Tag: Life

Life happens. Go with the flow.

hope

Everyone Can’t Handle Your Truth

Shaun Bradford

This is so true. Everyone cannot handle our truths. It took me a very long time to realize this—basically, a lifetime. For years I believed people wanted to know the authentic version of me. I thought I could be free and open with people who seemed to like me. It took many heartbreaks and letdowns to learn that most people didn’t want to know the real me, they only wanted to interact with and know the version they could tolerate (not accept). This is why I only have a handful of close friends, and my closest get to experience all of me.

In one of my very first blog posts (June 2018) I wrote—

“It’s not easy being transparent in a world that glorifies what’s fake and shuns reality. Reality isn’t pretty. Reality shows vulnerability– the bumps, bruises and scars.”

This blog site, “It’s Shaun’s World,” was originally created to be a space where I could be authentic and transparent. I really wanted to share my world with others. However, over the years I learned to tone it down and only release bits and pieces of me in small doses. Not everyone likes happiness. Some don’t like quirkiness. And many don’t like when people share their vulnerabilities with the world. Those are things I guess are supposed be kept private or only shared with friends or a therapist. I believed people wanted to know the human side of people—because that’s what I want to get to know, the real—when in reality they only want a character.

Anyhoo… I could go on and on. Here’s what I shared two years ago.

Facebook Memory: August 16, 2022

“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. Everyone can’t handle your truth.♥️”

Yes, unlike in 2018, I now know this is true. Everyone can’t handle my truth—which is the reason I sometimes write posts that I never share—even when they’re my true experiences. Not everyone would or could understand, and that’s okay.

Well, that’s my truth for now. I pray you have a lovely Friday and beautifully, blessed weekend. Love you!♥️

Shaun

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Stop And Breathe

Shaun Bradford

Not only did I have to remind myself to stop and breathe yesterday, but I had to do it just now. As I said in the memory below, the world is not going to fall apart while I take a few moments for myself. I’ll get back to everything in a few.♥️ ~Shaun

Facebook Memory: August 15, 2022

“Sometimes you have to stop and rest. Believe me, the world is not going to fall apart because you decide to take a moment for yourself. Remember, you cannot serve or give if you’re depleted.🪫”

This was the picture I used with the caption. Hmmm… wondering if I should go back short and add a little color. We shall see.😊
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God Is The Joy And The Strength Of My Life

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning!

Facebook Memory: August 15, 2022

“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”

Yes, God is my all and all. Praying you have a blessed day.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

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Facebook Memories

Shaun Bradford

One of the reasons I check my Facebook memories daily is because I get to see past interactions from loved ones who have passed on. Reading their comments or just seeing their names pop up on the screen makes me feel like they’re still here. They’re just far away. This is also why I don’t delete all of my text messages or voicemails (I always hold on to 2-3). When I need to hear their voices or read their last words, I can. So blessed to have had them in my life.♥️ ~Shaun

My momma is still with me.🥰 And…great quote!😁 I try my best to live by this.
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Guard Your Heart, Part 2

Shaun Bradford

Hello! I am still thinking about my previous post. Even though we should place our hearts in God’s hands, we must also do as instructed—guard our hearts. Y’all, guarding our hearts isn’t something we should do passively. It’s something that we must do actively and strategically. It’s on us to actively monitor what we allow in and what we allow to be taken. It’s up to us to say, “Nah, I won’t allow that in my space.” Not just physical space but headspace. Or say, “I allowed it in but I won’t allow it to take my… joy, peace, or love (feel free to add whatever you like) with it when it leaves.”

Actively guard your heart.

♥️

Our hearts are the source of life, encompassing love, peace, joy, happiness, kindness, compassion, empathy, passion, and even our dreams. We must, at all costs, protect it.♥️

Love you always,

Shaun

hope

Guard Your Heart

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning! Six years ago, I wrote, “When the heart hurts, life seems to stop.” Not sure why I felt this so deeply. Again, when the heart hurts, life seems to stop. You continue to move forward but something inside of you stops flourishing. Yeah…that’s deep.

Proverbs 4:23 says— “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Everything we do flows from our hearts.

A few days ago, I wrote, “Protect your heart but let love in.” Although difficult, I believe it’s possible to do both when we place our hearts in God’s hands. Of course heartbreak will hurt, and life in some capacity will stop flourishing, but God has a way of soothing us until we heal and begin to flourish again. I truly believe this. We must believe this or life will stop.

Here’s the entire post from six years ago.

Facebook Memory: August 14, 2018

“Guard your heart. When the heart hurts, life seems to stop. I’ve found the best way to guard your heart is to put it in God’s hands. Disappointments will come; however, God has a way of making everything better. His love is so soothing. That’s why I love my God.

The entire scripture reads, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”- NIV”

Photo Credit: Unknown

Remember, everything we do flows from our heart—both good and bad, whether intentional or not. Guard your heart.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

Wait

Shaun Bradford
Trust God’s timing.

Wait.

That’s the answer.

Be still and wait.

Yes, it’s uncomfortable.

Yes, you feel like you’re stagnant.

Yes, it seems like you could and should be doing more.

Yet, the answer is “Wait.”

So, wait.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

hope

Where’s Your Mind These Days? Part 2

Shaun Bradford

Hello, again! Here’s the polished version of the Facebook post I shared six years ago (see previous post, “Where’s Your Mind These Days”).

Facebook Memory: August 13, 2022

“Whatever OR whoever controls your thoughts controls you. Don’t believe me? Watch your actions. Whether noticeable to others or not, your actions will always tell the truth.♥️”

Whew, now that’s some truth! In my earlier post I asked, “Where’s your mind nowadays?”

Well… Where is it?

Is it where it was ten years ago? How about a year ago?

Change your mindset and your life will change.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

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My Treasures

Shaun Bradford

Good Morning! I remember a scene from the movie “Richie Rich” where the thieves were eager to steal what was inside the Rich’s vault. They couldn’t wait to get their hands on the Riches’ treasures. They were so disappointed when they opened vault and found sentimental memorabilia instead of jewels and money. It was such a heartwarming scene.

Anyhoo, I’m the Riches. My treasures are the numerous letters and cards I have collected since high school—over 35 years worth. We wrote a lot back then. My journals, photo albums, invitations, and other memorabilia from special occasions and events—all treasures. I have old magazines like Essence, Ebony, Jet, Sister 2 Sister, GQ, Time and National Geographic. Treasures. Old emails, text messages and voicemails. I have it set to where they are never deleted unless I delete them manually. My Facebook memories are even treasures. Some posts I share just so I can see them every year. They’re my treasures. These are my treasures.

Facebook Memory: August 9, 2022

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.♥️

Believe me, I could have listed more. Many of my treasures aren’t tangible. Smiling

What are some of your treasures—tangible or intangible?

Well, that’s all for now. Praying you have a wonderful day and beautiful weekend.♥️

Love you,

Shaun

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Bruce Van Horn

Shaun Bradford

Finally checked the rest of my Facebook memories and came across this gem.

♥️

On August 8, 2018, I shared Bruce Van Horn’s (author and life coach) quote above. Here’s the caption I added when I shared it.

Today’s social media find. I’ve found this to be true. The more I focus on why I want my dreams to come true, the more things fall into place. When I focus on the “hows,” I tend to worry and become anxious. I’m learning more and more to let go and let God handle the “hows.”

Two Questions: Why do you want your dreams to come true? What’s your purpose?

Right now my heart is heavy. I had no idea Bruce Van Horn had passed away. I had been following him for years on Twitter. The last tweet I remember seeing was a video of him letting us know that his cancer had returned, but he was hopeful. Over the last year or so he’d cross my mind and I’d say a little prayer. I do this often when people cross my mind, especially ones I haven’t seen post in a while. Well, after seeing his quote, I decided to check his Facebook page. He passed away last August. His son made his final post on August 27, 2023.

I’m not sure when I began following him or how I stumbled upon his profile, but I’m so grateful I did. He was a very gentle soul. Very kind and encouraging. His words of encouragement help me get through some really tough times. I am forever grateful he crossed my path.

Rest in peace, Bruce Van Horn.🙏🏽🕊️♥️

Shaun