Over the years, I have discovered one of the keys to knowing who you are is knowing who you are not.
I know who I am because I finally understand, and have accepted, who I am not.
I hate to admit that my road to self-discovery recently wrapped up–at least I believe it is over–during the last few days of my 40s. Maybe it was because I was so determined not to bring uncertainties and baggage into this half of my life. At the very end, up until a few days in, there were things I had to let go of, things I had held on to much longer than I should have. What I discovered was those things were hindering me from fully knowing and embracing my authentic self. Even though I knew God had made me different from others, I constantly questioned my worth and abilities. I also kept feeling behind or as if I had missed out on valuable opportunities.
I know I have only been on this side of 50 a very short while, but life really does seem different. I finally feel like I am dancing to the beat of my own drums. I no longer feel the anxiety and pressure of not being who or where I imagined I would be at this time in life. I contribute all of this to this year’s/half century’s theme–“Being present while residing in a space of peace.”
Y’all, just thinking… Christy Nockels’ book, The Life You Long For, really did prepare me for this.
Forever grateful for God’s love, mercy and grace. Y’all, He really does love me.
Thanks for reading. Wishing all of you a wonderful day!♥️
A few days before my birthday, I heard as clear as day, “Once you turn 50, your sabbatical is over.” All I could say was, “Yes, Lord.” I did not ask questions because I already knew what that entailed. Honestly, now that my children are grown and Momma is no longer here, I have absolutely no excuse for not embracing my purpose, pursuing my dreams or living my life to its fullest. None!
Here are a couple of messages that I shared on July 2nd over the last two years.
Facebook Memory: July 2, 2022
What good is a dream if it’s kept buried and unattended? Not much, right?
Water and nurture your dreams, then watch them grow.
Doing all three–watering, nurturing and watching my dreams grow. I’m blessed.
Facebook Memory: July 2, 2021– This was written in response to a video I shared.
Listen, write it down! Whatever you desire, WRITE IT DOWN. It may not happen in your timing, but you best believe it’ll happen when God knows you’re ready. And it will be greater than anything you’ve ever imagined.
Those two messages, along with my sabbatical ending, have me both excited and a little nervous. Excited because I love adventures. God always throws in something exciting and unexpected. However, I am a little nervous because sometimes those exciting, unexpected moments take me outside my comfort zone. Which brings me to yesterday’s experience.
So, it is no secret that I see myself as a future ambassador. I have written about it many times–Ambassador and/or Liaison. But Ambassador/Liaison of what?… I am not sure. All I know is, for as far back as my teenage years, I have seen myself standing before people, mostly dignitaries or people from other nations, informing them about something. The thing is, I hate public speaking. I absolutely hate it.
Sometime last week, my uncle–who is a candidate for a state office–asked if I could represent him at a political rally because he had a few other events to attend in another part of the state. I was hesitant but said I would. Friday he sent me his campaign speech. After reading it, my anxiety kicked in. All kinds of thoughts crossed my mind. Would I be able to do it? Who was going to be there? What was I getting myself into? About an hour or so after he sent the speech, he texted me and told me to just be myself, that he trusted me to say whatever I was going to say. Talk about a burden being lifted. However, I then felt the pressure of needing to represent him in the best way possible. Life…
Well, here is my reaction as I left the rally.
This was my raw reaction after what had just taken place. I love ME! Sometimes I crack myself up. This time I did not dwell on what I could’ve or should’ve done differently. Basically, I did not criticize myself, which is something new. Again, this stage of my life is all about staying present and at peace.
Listen, I delivered the speech the only way I knew how to–I was myself. Afterwards, I had other candidates come up to me and tell me that I had set the stage for the rest to follow (I was the third to speak). I guess I should mention that the rally happened in a small town and there were only about six people of color in attendance, including myself. Most of others were family members of one of the candidates. I met a sweet, older lady who told me she does not see color, that we are all the same. Bless her heart. I met local politicians, state politicians and representatives of candidates. Needless to say, I had a wonderful time! Y’all, I really do love meeting and talking with people. Everyone is different, but all want to be included. It is so true that we are more alike than different.
Can’t you hear, “I’d like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony…”?I surely can. Smiling
When I called my uncle to fill him in on the rally, he told me the audience was the reason he asked me to go. He said he knew they would love me. Hmm… Is that a compliment or not? Laughing. Then he said he had a few more rallies coming up that he wanted me to attend. Umm… I believe my campaigning days are over.One event was enough.
As I have mentioned in previous blogs, this year/decade is already different. Looking forward to seeing what exciting things God has planned next.
This is all I have for you today. Thanks for reading! Praying you have a wonderful day.♥️
Today is the final day of my birthday month, but not the final day of celebrations. Y’all, I am celebrating ALL YEAR LONG, then for 50 more years or so. Listen, I am celebrating LIFE! I’m so grateful to still be here and HEALTHY. God is so good!♥️ ~Shaun
Join the celebration! I promise you your soul will thank you.
According to my Facebook memories, this particular message has been a running theme for this date, June 15th, for several years now. So, I will not rock the boat or switch it up. The message–
Be still. God is working.♥️ ~Shaun
Whatever it is, take your hand off of it and give it to God. Allow Him to work!
So happy to have God in my corner. Y’all, I am truly, truly blessed.
Right now the song, “I Do Worship,” by John P. Kee is stuck in my head on repeat. The song says–
For Your goodness and Your glory For the joy inside my story I do worship You
What I’m feeling this morning is a mixture of gratitude, anticipation, excitement and love. Nah… I still don’t have a boo but I do feel loved. I guess you can say it’s that self-love.
Anyhoo… I had no idea yesterday was my 5th anniversary of blogging under It’s Shaun’s World. Never expected to still be blogging five years later. Y’all, I absolutely love it here! Here’s a screenshot of my first blog.
I believe I am living up to my promises. Lol
Again, I can’t believe it’s been five years. And as you can see, Year 45 was just around the corner. Now, I am preparing to celebrate Year 50!!! Yessss!!! Y’all, God is so good. Smiling
Year 50 is loading…
Well, this is all I have for you today. Wishing you a peaceful Sunday and wonderful week. Take Care!♥️
Shaun
Five years and over 1000 blogs. Today makes 757 consecutive days of blogging. Feeling proud and blessed.
Faith has two main definitions–belief and trust. We believe for things we have yet to see; while completely trusting God to bring His promises to fruition.♥️
Remember, all you need is a mustard seed size of faith.
Y’all, I woke up screaming! In my head, of course. In exactly ONE MONTH, I will be 50!!!! AAAAAAHHHHH!!!
Last night, I was kind of down. Was thinking about how Momma won’t be here to celebrate my 50th with me. Then, this morning I woke up excited. I’m actually going to be half a century. How cool is that!
Last year, my best friends/sister friends and I were trying to decide what we wanted to do for our 50th year. We thought about RVing across the states and flying to Alaska and Hawaii. Considered stopping in Los Angeles for the BET awards since it fell on my birthday weekend. Like we were really going to get in. Laughing. Cool fact– This year they are celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop!
Well, those were our plans until August happened. After August, the planning ceased.
I was talking to one of my sister friends after Momma died and she mentioned her plans during June and never once mentioned my birthday. That was the first time ever. She has always mentioned my birthday. I understood. I knew she probably thought that was the last thing I wanted to discuss, but I kind of felt forgotten. Anyhoo… that was last week and even yesterday.
Today, I am excited about my birthday again, and I’m so glad that I am. I love celebrating my birthdays and 50 is a big one. Y’all, I will be half a century old. Regal
I love my life and I love how God loves me. Y’all, He will not let me stay down. Yes, I’m blessed.♥️
Just call me Queen Shaun! Smile
Wishing you a wonderful rest of the week. Be Blessed
It’s Shaun’s World 
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