Tag: blessed

hope

Make It Happen, Today! Part 2

Shaun Bradford

Several posts ago, I mentioned a conversation with Dr. Cheryl Wood (motivational speaker) about taking a leap into the entrepreneurial world. Well, until I saw this Facebook memory (screenshot below) this morning, I had forgotten that a few years earlier I had become a sole proprietor, which became my side hustle for a few years. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not knocking it because it—The Research Diva–RD—eventually became LaShaundreaB, Registered Dietitian and Research Consultant, the hub for all of my projects. I started with what I had.

Facebook Memory: September 30, 2017

I shared Jennifer Hudson’s song, “I Am Changing,” with the post.

As I said in my previous post, “Make It Happen, Today!”, if it’s something you really want to do, don’t put it off. Start with what you have and God will do the rest. After creating The Research Diva–RD, not even a year later, my confidence took the biggest blow. Y’all, knocked it down to ZERO. In all of the conferences and workshops I had attended, no one had prepared me for the hits. Every speaker made them seem like a small hiccup in the process. You know, “It’s just something you have to go through to get to the other side.” And to their credit, I will say, the pain or disappointment isn’t something easy to describe. All I can say is, it hurt! Had me second guessing my dreams and purpose. Didn’t even know if I wanted to remain a dietitian or in research. It was a terrible time for me, but eventually, like everyone else who’d experienced setbacks, I found my way back.

Listen, life is going to happen, and sometimes it will literally knock the life out of you. If or when it happens, please be kind to yourself, and give yourself grace and time to find your way back. Just don’t give up on your dreams. God put them in you for a purpose that’s much greater than yourself.

Well, that’s all for now. Just saw that post and thought I’d share it with you. Listen, don’t wait, make your dreams happen, now!♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

A Rebirth

Shaun Bradford

Here’s a message for you—

Everything you thought you lost, including time, is being restored or made new.

That’s what I heard when I came across this Facebook memory from September 29, 2022.

On that day, I wrote, “God will make ALL things new.”

Been feeling this lately, especially since my son turned 21. Yeah… since last week. Smile. Yesterday it hit me that at 51 I’ve been given a second chance at everything in life. Somewhat like a rebirth. However, this time around, I’m much wiser. Most of the decisions I’ll make this time will be based on personal experiences, good and bad (lessons learned).

Y’all, I’m pretty excited about this new stage of life! Looking forward to the new.♥️

Shaun

hope

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

Happy Sunday! I pray your weekend is going well. Mine has been pretty great so far. I can’t complain.☺️

Today’s Hello Sunday is a reminder that the person people see you as today has been years in the making, even decades. Meaning, you did not become who you are overnight. It’s also a reminder to be gentle, kind, and patient with yourself as God continues—because the process is never ending—to shape and mold you into the person you know you’re meant to be. Remember, who you are today is only a glimpse of who you’re becoming. Smile♥️

Love you,

Shaun

“It takes time, patience and grace to become the person you know you are meant to be. So, be kind to yourself while God is working.” –Facebook Memory, 2021

hope

Forever Looking Up

Shaun Bradford
Life is beautiful. Forever looking up. It’s the only way to look!

While reading one of my fellow bloggers’ posts—Wynne Leon (Surprised by Joy)—I saw this quote and it spoke to my soul. If you know me, just about everything speaks to my heart, soul, and/or spirit. Smile. Well, I felt this one. For me, it captures the way I feel about peace, joy, love, and freedom. Once you’ve tasted them, you’ll forever want more. It’s where I am in life, today; and I am so loving this space.♥️

Shaun

hope

It’s A Mind Thing

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning!☀️

There are many things that can hold us back, but sometimes we’re the ones holding ourselves back. When I used to hear people say this, I would be like, “They just don’t understand,” “They have support,” “They didn’t have the struggles I did.” And those statements were valid and very real at the time. I felt them wholeheartedly.

Well, a few years before I decided to take my official leap into the entrepreneurial world, I had a brief conversation with international motivational speaker, Dr. Cheryl Wood, about my aspirations for my future. When asked why I wasn’t already pursuing them fully, I listed all kinds of excuses. She just listened and when I finished she said, “When you’re ready, you’ll do it.” She said she heard the excuses, but whenever I was ready, the excuses wouldn’t matter. Honestly, I thought she couldn’t relate. She was married. I was going through a divorce. She had someone to fall back on. I had no one.

Then, in 2021, while sitting at my desk working my 9-5, I decided I was ready. I still wasn’t married. Didn’t have anyone to support me. However, I knew with all my being and heart I was ready. That’s when I took the leap and never looked back.

Now, here I am nearly four years later, still no husband or extra support, and without any regrets. Y’all, I’m finally doing what I love. It may not look like what I envisioned, but it surely does feel like everything I imagined. Now, don’t get me wrong, life isn’t a cakewalk. I still struggle at times, but it’s different. Today, I don’t mind enduring the difficult times because I know without a doubt God’s got my back. Also, as I mentioned earlier, I am finally doing what I love.

Here’s what I shared 10 years ago—the Facebook memory that prompted this post.

Whew!! I’m so glad I’m not where I was ten years ago, not even a year ago. Blessed.☺️

The caption on the picture says it all, everything that was holding me back was all in my head. My mindset had to change, first. Then, I changed.

When I tell you God is so good. I am so grateful He loves me like He does. Hands down, I am truly, truly blessed.

Well, that’s it for now. Thanks for reading.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

Already Doing Them

Shaun Bradford

List three jobs you’d consider pursuing if money didn’t matter.

I stopped focusing on money a few years ago to pursue what I truly wanted to do, which included: creating whatever I imagined, supporting others’ dreams, and working towards a kinder, healthier world. As they say, the money will come; and honestly, it has. I am beyond blessed.☺️