Tag: God

Life

Facebook Memory: July 8, 2019

Shaun Bradford

Came across another Facebook memory I thought was worth sharing. I start off by saying I’m a nurturer and problem solver. Both of these attributes have always been a blessing and– I refuse to say curse– a burden. I am still learning that I cannot do more for others than I do for myself. Putting everyone’s problems and needs before my own drains me emotionally and mentally as well as physically. As I said, I’m still learning. One day I will get it right.

July 8, 2019

I’m a nurturer. I’m a problem solver. If I see something that needs to be done, I do it, whether asked or not. So, I don’t blame anyone for expecting me to do what I’ve always done. They all know I’m just being Shaun.

Since my 45th birthday, stepping back and allowing others to handle their problems has become easier. I’m finally focusing on me. These past two weekends have been rejuvenating. I’ve actually enjoyed myself without worrying about my kids (my cheerleaders☺️), my family, or work.

Y’all may think I’m exaggerating, but I haven’t felt free to only think about myself since I was a little girl– was babysitting and cooking by age six. Back then, I was either the oldest or most “mature,” so I was always put in charge of things. This carried over into my adulthood and 1) was great for my career– already had leadership, managerial and problem solving skills, 2) benefited others around me, but 3) caused me to lose myself– who was Shaun? Well… at 40 I started searching for “ME,” and on June 17, 2019, ALL shackles were released when the judge signed those divorce papers!

Whew!! From here on, I’m putting myself first! I deserve it!

Note: Please stop placing so many responsibilities on girls at a young age. It’s okay to teach them to be self sufficient, but also teach them how to take care of themselves. When we know better we must do better. Let’s raise, whole women, not broken women. That’s all!😊

That was two years ago. Today, my goal is to be whole. Which means I need to nurture myself more and solve my own problems before assisting others. Still learning and growing.

Thanks for reading. Wishing you a wonderful day!

Shaun

Life

More Late Night Ramblings

Shaun Bradford

It’s not Wednesday yet so I won’t put this under my Wednesday Writings. Earlier I posted a quote from two years ago. At the end I noted how it took me two years to take the leap. Yes, two years to finally start living the life I had always dreamed of. Which was and is true. However, I never imagined living out my dream alone– meaning without a companion. Being transparent and honest.

Really, what good is living your best professional life if your personal life sucks? Don’t get me wrong, y’all already know I love my babies but it’s not the same as having a man in my life. I know I could go get one. Yep, there really are plenty available. I’m just afraid I’ll choose the wrong person again. So afraid that I won’t even allow anyone in.

People have suggested that I date several guys until I connect with the right one. The crazy thing is, I don’t even know how to date. Y’all, I have never dated before. Well, not the dating they refer to today. Back in my day, “dating” was considered talking. What’s now considered “committed” is the only dating I know. Then there’s connecting with the right person. My first boyfriend was the only one who pursued me. The others, I did the pursuing. Trying not to go that route again because as I said, I don’t choose well.

So what should I do? Where do I begin? I’m always joking about God delivering him to me, but that might just have to happen. I don’t trust anything online. Guys are always sending me messages, but I don’t respond. How am supposed to know if the person on the profile picture is the same person I’m having a conversation with? Then there are online dating sites. I heard most sites are hook up sites. Not into that. Might meet a stalker. I recently watched a movie about speed dating. Now that I could probably do. It seems fun until you meet that one clingy dude that you don’t like but they like you but won’t leave you alone. Ugh!! Yep.. guess I’m not ready to date. Maybe I just need a friend. But that could also get ugly. What if I fall for the friend and he doesn’t want me? Or vice versa? Whew!!

I guess I’ll be alone for a little longer. Maybe I’ll meet someone at Target. Or at the airport. OR at a restaurant- because I’m always eating.

I just want someone I can share my dream with for the rest of my life. Yep… that’s what I want. It’s no fun doing it alone.

Well, thanks for reading another one of my random blogs.

Good Night. Consider this my Wednesday blog unless I wake up and feel like sharing something else. Not going to proofread. Too tired.

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

The wait…

Word of advice– you probably should keep breathing while waiting. Hold your breath and you might not make it. Just kidding. God is full of surprises. You never know what He’s up to.

Y’all, the wait can be long and tedious. Been reading past journal entries and scrolling through Facebook memories. There were so many instances where I believed I was prepared to receive one thing or another, only to find I was not prepared at all. There was always a waiting period. Sometimes I waited three or four years. Sometimes longer. I noticed that during those periods of waiting, God was pruning and prepping me to receive. During those periods, I became stronger– things that intimidated me before no longer intimidated me. I became wiser– I began making better choices. I was more appreciative– I appreciated every little blessing I received and still do. My relationship with God also became stronger– I prayed and praised more.

The wait…

Be patient during the wait. Be patient with God and be patient with yourself. If you have not received what you believe you are ready for, you are not prepared to receive it. Believe me, when it’s the right time, God won’t keep you waiting– You will receive it!

Lesson– Waiting was and is necessary. I can wait. You can wait. We can wait. God is working.

Shaun