Tag: authenticity

Life

April’s Rambling

Shaun Bradford

It’s a little after 6:00 AM and I feel like writing. Yesterday, I drove up to spend a few days with my mom. She’s still in the hospital. They are thinking about sending her to a rehab/nursing facility until her wound (Stage 4 pressure ulcer) heals well enough for her to return home. The good news is, they believe all of the infected tissue has been removed and the antibiotics are working.

I haven’t slept much because she doesn’t really sleep much. She can never quite get comfortable. I really did not know what to expect during this stay. After spending over two months in the hospital with her several months ago, and not having a great experience, I arrived a little tense and expected to do more assisting than keeping her company. Unlike before, she’s actually calling the nurses to assist her, which kind of makes me feel useless. But she’s doing right. It is their job to assist her. I’m learning to stay in my place and be okay with it. I’m only here to be her daughter not nurse or caregiver.

On another note… Two of my friends are already celebrating our 50th year. Last year we decided we would celebrate the entire year. Well, they are actually doing it. Both attended concerts last night. One in Chicago and the other in Nashville. I’m not jealous. I love seeing them have a great time. They deserve it! Plus, my daughter has already gotten us tickets to see Beyoncé in New Orleans, so my fun is coming. I just feel like I have not had the chance to celebrate like I thought I would. Which means I have to be more intentional about making things happen because this year is supposed to be EPIC! Listen, you only turn 50 once! Smile

I will note one thing that is happening – I am actually becoming more and more comfortable in my own skin. I know I write about embracing all of me, often; however, I have never really felt it as much as I do now. I’m not as anxious as I used to be. I am no longer second guessing my decisions. I am also becoming less and less concerned about my flaws, or what others would consider flaws. Maybe this year is more about embracing and celebrating my truest self than creating photographical memories. The transformation that is taking place on the inside is far more important.

Well, I am going to end here. I need to find something to eat. Wishing all of you a great weekend.

Love You!♥️

Shaun

Life

It’s Yours, Make It Happen

Shaun Bradford

The stage is set. Now, it’s up to you to make it happen. Do not miss this opportunity. It’s already yours!♥️ ~ Shaun

It’s yours!

This was one of the first graphics I created to share on social media. I remember being hesitant to put my brand on it. I kept thinking about what others would think. Would they think I was trying to emulate someone else? I shared it on Facebook, but refused to share it on Twitter. On Facebook, I was mostly among family and friends. I felt it was a pretty safe space for sharing new ideas. However, Twitter… Twitter was a different beast. You do not post anything on Twitter and not expect criticism. It took me forever to share my blogs on my platforms, and they are MY platforms.

Anyhoo… Now I share whatever I please, and I am not afraid to promote my brand. I am finally living within my authenticity in all spaces. I am who God created me to be, and it feels so good and freeing to finally be me.

Side Note: It always amazes me how God has me leave nuggets of wisdom and encouragement for my future self. Nuggets that are always relevant for when they are needed. Forever grateful. I’m blessed.

Life

Balance

Shaun Bradford

Our life needs balance. There is no way we can truly live our best lives without it.

Yesterday, a friend of mine shared her personal journey with being self-disciplined. How at one point she was so disciplined that it became unhealthy. If you read either of yesterday’s blogs, that’s exactly what was happening with me. Now, I wasn’t as disciplined as her, but I was on my way there. For the longest, I have been trying to force myself to stay focused on my work by eliminating “distractions.” However, all I was doing was making myself sick. I cannot eliminate things from my life that actually bring we joy. I just can’t. So I have to find a way to balance it all.

Y’all have a blessed day.♥️ ~ Shaun

Life

Life

Shaun Bradford

Life is full of twists and turns, ups and downs, laughter and disappointment, love and heartbreak and it is so worth living. So LIVE!♥️ ~ Shaun

BTW – I will be 50 in five months!! Y’all, life is so wonderful and God is sooo good! Smiling

Life

Be Encouraged

Shaun Bradford

I can hear William Becton and choir singing–

“Be encouraged, no matter what’s going on. He’ll make it alright, but you gotta stay strong.”

God’s got you!♥️ ~ Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

News Flash!

Our dreams and goals require that we work for what we want. We must also be patient and trust God’s timing while we work. Eventually, our hard work and dedication will pay off.

Have a blessed Sunday!♥️

Shaun

Life

Remember the Good Times

Shaun Bradford

Much too often we remember hurts and disappointments before we remember the good. Today, I encourage you to focus on the good times. The moments that made you smile and feel loved. Have a wonderful day.♥️ ~ Shaun

Life

Pour Into Others

Shaun Bradford

You have been blessed with many gifts that are meant to be shared. Don’t hold on to them. Give someone what you wish someone would have given you.

Blessings flow when we pour into others.♥️

Life

Believe

Shaun Bradford

Never stop believing.♥️~ Shaun

A few years ago, I shared a tweet Matthew A. Cherry, producer and director, had shared from years earlier. His original tweet read, “I’m gonna be nominated for an Oscar one day. Already claiming it.” He tweeted this on June 1, 2012. Well, in February 2020, he actually won an Oscar for his animated short film, Hair Love. Fun fact… I backed his Kickstarter for the film. So you already know I was super excited when the film won!

Anyhoo.. just like Matthew and so many others have done – manifest what you desire; believe it will happen; then, work towards getting it. It may take a while, even decades before it comes to fruition; however, you best believe, if it’s meant to be, IT WILL HAPPEN or something greater will. That’s how my God works. Smiling

Enjoy your week!

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. – Psalm 34‬:‭1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

There’s nothing like waking up knowing you’re blessed and loved; knowing there is favor over your life. Believe me, it’s not something I take lightly or for granted. God has been too good to me for me not to continually praise His name or acknowledge His greatness. Yes, I’m blessed. Amen

It’s my prayer that you feel just as blessed and loved; knowing there is so much favor over your life. Wishing you a peaceful Sunday and wonderful week.

Be Blessed

Shaun