Tag: dailyprompt

hope

Already Retired

Shaun Bradford

How do you want to retire?

Short story…

During my late teens/early twenties, I had planned to live out my first 50 years of life working towards retirement. My goal was to retire before the age of 50. I joined the military when I was 19, so that was possible. Well, when I retired 18 years later (early retirement), I never recognized it as being retired. I didn’t feel like a retiree. Plus, I wasn’t 50 yet.

Fast-forward to today. I’m now 51 (I will be 52 next week), and I am finally resting in the fact that I am a retiree. In my first 50 years of life, I managed to have two completely different careers—Airfield Management in the Air Force and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in the civilian world. Now it’s time for me to enjoy being retired and move as I please, at the pace that I please.

Recently, I had to remind myself of this. I was disappointed in myself because I hadn’t reached a specific professional goal. That’s when I began remembering all the goals I had achieved, including my goal of retiring before 50. All this time, I thought I was behind, when in reality, I have actually been ahead of the game and living life as I planned.

God’s been so good to me. I’m finally embracing life as a retiree. I am beyond blessed.♥️

Shaun

**This just came to mind. When I was in the Air Force, I used to drive through the city I currently live in and say I would retire here someday. At the time, I was thinking 65/70 years old. It’s a great place for retirees. I often laugh because I retired here at age 37. God really does have a sense of humor. Again, He’s been so good to me.🥰

hope

Goodness

Shaun Bradford

What are you passionate about?

It may seem like a weird answer, but I am passionate about goodness.

According to Merriam-Webster, goodness is defined as the quality or state of being good. Listed synonyms are – honesty, morality, integrity, character, and rightness.

I’m passionate about doing good, being good, and promoting good things. I have always believed there’s more good in the world than bad. Unfortunately, it’s not always easily seen.

My request of you is to please do good and be kind, even when no one is watching.♥️

Shaun

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Me, Myself, and I

Shaun Bradford

Who do you spend the most time with?

I spend most of my time with myself. Not trying to be funny, but I’m probably alone at least 16 hours a day, not counting sleep. When I do spend time with someone other than my son, who I see maybe an hour or two a day, it’s only for a few hours, a few times a month. Just writing this makes me sound like a recluse. The weird part is that I love people, and I’m so full of life when I’m around them. However, I’m just as good when I’m at home alone. Honestly, I kind of enjoy my own company. I like being around myself.🥰

By the way, it’s self-love Saturday. Be sure to do something extra special for yourself!💗🌸

Shaun

hope

I Connect With God

Shaun Bradford

Describe one simple thing you do that brings joy to your life.

I connect with God.

From the time I wake up until I go to sleep, I’m constantly connecting with God. It’s not like most may think—connecting through prayer, worship, or meditation—which happens, too. However, I also connect with God through the smallest of things, like seeing someone smile or hearing a bird sing.

My connection with God gives my life joy. It means everything.♥️

Shaun

hope

Yes, Basketball Cards!

Shaun Bradford

Do you have any collections?

Back in the nineties, I collected basketball cards. I never played the sport, but I loved watching it. In high school, I became a fan of college basketball. I was a Kansas (KU) and Duke (DUKE) fan—when they weren’t playing each other. Smile. I’m not quite sure when I began collecting the cards. However, by the end of the 90s, I had an entire collection (over 2,000 cards), which I still have today. I also have a collection of magazines from the 90s that I haven’t thrown away. I love looking through them at times. So nostalgic!

These are only a few… I have sooo many more!

hope

Difficult Question To Answer

Shaun Bradford

What sacrifices have you made in life?

This question is difficult to answer because when I think of the sacrifices I made, I can’t help but think of the things I gained—seeing a smile on someone else’s face, better opportunities, a more fulfilling life. So, to me, the things I gave up or put off momentarily (even for years) weren’t true sacrifices. I guess you could say they were just a part of life or my life’s journey.♥️ ~Shaun