Life

Hello Sunday

Guess I like this image better. Lol! Hello Sunday!

It is the first day of a new week! Sounds lovely, does it not?! Well, I hope this week is much better than last. Let me give you a brief rundown of what happened last week.

Monday was my first day back to work since March (been working remotely). Well, that day I put on my favorite lime green dress; somewhat curled my hair—Charlene + humidity is all I have to say (it was not the look I was going for); put on a little makeup; and wore my cute sandals. Y’all, I was ready! Felt like a kid returning to school after a long summer break. That was Monday.

Tuesday! HA! Tuesday was a different story. The newness had already worn off (imagine that- Lol). I was back in work mode. Since I was the only one working in my suite, I went the jeans, cute top, and BOB shoes, route. Charlene was doing her own thing, as usual. Well, everything was going smoothly until I made it all the way to my office and realized I had left my office keys in my car. What followed next was like a tragicomedy. Funny, but so not funny. Here is what I remember.

I was walking down the sidewalk towards the parking lot (which is on the opposite side of the street). I looked both ways before crossing the street. Saw one car coming up the street on the opposite side. I went to step off the curb between two parked cars to get a better view of oncoming traffic. THIS is when everything went wrong. I am not sure if I stepped too soon or what, but the next thing I knew I was stumbling into oncoming traffic. I had twisted my ankle. My left ankle went in one direction and my foot, another. I remember trying to balance myself with my right foot. However, my laptop bag, which was on the right, dragged me down and forward even more. Guess I should mention I am like 5’2” so it would not have taken much for me to hit the ground. Fortunately, I managed to stay upright, and driver of the car coming towards me was able to stop before hitting me. Y’all, I stumbled right into the path of his car. I am so grateful he was not distracted because this would be a totally different story. Anyway, it seems like he was just as confused as I was. He let down his window and asked if I was okay. I assured him that I was. But I was anything but okay. As he drove away, I saw him chuckle. I could not blame him, I was laughing, too. You know, sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying.. WAIT- isn’t that a Tyler Perry play? Lol. Been watching too many stage plays on BET Plus. Anyhoo…

Once I made it to my car and settled down, it was like everything flashed before my eyes. I remembered screaming to myself, “Girl, STOP!! You about to get hit!” Y’all, it was just like yelling at the television while watching a thriller. You see the tragedy about to happen so you yell to warn the character. Crazy thing is, I was that character, and I could not stop myself from stumbling. As I sat there trying to grasp what had just happed, I was kind of amused. I could not believe that had happened to me. However, now that I am writing about it, I see things differently. Y’all, I really could have been hit. I could be in the hospital right now, or even worse– DEAD! But, by the grace of God, I only had a sprain and tear in one of my tendons. I was ordered to stay off my foot for five days. Which was much easier to handle than what could have been. Grateful.

So tomorrow I get a do over. This time I plan to be more cautious and aware of my surroundings. Maybe this was a wake up call that life is not normal. Sadly, I cannot just pick up where I left off.

Life.

Shaun

Life

It Is That Simple

It really is that simple.

I do not have much time to write. I need to get ready for work. So I am going to make this short.

Been following this guy Gary Vee on social media. I started listening to him because I liked his no-nonsense way of motivating people to pursue their dreams. According to him, no dream or idea is unobtainable. All we have to do is go after it. Honestly, he says what people already know, but need someone to actually voice it. For example, on his Instagram Live, he invites people to chat with him. Some have already started businesses while others are just getting started. Most of them come with questions about how to move forward. Like, they are in a place where they feel vulnerable, unsure of themselves, and unsure of their next moves. Gary steps in, says a few cuss words (which makes his advice even more interesting) and gives it to them straight. Most of the time the thing that holds people back is FEAR. After carefully listening to their stories, he tells them what they are afraid of. Some are afraid of failure. Others are afraid of others’ opinions. Of course there are so many more fears out there. Think about why you have not pursued your goals or dreams and I am pretty sure fear is in there somewhere. As I said, he just voices what people already know but are afraid to admit.

Anyway, one of his big takeaways is– do it! Want to start a business? Do it! Basically, nothing is stopping you, but you. Another takeaway, that has really motivated me to move forward, is to stop overthinking your moves. This one was a big for me. I tend to overthink things. Especially things that I believe I will be judged on. Most of it is associated with my professional life. HA! I tend to let go and have fun in my personal life. Lol! My professional life is where the whole perfection thing comes in. Here is what Gary Vee has to say about perfection, “Perfect is based in insecurity.” How true is that! It is exactly what I have been writing about over the past year or so– facing my insecurities.

Okay.. I really need to go. Just felt like writing. Yes, I could finish writing later, but I am pretty sure you would get a totally different blog. So I am going to post this one.

Check out Gary Vee on social media. His style of delivery is not for everyone. Lol! However, I love it! It has me moving forward.

Word of advice– do whatever makes you happy. Whatever that may be (as long as it is not causing someone harm- thought I needed to add this tiny disclaimer- Lol). Forget perfection. Forget others’ opinions. Just do it. Do you! It really is that simple.

Y’all know I am talking to myself, right. Lol

Enjoy your day!

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Thought I’d switch it up. Smile.

Hello! Hello! Hello!

It is Sunday, again! I hope you have something AMAZING planned. I am having brunch with my son this morning. Guess I forgot to tell y’all that he is finally back from his summer vacation. I missed him so much. Honestly, it is nice having someone to laugh with, again. Laughing alone is sad, but also entertaining at the same time. I often found myself laughing at myself. Life… Anyway, I do have to confess, the empty nest life is not so bad. Kinda looking forward to it. Lol. But for now, it really is good having him back home, and I am going to cherish every moment God has granted us together.

Okay… y’all enjoy your Sunday! Hope yours is as sunny and delightful as mine.

Shaun

Life

Psalm 23

Makes me feel like royalty.

My first thought was to save this for my weekly Hello Sunday blog since it sounds like a Sunday message. But this is how I am feeling now– in this particular moment. So I am sharing.

After checking Facebook and Twitter this morning, I began to feel discouraged. Every post/tweet was about chaos and doom. If someone was not sharing stories about us going to a cashless, socialist society, then they were sharing stories about injustices and living in the last days. Sometimes.. no.. most of the time, it is so overwhelming. However, this morning, as always, God reminded me that He is still in control. Our job is to trust Him in spite of what we see.

Story time:

When I was a little girl, I spent my summers with my great-great grandma, Madea. Every morning Madea would get up, pray, and read one chapter from her ginormous white Bible. That chapter was Psalm 23. It was her morning ritual. Y’all, she did this every morning before she started her day. To this day, that entire chapter is instilled in me. However, verse 4 is my secret weapon. Whenever I feel afraid, that one verse seems to calm all of my fears. I dare you to recite it when you are afraid. Whew! Talk about peace like no other! Personally, it kind of makes me feel like royalty. As if my daddy is The King and I am His princess. Like nothing can touch me. Sounds crazy– huh? But it does.

Anyway, without further ado, here is Psalm 23. Enjoy! And use it!

Psalm 23 KJV

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Amen. Y’all, God is with us. Trust Him.

Shaun

Life

Gratitude

Gratitude: the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness

Stopped in the middle of journaling to write this blog. As I was writing, the word gratitude came to mind. I was questioning God about some of the things He has entrusted me with. I kept asking, “Why me?” Why has He entrusted me with so much. That is when I heard the word gratitude. I immediately stopped asking why and started thanking God for His faith in me. For the privileges He’s given me. I am so unworthy. Yet, as much as I question Him and His actions, He continues to believe in me. For this, I am beyond grateful.

Now let me get back to journaling. Yesterday was a very eventful day. Trying to write it all down! Lol. God is so good.

Shaun