Hi,
I'm Flora Brown
I'm a story coach eager to empower memory keepers to write and own their life stories to uncover how their choices and beliefs shaped their lives. In this way, they can celebrate the resilience that impacts their future and becomes a treasured part of their family legacy.
My educational background includes
- Certified Guided Autobiography Facilitator and Trainer and part of the Birren Center for Autobiographical Studies.
- B.A. in English
- Masters in Education
- Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Southern California.
I enjoyed teaching junior high through university levels for 20 years in Los Angeles, California and another 20 years teaching critical thinking at Fullerton College in Fullerton, California.
With the help of my husband, I earned the title "Mom" to four children, one of whom has expanded our family to include 3 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren (on last count.)
Now Professor Emeritus, I have published 15 books that include language arts textbooks, my signature book Color Your Life Happy: Create Your Unique Path and Claim the Joy You Deserve, and a variety of other genres. Visit my author page on Amazon to learn about my books.
In my life story workshops, I share my love of stories and belief in their power to enrich and inspire lives through writing, sharing and preserving memories and life experiences.
How I Got Here
Long before spiritually-enlightened leaders and positive psychologists popularized the idea that we create our own happiness, I knew any chance I had of surviving my baby boomer childhood in a segregated inner-city was in my own hands. I decided what I wanted for my life by listening to the conversations in my mother’s beauty shop, watching the Saturday matinee movies, participating in church activities, and enjoying school activities.
I have loved school and books for as far back as I can remember. I loved the smell of the books, the vibrant colors of the crayons lined up in the little black box we were each assigned, the smooth finish of my desk with a black inkwell in the upper right corner. (My kids think that’s downright weird.)
I especially loved my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Bordeaux. In my mind she was the smartest person in the world, and I counted on her to teach me all the things I needed to know to become educated. I also thought she was the most beautiful person in world, resembling popular actress of the day, Loretta Young, and dressing as elegantly.
Drawing from my childhood experiences, my adventures as a wife and mom, and highlights of happiness research, I published Color Your Life Happy: Create Your Unique Path and Claim the Joy You Deserve, 2nd edition, available in print, ebook, and audiobook on Amazon and all major booksellers.
Why I Do It
With increased interest in geneaology and learning about our ancestry through DNA tests, it's no surprise that many people want to write their life stories.
Propelled by the realization that there is much they wish they knew about their parents and grandparents, many long to capture their memories before it's too late.
They want to pass on their values, wisdom and life experiences to their children but they lack confidence in their writing ability and don't know where to start. They also worry about opening painful memories or upsetting family by disclosing family secrets.
Then the pandemic came along to remind us that life is uncertain and short.
This led me to create a unique workshop, Use the Secret Power of Scary Times to Write Your Life Story in 6 Weeks, a program where you explore carefully selected life themes and acknowledge fears and uncertainties while building resilience.
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