Tag: authenticity

Life

I Am in Repair

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

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

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.

I am truly blessed.♥️

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

Be Encouraged

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