Life is interesting. We never know where it’s taking us. One minute we think we’re headed in one direction and the next, we’re headed somewhere completely different. Thankfully, in the end, we always land where we are meant to be. Trust the process. ~ Shaun
Did you know that you already have everything you need to create the life you long for? It’s true! Everything you need is already inside of you. God made sure of that! All you have to do is start with what you have and God will provide the rest. ~ Shaun
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!
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
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.
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.
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!
You must be logged in to post a comment.