authenticity – Page 6 – It’s Shaun’s World

I Am in Repair

October 20, 2023 Shaun Bradford

“I’m in repair.” Those were the words Nicole Avant used during the first few minutes of her conversation with Jay Shetty. Y’all, that simple statement made me burst into tears because I am in repair. Yes… me!

While I was crying, I began thinking about every negative experience I had gone through. Every disappointment, heartache, loss and hurt. The feelings of grief, abandonment, neglect, unworthiness, and betrayal. Every negative thing that I had emotionally detached myself from so that I wouldn’t feel the pain, came flooding back. When I tell you I bawled!

At the end of their conversation they actually revisited the topic of being in repair, and Nicole mentioned crying. That crying was good. My 8th grade Spanish teacher used to say crying cleanses the soul. They’re both right. I needed to cry and may need to shed a few more tear.

Y’all, I am so very grateful God loves me. He always gives me exactly what I need when I need it. There was a segment during the interview where Nicole mentioned pruning a bush or tree and how it didn’t look so good afterwards; however, when spring came, it was beautiful. I’ve said it before, I know I am being pruned. It doesn’t feel good but I know the results will be beautiful.

Here’s the link to Jay Shetty’s conversation with Nicole Avant – Nicole Avant On The Hardest Day of Her Life.

I loved Nicole’s energy! So positive. So full of life. And y’all, she also believes we are all connected. This made me smile. Can’t wait to read her book, “Think You’ll Be Happy: Moving Through Grief with Grit, Grace and Gratitude.”

Y’all, God is good. I am truly, truly blessed and loved.♥️

Shaun

Life

Finding My Tribe

October 18, 2023 Shaun Bradford

A few months ago when I declared the next 50+ years would be nothing like the last, I had no idea what was coming. Right before I turned 50, I began noticing areas of my life where I had become stagnant. Where if I did not make adjustments, I would never move forward. After I turned 50 (coming up on 50 yrs. 4 months), I thought I would be happily celebrating all year long; instead, I was hit with more revelations about changes and adjustments that were needed. The only way to describe it is I was being pruned. Everything that was holding me back needed to be adjusted or removed. It didn’t feel good. Even had me questioning God, something that I seldom do. However, I listened and did what I needed to do.

A few days ago, I was thinking about how much my life has changed in only a few short months. No more anxiety. No more comparisons. No longer caring what others think. I finally feel free to just BE.

While watching Jada Pinkett Smith’s interview, it dawned on me that I needed to find people with similar beliefs. For far too long I have been trying to fit in spaces that don’t fully embrace me. I’m not going to lie, it can be emotionally and mentally exhausting at times. Since I do not want to spend the next 50+ years alone, I really need to find my people, my tribe. My daughter is getting married and my son is creating his own path. It’s time for me to continue my journey to becoming who I’m destined to be. I can only do this with the love and support of people who truly understand, embrace, and appreciate all of me.♥️

This is Year50

Shaun

Life

I am Worthy

October 17, 2023October 17, 2023 Shaun Bradford

Just finished watching Jada Pinkett Smith’s interview with Jay Shetty. Y’all, I get her. I feel her. Such a wonderful interview!! I love it when I find someone who sees life as I do. Can’t wait to read Worthy.

Smiling.

Growing in grace.

Authentically me.

Living in my truth.

Loving myself unconditionally.

Loving every moment of this beautiful journey called life.

Allowing God to lead me wherever He’s pleases because I know as long as He’s with me my life will be absolutely amazing!

Y’all, THIS is my Year 50!

Good Night♥️

Shaun

Life

Just Be You

September 12, 2023September 12, 2023 Shaun Bradford

Facebook Memory: September 12, 2022

Your authenticity is beautiful. Just be you!♥️ ~ Shaun

Life

Be Encouraged

July 27, 2023 Shaun Bradford

I can hear William Becton singing –

Be encouraged no matter what's going on,
He'll make it all right,
But you gotta stay strong.

I know right now it's impossible to see,
But God is gonna work it out if you just believe.
Remember this one thing while you're going through,
If God delivered Daniel, He'll do the same for you.

Be encouraged no matter what's going on,
He'll make it all right,
But you gotta stay strong.

Know your labor is not in vain.♥️

Stay in prayer while waiting and listening for your next moves.

Y’all, politics is not my thing. I have never been interested in being involved in more than encouraging people to vote and showing my support by sharing information. Now I am doing things that are stretching me far beyond my comfort levels. I’m not sure what God is doing; however, I know from experience that whatever this is it’s preparing me for future endeavors. As Bishop Jakes says, you cannot have change without disruption, and boy has disruption come.

Here is what I have learned and am still learning – my job is to lean into God, allow Him to lead, move when He says move and be still when He says be still. AND I must do ALL of this while operating from a space of peace. Talk about challenging, but if He believes I am capable of doing it, then I can do it.

Shaun

Life

Step Into Your Calling

July 20, 2023 Shaun Bradford

You already know what you have been called to do. You have seen the vision and it is very plain. However, you are hesitant to move forward because it will take you completely out of your comfort zone; you feel like there are too many uncertainties to take the risk. Believe me, I understand. I am right there with you. But now is the time for us to step into our callings. No more excuses. No more delays. Those who need what we have to offer need it now… TODAY. Let’s do this!♥️ ~Shaun

Side Note: This consecration time with God that Bishop Jakes suggested Sunday is THE TRUTH! Listen, I thought I was already spending time with God and following His guidance, but clearly I wasn’t. Over these past few days, things that I thought I had handled resurfaced and I had a choice to either bury them again or face them head on. Well, I decided to face them. Listen, if you want to KNOW about yourself, spend a little time with God, real time with God and I guarantee He will show you who you really are. Y’all, it was not easy, but it was so necessary. Grateful

Life

God’s Got You

July 6, 2023July 6, 2023 Shaun Bradford

Breathe.
God’s got you.♥️
~Shaun

Life

Know Who You Are

July 5, 2023 Shaun Bradford

Over the years, I have discovered one of the keys to knowing who you are is knowing who you are not.

I know who I am because I finally understand, and have accepted, who I am not.

I hate to admit that my road to self-discovery recently wrapped up–at least I believe it is over–during the last few days of my 40s. Maybe it was because I was so determined not to bring uncertainties and baggage into this half of my life. At the very end, up until a few days in, there were things I had to let go of, things I had held on to much longer than I should have. What I discovered was those things were hindering me from fully knowing and embracing my authentic self. Even though I knew God had made me different from others, I constantly questioned my worth and abilities. I also kept feeling behind or as if I had missed out on valuable opportunities.

I know I have only been on this side of 50 a very short while, but life really does seem different. I finally feel like I am dancing to the beat of my own drums. I no longer feel the anxiety and pressure of not being who or where I imagined I would be at this time in life. I contribute all of this to this year’s/half century’s theme–“Being present while residing in a space of peace.”

Y’all, just thinking… Christy Nockels’ book, The Life You Long For, really did prepare me for this.

Forever grateful for God’s love, mercy and grace. Y’all, He really does love me.

Thanks for reading. Wishing all of you a wonderful day!♥️

Shaun