So, this year is already starting differently. I decided to watch something I believed would set the tone for this year. Well, what I wasn’t expecting was the tone I received. Laughing because I thought I was watching something that would empower me, but instead, I was introduced to the kind of husband (yes, I’m getting married again) I desired. Y’all, I’m looking for my Jimmy Carter!
Talk about an “Aha” moment!
Before 2024 ended, I said I was going to focus on my personal life this year. Well, I guess this is the beginning.
When I think about it, Jimmy Carter was the kind of person I’ve been seeking since I knew what love was and could be. I mean, why not? He’s been my inspiration since I was in grade school. My purpose—to make this world a better place through love, hope, peace, kindness, and service—began with him. And his relationship with Rosalynn was what I’d always dreamed of having. So many doubt that kind of relationship and love is possible. However, I have never doubted it. I’ve always believed it to be possible. Because I truly believe in love.
Soooo… it’s been Jimmy all this time. Wow!
Here’s an Instagram trailer for the Hulu and Disney+ special I just watched—“Jimmy Carter: A Full Life.” Enjoy!♥️ ~Shaun
James Earl Carter, Jr., 39th President of the United States. Photo credit: WH.gov
Woke up thinking about President Jimmy Carter’s passing. I was going to write a post honoring him, and then I remembered I had already written one. I wrote it when he was placed in hospice care in 2023. At the age of seven or eight years old, he sparked a drive in me that remains today—to make the world a better, kinder place. A place where love, hope, and equity are the ultimate goals.
Today’s blog is dedicated to James Earl Carter, Jr., also known as our former President, Jimmy Carter.♥️
Yesterday, my heart sank as I read the following statement from The Carter Center –
“After a series of short hospital stays, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter today decided to spend his remaining time at home with his family and receive hospice care instead of additional medical intervention. He has the full support of his family and his medical team. The Carter family asks for privacy during this time and is grateful for the concern shown by his many admirers.”
Why did I immediately want to ask if I could also be by his side. If I could also care for him until he leaves us. Sounds weird, huh?
Y’all, he was my President. My first political memories were during his run for reelection against Ronald Reagan. I was just a little girl when he lost the race and vividly remember myself sitting in front of the tv crying my eyes out. He was my President.
I guess what I loved about him was everything many hated. He was soft spoken. He actually had compassion for humanity and expressed it, which was viewed by some as a sign of weakness. And lastly, he was from the South. I loved his southern drawl.
For me, President Carter represented kindness, hope and the possibility of a beautiful, peaceful and kind world. He was my hero! If you have not read any of my blogs about my favorite childhood song, well, it was, “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony).” I am pretty sure it was Coca Cola’s adaptation of the song that I fell in love with, but either way, it became my theme song. I was dead set on making this world a better place.
Side note: Had to add this while I’m thinking about it. I also wanted “Chariots of Fire,” to be played at my wedding. Y’all, what was wrong with me?! Laughing. I was so into my own little world. Guess nothing’s really changed, huh? Smiling
Anyhoo… back to President Carter. I have watched him over the years remain humble and give to those less fortunate. I really wish that I could sit with him just to show my appreciation for everything he’s done and given.
What’s so ironic is, Friday I signed up to volunteer for a local hospice care center. I may not be able to be by his side before he leaves us, but I can be by someone else’s. A piece of his legacy will always live on through me through my service to others.
President Carter is a true servant leader and his presence and impact on the world will be greatly missed.
Sending him and his family prayers and love.♥️
President Carter’s presence in this world will surely be missed. However, his legacy will continue on through others like me.
This year has been some year! This year, I embraced and stepped into my role as a humanitarian, philanthropist, and advocate for global health equity (this was my mission as The Research Diva–RD). I am finally putting that spark into use. I’m not sure if I will be building houses at 90 years old (he and his late wife Rosalynn were unmatched), but I will be spreading love, hope, and kindness throughout the world, directly and indirectly in hopes of making someone’s world better.
Rest in peace, power, and paradise, President Jimmy Carter.🙏🏽🕊️♥️
A little bit of kindness goes a long way. Have you been kind to yourself lately?
Remember to be kind and gentle with yourself. Nothing in life ever remains the same. You are growing and evolving like everyone else and deserve just as much grace. So please, be kind to yourself.♥️
I will always believe in a world capable of unity, love, peace, kindness, compassion, empathy, equity, and joy. To not believe opens the doors to hopelessness and despair.
Keeping hope and optimism alive.♥️
Doing it for my babies, your babies, and for generations to come. I can’t stress it enough, we are all connected.🫶🏽
Today, I didn’t just vote for myself, but I voted for my momma, my grandma, my great grandma, my great-great grands—mothers, aunts, cousins, godmothers… Yes, today, I voted for them.
But that’s not what has me all emotional and excited right now. Nah… that’s not it!
Listen, I just voted for five year old Shaun!!! Screaming
Yessss, I just voted for her. I just voted for that little girl who followed former President Jimmy Carter’s every word and action about peace. Yes, I just voted for her! I just voted for EVERYTHING I once dreamed possible. Listen, we will sing my song one day!! I voted for the possibility of a more peaceful, kinder world. A world where people aren’t tolerated but celebrated for their differences. I voted for equality, togetherness, compassion, justice, and humanity. Y’all, I truly believe I will see all of this in my lifetime. Even if it’s only for a moment.
No one believed we would see this day, yet here we are. So, any and everything is possible!
Y’all have a wonderful day! And even if the results aren’t in my favor, I STILL believe!!!♥️
I’m pretty late today with my first post. Y’all, I actually slept the entire night. Something I seldom do. Believe me, I needed it. Feeling blessed and refreshed.😊
Here’s the post I was working on before I fell asleep.
You are a beautiful, radiant flower. Although one of many, your unique design makes you one of one. Keep showing up in your fullest glory. The world needs the light, love, joy, kindness, and peace you bring.🌸
I had completely forgotten about my second post for today. Been trying to stay present and take in every moment of this conference. I have also been giving everyone I engage with my full attention—from the speakers, to the exhibitors, to the custodians. Everyone deserves to feel heard and seen. I believe it’s one of the first steps in making the world a better place.
I see you.
I hear you.
You matter.
I also had a chance to meet up with one of my fellow Potter’s House e-members. We have been watching and tweeting (yes, still Twitter) during Sunday services for a few years now. I believe we discovered that we were both Registered Dietitians two years or so ago. Well, we finally got to meet in person today! It was good to feel her energy and personality. Although our encounter was very brief, I believe it was one that needed to be had.
Originally shared on October 7, 2021
Three years ago, I shared the quote above, “Focus on your vision. In time, everything will fall in place.” And it will. I see it happening. From the encounters I’ve had during this conference to the sessions I’ve attended, all are connected to my vision of a healthier, kinder world. To see and feel it is quite amazing.
God is working, and I am staying focused and present so I can experience all of it.♥️
Happy Sunday! I pray your weekend is going well. Mine has been pretty great so far. I can’t complain.☺️
Today’s Hello Sunday is a reminder that the person people see you as today has been years in the making, even decades. Meaning, you did not become who you are overnight. It’s also a reminder to be gentle, kind, and patient with yourself as God continues—because the process is never ending—to shape and mold you into the person you know you’re meant to be. Remember, who you are today is only a glimpse of who you’re becoming. Smile♥️
Love you,
Shaun
“It takes time, patience and grace to become the person you know you are meant to be. So, be kind to yourself while God is working.” –Facebook Memory, 2021
It’s Shaun’s World 
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