Life

Wednesday Writings

Trust the Process

Hello! Hello! Hello!!

Two days before my 49th birthday! YAY!! This week, I decided not to post any pictures. Been focusing on other things, so I haven’t been very photogenic. But, I guess I could have used one of my favorite filters. (Laughing)

Anyhoo.. I didn’t intend to write about taking pictures or my birthday. I wanted to discuss “The Process.” During my morning scroll through my Facebook memories, I came across one of the first quotes I shared, “Focus on the PROMISE, not the PROCESS.” This got me to thinking about the last year. What’s had my focus, the promise or the process? Hmmm…

Honestly, I believe it’s pretty even. At different times, I have given one more attention than the other. Which, thinking back, was necessary. I believe when I originally wrote the quote– because I wrote it as a reminder to myself– I had become frustrated with trying to get my business up and running.

Side note: The downside of spontaneously resigning was trying to figure out my next move. Even though I already had a consulting business, it was for small contracts only. Something I could do on the side. My business was never set up to be my sole source of income.

So, at the time that I wrote the quote, I was feeling lost and discouraged. That’s when I had to encourage myself to focus on the promise and not the process. Had I focused on the process, I don’t believe I would have made it this far without returning to the corporate world.

Today, I’m not where I want to be with my business; however, I’m getting there. Over the past year, I have spent unnecessary money and time following rabbit holes trying to find my niche. If you have been reading my blogs for a while, then you have been on this journey with me. Y’all know I love EVERYTHING!! Yeah.. I’m pretty transparent about that. Y’all know I be all over the place so thanks for riding with me. (Laughing) Listen, life would be so boring if I just stuck with a plan.

Anyway, I promise you this ride is going somewhere. However, now instead of going 100 miles/hour, I’ve slowed it down to a steady 30 miles/hour. Also, I have cut back on the detours and side adventures. Just because that outlet mall has a few different stores doesn’t mean I have to go exploring. (Smile)

I know some of you may be wondering why I didn’t seek professional assistance from a business consultant. Well, I did. Several. The problem was, I had no idea of where I wanted to take my business. I was all over the place. At one point I didn’t even want to do anything nutrition related and it’s my profession. Honestly, I truly feel bad for wasting their time. They really tried to help. What I did gain was insight on how to narrow down my focus to providing a few services rather than trying to save the world.

Okay, back to the process. At this moment, I’m very much focused on the process. The promise is just too big to think about at this time. However, whenever I find myself becoming discouraged again, I’ll switch my focus. I now realize there has to be a balance between the two.

As always, thanks for reading and riding along. Y’all enjoy your day!

Shaun

Life

Love

When I journal, I always leave words of affirmation or encouragement in every entry. Here’s a quote from several years ago, “You are worthy to be loved.” Today, I’m sharing it with you because YOU are worthy to be loved. Not “of love,” but to be loved.♥️ ~ Shaun

Love
Life

Hello Sunday

Happy Father’s Day!

Happy Father’s Day to all of the wonderful fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles and father figures who intentionally create spaces for children to learn, grow and thrive. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and love, as well as being a great provider. Today’s your day and we celebrate you. Please know that you are loved and appreciated.

Happy Father’s Day!♥️

Shaun

Life

Keep Writing

Who knows you better than yourself? No one. You are the only one, besides God, who truly knows what you desire from life. So write your story. Feel free to revise as you evolve. Remember, it’s YOUR story. ~ Shaun

Life

Grateful for New Beginnings

Grateful for a beautiful new day, new blessings and new beginnings.♥️ ~ Shaun

Life

Allow Love In

For love to win, you must first allow it in. Love cannot enter a closed heart.♥️ ~ Shaun

Love
Life

Wednesday Writings

Happy Wednesday! Today’s blog is coming from a place of worship. Since Monday, the song I Do Worship by John P. Kee has been on repeat in my head. It’s like lately my soul has been in this constant state of worship. Which is beautiful because I used to think it was impossible, at least for me. I remember my great, great grandma humming songs of praise throughout her day as she did her daily tasks. Which I found amusing because the only time I remember her going to church was for funerals. Yet she hummed songs of praise throughout the day. Today I realize it’s not about how often you go to church or how religious you are that defines your relationship with God. It’s about your personal connection with Him. And y’all, I’m so grateful for my relationship with Him.

For those who are familiar with Christianity, I got saved (accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior) when I was 8 years old. When I did, I took my relationship with God very seriously. Over the past 40 years, the amount of time I have spent in God’s presence has fluctuated; however, there’s never been a time that I haven’t acknowledged Him, even before I got saved. With this said, the relationship I have with Him today is truly indescribable. Y’all, I really wish I could give you a glimpse of the way He loves me. Forever humbled and grateful. I’m truly blessed.

Before I go, I’m going to leave you with the lyrics from I Do Worship.

I Do Worship
John P. Kee & The New Life Community Choir
Source: LyricFind

I do worship, I do worship
I do worship You
I do worship, I do worship
I do worship You

For Your goodness and Your glory
For the joy inside Your story
I do worship You

Oh, how excellent is Your presence
We will bless Your name
For Your goodness and Your glory
For the joy inside Your story

For the peace You gave to me
For the day You set me, set me free

For Your goodness and Your glory
For the joy inside Your story

I do worship, I do worship
I do worship, I do worship
I do worship, I do worship
I do worship, I do worship
You

For Your goodness and Your glory
For Your goodness and Your glory
Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah

He’s so faithful, He’s so faithful
He’s so faithful, He’s so faithful
Yes, He is, Yes, He is, Yes, He is, Yes

Lord, I love You, Lord, I love You
Lord, I love You, Lord, I love You

Wishing you an amazing Wednesday!

Shaun

Life

Choose Kindness

Choose kindness. Kindness is not indicative of weakness. It’s a sign of strength, control and humility. And yes, it’s possible to exhibit all three simultaneously. I dare you to try it!😉 ~ Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Yellow background with the words “Hello Sunday” thinly, written in green. Below it is the website link for It’s Shaun’s World 2 dot com. Also, there are three white flowers laying on a notepad in the upper right corner.
Hello Sunday!

Happy Sunday! Today’s blog is based on a Facebook memory, a post that I shared a year ago–

What do you want? Simple question, yet not always easy to answer. Most of the time when we’re asked this question we respond based on our desires at that particular moment or where we are in life. Quick and easy answers will suffice in the moment; however, deep down we know there’s so much more. When was the last time you asked yourself what it is that I truly want out of life?

Shaun Bradford, Facebook Post, June 12, 2022

As many of you know, my son graduated from high school last month. Although I thought I would be a total mess, I was actually fine. More than fine! Instead of being sad about my stint as “Mom the Caregiver” ending, I immediately began celebrating my new role, “Mom the Advisor.” Yes, I’m an advisor now and loving it!

Even though the tears never came, the thought of “What am I to do, now?” did. For over 27 years, I have made decisions based on someone else’s livelihood. Now, it’s all about me; which, to be honest, feels weird. Y’all, I’m actually at a stage in my life where I can focus on myself and I feel completely lost. I’m no longer that 18 year old joining the Air Force. I am a 48 year old who has already “done it all,” trying to figure out what’s left to do. Lately I’ve been asking myself, what do I still want out of life?

Fortunately, God has given me time alone to ponder my next chapter of life. You see, a little over a week before my son’s graduation, one of my sisters got the opportunity to spend her summer in California and asked if I would doggie/house sit while she was gone. I said yes, but then started having doubts. Mostly because I was worried about my son’s wellbeing. Then, he and my daughter assured me that he would be fine and encouraged me to live! They told me this was my time to do whatever I wanted. They’re so funny. I believe they’ve been trying to get me out the nest for the longest. (Shaking my head)

So, I’m in Alabama. Been here almost a week. It took me a few days to adjust to having a dog around because I am not an animal person. Especially animals that need constant attention. I’m more of a fish– just one– kind of person. Well, it didn’t take long for the doggie, Pepé, to train me. I think I like her.

A picture of me and my sister’s dog in the car posing for a selfie.
A black and white picture of the dog laying on the floor looking at the camera.

The other thing I’m trying to get used to is cooking for one instead of going out to eat. I used to eat out a lot when my son would visit family for the summer. It was just more convenient, plus it made me feel like a teenager splurging on treats. Yeah.. I used to live it up! So, now that this is going to be my new lifestyle, I have to learn how to prepare meals for one and resist the urge to eat out.

I also found a temporary space for my office. Still haven’t gotten used to the perks of remote work. For some reason I feel like I need a designated workspace. Yeah.. I’m working on changing this perception.

Laptop and monitor on dining room table.
My new office!

As you can see, life is changing. I have absolutely no idea of what’s to come. However, what I do know is I have a little time to decide on my next move. As for the question– “What do I want?” Honestly, I believe I’m already living in it. I’m living in the freedom of peace, love and choice. But of course there are other things I desire– to fall in love with someone who loves me just as much as I love them, to grow old gracefully, to be that princess/queen I’ve always dreamt of, to celebrate my 50th wedding anniversary, to travel, to eat, to spread love and hope to every part of the world, to continue being the best mom, sister, daughter and friend I strive to be, and most importantly to honor God with all that I have and am. Yes.. this is what I want.

As always, thank you so much for taking the time to read my random ramblings. I really do appreciate you. Enjoy your week!

Shaun

Life

God Is Working

God is working! You may not see it or feel it, but He is. So hang in there. Don’t give up hope. Your time is coming. ~ Shaun