Life

Fear

Fear: an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.

The Facebook memory I’m sharing below is from four years ago, April 11, 2019. It was written a few weeks after I signed the divorce papers that my ex refused to sign. Up until that day, not many of my friends or family on Facebook knew I was getting a divorce, let alone the things I was going through. And this was over four years after we had separated.

Well, on this particular day I had had enough. For years I was afraid he would kill me. In the memory I used the phrase, “my life would be taken,” to soften the blow for my readers. But it was sooo much deeper than that. I was scared. Like really scared for my life. The more he would tell me he wasn’t going to let me go, or send random texts about how much he loved me – and this was up until he finally signed the papers – the more afraid I became. It was rough. We hear about murder-suicides all the time, and for years, I just knew I would be a victim.

On April 11, 2019, I stopped being afraid. That day I declared my freedom.

Facebook Memory: April 11, 2019

Good Morning! No social media find, just my testimony. Warning: For those who hate when people put all of their business on social media – stop reading NOW!

For over four years I’ve been walking on eggshells. Trying to do everything just right, out of fear. I’ve been afraid my life would be taken at any moment. If not mine, my babies, or he would take his own life (what would that be like for my son). I prayed about it. Started working on my goals. Created a new life for me and my kids. However, there’s always one thing looming, fear. I keep my office door locked at work when no one’s there. I’m never alone with him. You may think I’m overreacting, but I don’t care. It’s what I feel. I’m tired of walking around in fear because he won’t let me go.

Today…today I’m releasing the fear and I’m going to live. That sheet of paper did not give him control over my life. Whether he signs the divorce papers or not, I’m living! And I’m living without fear! Life is too short to always be afraid.

Listen… I am so happy to be on the other side of that fear. To read the words and not feel the same sting feels absolutely amazing. For years, I could not imagine getting to this point, yet here I am. Y’all, God is so wonderful. I am truly, truly blessed.

Thanks for allowing me to share my story.♥️

Shaun

** Note: Never diminish someone’s feelings about being afraid. When they tell you that they fear for their life, believe them. Please do not act like they are overreacting. Sometimes they see and experience things you can’t understand. Also, what you may see as acts of love, another may see as torture. Be Blessed

Life

Change Takes Courage

Change is not always easy. Sometimes we have to let go of what’s comfortable and familiar in order to get to better. This requires courage.♥️ ~ Shaun

Change is necessary.

Note: It is so important to know where to make changes and how much of a change to make. Over the years, I have learned that some things just need to be tweaked, not completely modified or abandoned.

Life

Keep Shining

Let nothing or no one dim your glow. You were born for this. Keep shining!♥️ ~ Shaun

Smile. You got this!

Side Note: Every time I hear the phrase “Keep shining,” I also hear Dionne Warwick singing “That’s What Friends Are For.

That’s What Friends Are For

Dionne Warwick Source: LyricFind

And I never thought I’d feel this way
And as far as I’m concerned
I’m glad I got the chance to say
That I do believe I love you
And if I should ever go away
Well, then close your eyes and try
To feel the way we do today
And then if you can remember

Keep smilin’, keep shinin’
Knowing you can always count on me for sure
That’s what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I’ll be on your side forever more
That’s what friends are for

Well, you came and opened me
And now there’s so much more I see
And so by the way I thank you
Oh and then for the times when we’re apart
Well, then close your eyes and know
These words are coming from my heart
And then if you can remember

Oh, keep smilin’ and keep shinin’
Knowing you can always count on me for sure
That’s what friends are for
In good times and bad times
I’ll be on your side forever more
Oh, that’s what friends are for

Keep smilin’, keep shinin’
Knowing you can always count on me for sure
That’s what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I’ll be on your side forever more
That’s what friends are for

Keep smilin’, keep shinin’
Knowing you can always count on me for sure
‘Cause I tell you that’s what friends are for
For good times and for bad times
I’ll be on your side forever more
That’s what friends are for (that’s what friends are for, ya)

On me for sure (count on me for sure, count on me for sure)
That’s what friends are for

Keep smilin’, keep shinin’

I love y’all. Keep shining!

Life

It’s Yours, Make It Happen

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.