Life

Empty Nest Syndrome is Real

This is my son’s second semester of college and I am finally experiencing symptoms of the infamous empty nest syndrome. At first I couldn’t pinpoint where all of these strange emotions were coming from, then a few hours ago it hit me, the empty nest syndrome is real.

Y’all, today has been one of those days. I’ve been on social media posting like everything is grand when all I’ve wanted to do is scream. I tried to stay busy but kept crying for no reason. I really cannot afford to be in my feelings. Ugh!!

Another thing that is kind of bothering me is tomorrow’s my mom’s 65th birthday and she’s in the hospital again. I’m not even sure if she’s up for celebrating. But I do know she wants to leave but can’t. Y’all, it’s too much!

Anyhoo… let me go to sleep. I know I’ll feel better tomorrow. I always do.

Good Night

Life

Remember Your Why

It’s easy to become so caught up in our feelings over small things that we forget our Why.

Today, I encourage you to remember your Why. You never know who’s missing out on something that only you can provide all because you allowed your feelings and worries to get the best of you. Stay on track. Someone needs you.

Y’all already know this message is for me, too.

Life

Hello Sunday

Today’s blog is dedicated to James Earl Carter, Jr., also known as our former President, Jimmy Carter.♥️

Yesterday, my heart sank as I read the following statement from The Carter Center –

“After a series of short hospital stays, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter today decided to spend his remaining time at home with his family and receive hospice care instead of additional medical intervention. He has the full support of his family and his medical team. The Carter family asks for privacy during this time and is grateful for the concern shown by his many admirers.”

Why did I immediately want to ask if I could also be by his side. If I could also care for him until he leaves us. Sounds weird, huh?

Y’all, he was my President. My first political memories were during his run for reelection against Ronald Reagan. I was just a little girl when he lost the race and vividly remember myself sitting in front of the tv crying my eyes out. He was my President.

I guess what I loved about him was everything many hated. He was soft spoken. He actually had compassion for humanity and expressed it, which was viewed by some as a sign of weakness. And lastly, he was from the South. I loved his southern drawl.

For me, President Carter represented kindness, hope and the possibility of a beautiful, peaceful and kind world. He was my hero! If you have not read any of my blogs about my favorite childhood song, well, it was, “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony).” I am pretty sure it was Coca Cola’s adaptation of the song that I fell in love with, but either way, it became my theme song. I was dead set on making this world a better place.

Side note: Had to add this while I’m thinking about it. I also wanted “Chariots of Fire,” to be played at my wedding. Y’all, what was wrong with me?! Laughing. I was so into my own little world. Guess nothing’s really changed, huh? Smiling

Anyhoo… back to President Carter. I have watched him over the years remain humble and give to those less fortunate. I really wish that I could sit with him just to show my appreciation for everything he’s done and given.

What’s so ironic is, Friday I signed up to volunteer for a local hospice care center. I may not be able to be by his side before he leaves us, but I can be by someone else’s. A piece of his legacy will always live on through me through my service to others.

President Carter is a true servant leader and his presence and impact on the world will be greatly missed.

Sending him and his family prayers and love.♥️

Shaun

Life

Trust God and Make the Move

You do not have to see the entire picture before making a move. Just make the move and trust God to guide you through the unknown.♥️

This past decade has been filled with visions, ideas and dreams. I have never experienced such strong desires to achieve so many things all at once. It’s as if everything I ever imagined from childhood until 40 all bombarded me without warning. Y’all, feeling overwhelmed is definitely an understatement!

Then, when I thought I had a grip on everything, I decided to be bold and take a blind leap not knowing where I would land or if I would land. Honestly, I am not sure if I am even meant to land. Seems as if I have been floating, going with the flow of wherever God’s taking me. I listen and do. I am not going to lie, it is scary at times. But I am always reminded that God has not left me yet. He’s been with me every step of the way making sure I am well protected, loved and provided for. Y’all, I am truly blessed.

Continuing to trust God to lead even when I cannot see the entire picture.
Life

God Is …

God is …
Feel free to fill in the rest.
Enjoy your day!♥️

** The second drawing is from last year. Not sure what it was supposed to be. A picture of fans, maybe? Lol. Anyhoo… it was the inspiration for today’s drawing.🙃

Singing, “God is the joy and the strength of my life …”
Life

Stay Focused: Part 2

Earlier this morning, I shared, “STAY FOCUSED!” Honestly, it was like as soon as I had accomplished something that I felt really great about, I began seeing posts of how it could have been better. From there it just went downhill. Post after post seemed to make me feel worse. Made me feel like I wasn’t good enough and that I should really think about letting my dream go. Even after I tried encouraging myself by posting, “You are so close. Stay focused,” it didn’t work. Nothing worked.

Eventually, I took a nap. A much needed nap.

After I woke up, I felt better, but was still a bit down. I kept second guessing some of my decisions. I know what God has shown me, and I’ve been listening and following His guidance. However, this is the first time in the past two years that I have actually felt like throwing in the towel and saying I’m done. Life was so much easier. It may have been stressful and full of anxiety, but I always knew what to expect. Plus, I wasn’t alone. I had coworkers and colleagues I could could talk to. Now I’m solo.

Anyway, while scrolling through Facebook (yes, I got back on social media), I came across a one minute video that someone had shared. Within that one minute, the guy said EXACTLY what I needed to hear. He said that even though things begin to go left and look nothing like you envisioned, you can’t give up. He said that if he had given up, he wouldn’t be doing what he loves doing, today. This guy wasn’t a celebrity nor well known. He was someone who had an idea and stuck with it until it became a reality.

On most days I feel like I’m not getting anywhere. Like I’m doing what I know I’m meant to do, but nothing is happening. It’s frustrating at times but I keep going because I really do love what I do. I have a few things coming up that I’m looking forward to doing. I’ll be more involved with the community so I’m excited about that.

Yeah… today was just a bad day.

I know that someday I will be doing what I’ve dreamed. I just have to be patient and keep allowing God to lead.

Just thinking – It’s funny how the same thing that motivates you one day can discourage you the next. Life is so weird. Can’t help but to love it though because it makes a great story. And I love a good story. Smiling

Life

Wednesday Writings

Happy Wednesday!

My Valentine’s Day was great! Started it off by treating myself to a nice breakfast. Later, the kids brought me dinner. Even though they didn’t stay very long, we had fun singing and laughing together. When I tell you spending time with them was the perfect gift! Y’all, I just love the way they love me and love on me. We didn’t even have music on and had a full blown concert. Yes, I had a wonderful time. Smiling.

I am truly blessed.

I love y’all! Thanks for reading. Praying you have a wonderful Wednesday.♥️ ~ Shaun

Valentine’s Day 2023 – My last Valentine’s Day in my 40’s.☺️