and Toni for the interview.
kev
Laurie
On May 23, 2010 at 1:10 am
Mary has inspired many and continues to do so. She has helped me through very trying times. I am blessed to have her as my friend!
Diane
On May 23, 2010 at 1:45 pm
I have known Mary friend most of my life. She has been and continues to be an inspiration to everyone that she sees. Personally she drug me out of a ditch that I never thought I would ever get out of after the tragic loss of my son. She is an amazing inspiration to everyone.
I know for a fact that without Mary’s friendship help and guidance I would be in a mental hospital right now. Instead of that I am here today to tell you that Mary is an Angel on earth. I am at peace and have greater understanding about life because of her. I love you Mary, stay real. xoxo Dianne
jorge
On May 23, 2010 at 3:26 pm
Mary is an angel in my life… I met her in facebook and her words are my Medicine… I have the all the inspirational speakers from the Secret and She hold her own… She is consistent with her healing words and responds to your comments and is willing to go further and respond to your private messages to her… She takes on her Angelic calling very seriously… She puts her heart and sole into her work… I have left Facebook 3 times and twice deleted everyone… When I came back every time I Prayed that she would take me back as her friend… Mary is very giving to others and it shows in her writing and her messages she sends… Her stories have a lot of lessens to teach… She is recording our pain and suffering but most important how our Love can change all things in our lives… She needs our Love and Support… She is an Angel on Earth for Us who are in Need…
Lisa Harding
On May 23, 2010 at 3:35 pm
I respect that. But no one is everyones cup of tea. Ive seen enough with my own eyes and heard enough with my own ears out in public. Some people need many followers to feel validated, and say and do what they must to fill that need. If it helps some people in the process, that is wonderful. But dont ever be in a disagreement with someone like this, because then the true persona emerges and then you’ll see what is real. I’m sorry about your loss Diane, be happy.
Get Inspired! Project
On May 23, 2010 at 4:45 pm
We’ve edited some comments and deleted others in this thread. While we acknowledge that everyone is entitled to their opinion, and we respect your right to have that opinion, please keep future comments respectful and positive. Our intention on the Get Inspired! Project is to provide an uplifting and inspirational experience for our visitors. Thank you.
Patrick
On May 23, 2010 at 4:51 pm
God bless you Lisa because no one else can. You had a disagreement with this loving lady, it takes sand earthquake to anger her, what did you do to her? You are very right about your true person emerging, I know Mary personally and she is at peace outside and behind closed doors. Maybe you have the wrong person here?
Lisa
On May 23, 2010 at 5:11 pm
Thank you for this interview, long long over due. Mary is a personal friend and she has only touched the surface of how she inspires people each and every day. If you want or need to be inspired find Mary. Her contact area is not listed here only her website so I will let you know that she is on Face Book under the name Mary Brat. A more wonderful woman you will never find. She will and has given the coat off her back to help another. I have personally witnessed her giving and caring ways. She inspires me every day and is someone you look forward to seeing on an everyday basis. Love, Light and Peace to you Mary. Thank you for sharing parts of your life that others don’t know. You know people can know you for many years and not actually know you, unless they let you in. Mary is a true observer of people and can spot negativity from miles away. That is something this loving lady avoids like you would a fly buzzing in your ear for a long time. Mary has personally helped so many people it’s so hard to touch on everyone she helps by her existence. I know many other workers of light and I can honestly say that Mary is true in her heart, spirit and soul. I hope you have the chance to meet this loving woman. Thank you again for yet another Inspiring avenue. The universe seems to find ways for you to be heard.
Luv you hunny.
Sharon
On May 23, 2010 at 5:37 pm
Wow wow wow! I went onto my face book and saw that Mary did an interview here. OMG this is soooo her to a T. Mary is amazing that’s all I can say. not your paranoid person for sure she actually reaches out and touches peoples lives. Thank you for sharing this moment in your time Mary Thank you Inspiration Project for inviting her to do this. Many will be touched by this interview. Let me add that Mary also gives her time to help out people with cancer and small children in her area with terminal diseases, if you want to find her she is most likely doing a benefit somewhere so they will find a cure for cancer.
Merilee
On May 24, 2010 at 7:09 am
Hi Get Inspired Project,
Thank you for interviewing Mary. Her life proves to be so inspirational. There were so many times when I felt down on myself but Mary was always there to pick me up and guide me to a new more wonderful level in my life. I don’t know at times how I would have made it through the things in life it it were not for this Inspiring woman. You really picked a good person to interview. In my life she is a blessing. Myself and my family all love her not just for what she does for us but for how she shows such beauty and grace everyday. Thanks again. I will pass the word along about your site. I love it here.
Love to everyone who enters here, this is where peace in your heart is, places and people like the people here.
God Bless all of you and Toni too for a good interview.
Rhonda Martin
On May 24, 2010 at 7:51 am
i really enjoyed listening to this interview.. i met Mary a while ago and she has inspired me in a great many ways.. she has made my world a better place and i am sure she has done that for others as well…i really hope that there will b more to come.. Inspiring ,she is for sure. thank u for having her on ur show…i think she touches people where ever she goes…she is an amazing person… thank u , thank u thank u.. and thank u .. i am forever hearing stories that she post and they just touch me right in my heart… AMAZING AND INSPIRING ALL IN ONE..when Mary talks i know where it comes from.. comes from deep within her.. right from her heart… thank u again for having her on your show.. xoxo
Brenda
On May 24, 2010 at 4:33 pm
I’m Mary’s best friend and business partner.
I have known Mary all of my life and can tell you that there is no one in the world that I respect more and would have had by my side to walk threw life with. She inspires me every day she there for the good and the bad and never lets me down I am truly Blessed!!!!!!!!!
Theresa
On May 26, 2010 at 8:38 am
Quite simply, I would not be here in a physical form had Mary not come into my life and truly unconditionally given me inspiration and love.
Mary truly inspires me everyday!
I don’t believe in fate I believe in coincidences and Mary found me!
Lisa Harding, there’s no need to find her, but thank you for sharing and letting other people know about how to reach her. Yes, many people have followers, but the difference here is she folows me, and keeps in touch with me to see how I’m doing.
I’ve worked all my life in customer service in many positions, relationships are important here in Canada for businesses (called B2B). Interaction on a continous basis is important from a social media aspect and in business. I don’t need to be validated by anyone. Mary gives the power and inspiration to me personally to overcome those fears.
I have been truly blessed and loved by my family, 6 of them and have lost them to death.
I consider Mary my family and friend too, and I live in Canada.
I have also lost my two children to a man who is a true narcsassist.
He is verbally abusive (was phyically too with me) and loves to dominate, contol and manipulate people, especially them, although they are alive.
We are divorced, I thank god, and even though they chose to move with him llat summer because of where he moved, their best friends live there, 15 minutes from my house (they are teenagers and to teenagers best friends are number one and the need of parents is not so great at their age), they are with him.
I have 50% custody but because he does this I am unable to communicate with them.
He has truthfully poisened their heads and they live in fear of him(expressed to me) like I once did.
I guess you could say I’m a little jealous when friends and family have celebrations or certain occasions come around and I become a little jealous or envious of those who still have their mom, dad, sister, aunt, uncle, brother-in-law and their children. Mary has helped with jealousy being a sickness. I tend to get that way too, but because of her helping me erasing my fears, I end up going to these events and actually enjoying myself because I get to witness love once again amongst others.
She is angel sent from above and her words help me in so many ways.
I’m honoured she truly has found me.
She is a woman of courage, has a heart of gold, gives and makes my day, everyday.
She encourages and shows me the way, cares and it means so much to me.
Sure there are others, but no one, and I mean no one, reaches out constantly and touches my heart like she does.
I’m very shy, and my self esteem is somewhat low, so I stay silent alot.
Mary is a goddess and I listen to her kindness that she continuously offers.
Bless you Mary for being sent to me. I am positive that if you had not had found me I would have found you.
MARY, YOU ARE INSPIRATION!
Nancy Meer
On May 26, 2010 at 9:10 am
Mary has been a great inspiration to me since I met her over a year ago..she is truly an amazing person and touches the lives of all that she meets..Feel so happy and blessed that she is in my life..she is a true angel..an inspiration to all..
Wendy Coleman
On November 21, 2010 at 6:51 pm
Mary has a way of just knowing when and what to say at the right time. Her Love for Everything is apparent and very InTense.. She will hold your hand when needed but she also has the gift of letting us realize it is our turn to fly.
I also love to inspire and share and this we have done together.
The day we met.. I am ever so Grateful for as I was truly Blessed this day.
She rains sunshine and light hope and faith..
I simply Love you Mary
Michele Schroeder
On November 21, 2010 at 6:54 pm
Mary and I are friends I love her inspiring posts on facebook and I have read some of her short stories. Each one inspiritional in there own unique way. I love the way she writes. When I read her short stories I am not only learning the lesson of that story but also how to write myself as I hope to write a book one day.
Dr Syeda Luba Husaain
On November 21, 2010 at 7:07 pm
I am a medical doctor by profession . I met sis Mary on facebook and feel blessed to meet her . I am kind of person who is not easily inspired by any person until I see / feel something really outstanding and different . Mary is awesome , superb and inspiration to many and me
she is helping people through her powerful words and actually changing life .
I closely watch her words in groups on facebook
Inspiration and you, When life seems down LOOK UP. and I CAN DO IT , I AM STRONG .
it really amaze me the way she writes so beautiful words daily . love her words you are changing lives Mary keep doing the good work BEST OF LUCK
she is really cool artist and writer . love your work in Krystal Kids Greetings. its really good
Can I ask you a question Mary how you manage to do all this excellent outstanding work ?
You are BEST Mary love you
keep smiling and make people smile everyday
You Can DO It
You Are Strong
YOU ARE BEST
LOVE YA
Syree
On November 21, 2010 at 7:18 pm
Mary has been inspiring me with her insights daily. She never seems to miss a single day and when she writes I feel like it is directly for me. I hope she will continue to inspire me and other people.
Anne
On November 22, 2010 at 9:27 am
Mary, from when we were ‘introduced’ online via one of your wonderful groups, I felt a real warmth with you and was really drawn to you. You have helped me in private contact to find another peace that was missing within me. Your words and advice in that particular contact we had had a big effect in my way of thinking of certain issues and I thank you dearly for your time you gave me.
I am so blessed that our paths met and am so happy that I have found a beautiful friend. With love and peace to you, your friend, Anne RainbowWolf.
Scott McLeod
On November 22, 2010 at 2:46 pm
Mary writes like nobody can with inspiration and she starts alot of peoples days ,including mine.I have been brought to tears of joy from her inspirational writing and these are her life experiences with people.She has even been able to change my outlook from not being too good to opening my doors of preception and seeing things in a good way.Somedays I have risen, read her inspiration for the day and felt the awesome power all day long .My mother is in a home and she would benefit from inspirational writings Mary has written and buying her Mary’s inspirational writings for Christmas.We are fortunate to know her ~~~~~~~
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