Tag: gratitude

Life

Time

Shaun Bradford

When we were younger, we believed we had all the time in the world to do those little things we knew were significant but found insignificant at the moment. Things like living healthier and cultivating meaningful relationships. They were always at the back of our minds, or on our to-do lists, but somehow they never quite became a priority.

Unfortunately, we cannot turn back the hands of time. Those health issues that could have been prevented are now being managed. Relationships that could have worked, or been better, are either long gone or beyond repair. Sadly, time didn’t wait until we were ready. However, the good news is we are still here and have the opportunity to make wiser choices.

Listen, time isn’t stopping nor is it slowing down. So if there is something or someone you value, make it or them a priority. It’s so important that we take advantage of the time we already have, not the time we believe you have. Be sure to make every moment count.♥️ ~ Shaun

This is my first animated drawing! Y’all, I’m creating and it feels absolutely amazing! Can’t wait to see where this adventure takes me.☺️
Life

Blessed & Favored

Shaun Bradford

I can hear the Clark Sisters singing–

“Never let a day go by and not realize we are blessed. Don’t take it for granted that we are here today. Just know we’re blessed and highly favored.”

I can undoubtedly say that I AM blessed and favored– highly favored. And so are you!♥️ ~ Shaun

Life

Rejoice

Shaun Bradford

Rejoice – to feel or show great joy or delight

God is good.

Yes, I’m blogging! Today is Day 460.

When I woke up this morning, the first thing I did was open my iPad and start drawing. While drawing, the word “Rejoice” came to mind and I immediately knew it was the word/quote for today. It was a word that needed to be shared.

Today, I’m rejoicing because I’ve decided to continue moving forward with blogging daily. Yes.. I’m celebrating my decision. Y’all, I remember how I struggled to blog for 100 consecutive days, then 150. When I made it to 200 days, I really wanted to quit. Believe me, the struggle was real. However, I kept going. Now, blogging daily is like second nature. So going back and starting over just isn’t an option. I have to keep going.

It’s what I’m meant to do.

Rejoicing!

Shaun

Life

Wednesday Writings

Shaun Bradford

Decided to use the quote that initially accompanied the graphic. It’s a much needed reminder that I control the pen that’s writing my story.

Lately, I’ve been warring between disconnecting so that I can fully recharge or staying connected so that I won’t lose connections. There’s this fear of starting over and disappointing others that has me hesitant to disconnect, yet I know it’s necessary.

Today will be my 459th consecutive blog. Believe me, ending this streak is one of the most difficult decisions I have to make. And social media… Listen, I can’t even begin to describe how difficult it’s going to be logging off social media. Sadly, it’s become an integral part of my life. Y’all, I have upcoming events and community information to share on Mississippi Thriving. I have content to post for Nutrition with LaShaundreaB. Daily posts for Shaun’s Daily Inspiration. Morning greetings for my sistas in We Are Sistas. Sunday tweets with my e-church family during Sunday service. Shows and movies to promote. Issues to support. Y’all, there’s so much that I do– that I LOVE doing– that I’m finding it difficult to take a break from. Honestly, I feel like I’m abandoning my friends, followers and community– as if I’m abandoning my tribe.

Side Note: I believe I have blogged about this before, but until recently (like a year or so ago), I suffered from abandonment issues. I always felt like those I cared about most would abandon me. Well, it’s the same way I feel about disconnecting to recharge. Even though I know I’m not abandoning anyone, I don’t want them to feel as if I am. I know that probably sounds a bit crazy, but the fear of abandonment so real.

Well, with everything said…

Y’all, I need to press pause and take an indefinite break. I need to take a moment to fully recharge. Operating on half empty just isn’t working anymore. I know it may sound like farewell, but it’s not. I assure you that I will return.

Please take care of yourself!

Love you always,

Shaun

Life

Moments of Transparency

Shaun Bradford

Being transparent has its limits. Our lives were never meant to be an open book for all to read. Knowing when, what and with whom to share is vital. I’ve finally realized everyone can’t handle our truth, only a select few.♥️ ~Shaun

Life

God Is

Shaun Bradford

I can hear James Cleveland’s choir singing:

“God is the joy and the strength of my life. He removes all pain, misery and strife. He promised to keep me. Never to leave me. He’ll never ever fall short of His word… God is my all and all.” Amen ~ Shaun

Life

Cry: Your Tears Will Never Be Wasted

Shaun Bradford

Heartbroken? Disappointed? Feeling BLAH? OR Just need to cry? Listen, do it because life is hard and your tears will NEVER be wasted. They will either water something new, revive something you believed was dying, or cleanse your soul (gem from my 8th grade Spanish teacher☺️). So cry! Believe me, you’ll feel sooo much better afterwards.♥️ ~ Shaun

Life

Wednesday Writings

Shaun Bradford
Writing my story.

Last week I experienced another major life shift. Unlike nine years ago, I felt the shift and didn’t panic. I felt it and actually smiled.

You see, when I turned 40, my life began to change. Actually.. it began to unravel. I can even tell you when the shift happened. It was on my 40th birthday. I was disappointed because my birthday was not what I had always imagined– wasn’t even close. I know it sounds shallow but it was a big deal, a very big deal. Honestly, I tried to convince myself that I could live with the disappointment, but I couldn’t. All I could think about was a life of being asked to be content with disappointments. This prompted me to ask myself, “Shaun, where do you see yourself in ten years?”. I also asked my ex the same. Well.. guess what?! We are both exactly where we said we saw ourselves being. Hmm… life is interesting.

I didn’t see it then, but I see it now, that was when my marriage actually ended.

So that was a major shift.

Well, last week, after returning home, I felt another shift. I thought I was returning home to the babies I had left. Yeah.. I know, they are not babies but they will always be my babies. Anyhoo.. I returned home to two young adults. Adults who had been doing their own thing while I was gone. I’m not going to lie, it took me a minute to adjust to the change, but only a minute. When I finally accepted that things had changed, I was like, “I like this.”

Listen, I’m smiling as I write because I spent the last year wondering how I would survive being an empty nester. Wondering what life would be like with only myself to care for. Well, I can happily and confidently say, I’m gonna be alright. I’m so looking forward to this next chapter.

Thanks for reading! Wishing you a wonderful day.

Shaun

Life

Priceless Treasures

Shaun Bradford

Some treasures cannot be bought. Treasures like– memories made with loved ones; saved letters, notes, or texts; or pictures that continue to warm your heart or make you smile every time you see them. Yes, these treasures cannot be bought.♥️ ~ Shaun

Life

Expect Great Things

Shaun Bradford

How are you waiting? With or without expectation? You know, “Whatever happens, happens,” OR “I’m expecting exceedingly abundantly above all that I ask or think.”

Me. I’m doing the latter. I’m EXPECTING great things to happen!💃🏽♥️

Today’s 8/8. New day. New week. New beginnings.🌸