Tag: memories

Life

My Life

Shaun Bradford

No, it’s not Wednesday. Was reading through my Facebook memories for today and came across a response I wrote to an interview Ciara gave at Essence Carnival. As usual I’m getting emotional. Y’all, specific dates, times, and seasons in my life are so significant. This particular response I’m referring to, I wrote on April 27, 2019. However, as I scrolled through my memories, I saw where I had documented another significant moment, April 27, 2014. That was the day my ex said he wanted a divorce. Instead of me falling for his pity party and disregarding my feelings, as I had times before, I said okay. He immediately tried to retrieve his words but they had already been said. That was the day I knew for sure it was over. Well… 20 years before then, April 27, 1994, was the night I conceived my baby girl. Yes, I remember it like it was yesterday. I had just got back with her father. That night he told me he was going to give me what I always wanted, a baby. I laughed it off because that was the last thing I wanted. I had orders to Eglin AFB in Florida. Baby.. the last thing on my mind was a baby. HA! Six weeks later I found out I was pregnant. My life…

Okay.. didn’t mean to get sidetracked but y’all know I do. Here’s what I originally attended to share. I guess you can say it’s somewhat related. It’s about life and the flow of things.

April 27, 2019:

“Wise words from Ciara. Whatever’s meant for you, is for YOU! Stay the course.

I’m going to add, whatever’s not for you, will pass you by. And you need to let it pass. Let it go. Believe me, you won’t have to rearrange your life for what’s meant for you. You won’t have to change who you are. Things will flow without being forced.

I can recall things that happened in my life- jobs, relationships, places I’ve been, other professional opportunities, etc. – that I forced to happen, and things that happened naturally. What wasn’t meant to be, caused more stress and anxiety, than happiness. The things that were supposed to happen, or meant to be, happened so smoothly. Things just fell into place. Everything was in order.

Here’s just one of many examples: (yeah, I feel like writing, do you feel like reading- lol)

When I received orders to Turkey, I thought my career was over. I had decided to turn down the orders if I couldn’t take my daughter. Well, I had just enough time left in the military to do an accompanied tour (2 years). I didn’t want to leave Florida. However, God had other plans. When I got to Turkey, I was given 30 days to find childcare, a designated person to accompany Ki back to the States if a war broke out, and find housing. When I say everything happened so effortlessly, believe me. Everything was in place. I’m getting emotional just thinking about how God worked it all out. The people He placed in my life, were placed there for a reason. I didn’t have to worry about anything. However, what I did have to do was- 1) have faith, 2) listen to God, and 3) act when He told me to. God is so good! He’s truly amazing!

Okay. That’s all. Just felt like sharing. Also, I spent forever writing all of this, I refuse to delete it now. It may or may not make sense.🤷🏽‍♀️😂”

As you can see, I’ve been trusting God forever. I’m sleepy. Going to hit “Publish” and go to sleep. Enjoy!

Good Night

Shaun

Life

Wednesday

Shaun Bradford

Last Wednesday I was wondering what I would call my Wednesday blogs and finally decided to keep it simple, Wednesday. Hopefully I’ll actually have something to blog about on Wednesdays.

Anyhoo.. this Wednesday’s blog is another Facebook memory. This one is from a year ago, April 14, 2020. Last year around this time, I was contemplating resigning but was too afraid. Well, here I am a year later living unafraid. God is good.

Last year I posted a list of most common regrets. Not sure who wrote them, but they really resonated with me. Here’s the list:

  • Too much time spent stressing and worrying.
  • Caring too much about others opinions.
  • Not taking risks that might result in a grand reward.
  • Too little time with loved ones.
  • Too much living life to please others.
  • Not enough living in the present moment.
  • Not letting go of past anger and resentment.
  • Not enough play, laughter, joy, or happiness.
  • Too little time expressing genuine emotions.
  • “Not saying how I really feel.”
  • “Not following my heart.”

Here’s the caption I wrote:

“My goal is to live life without regrets. At least not focus on missed opportunities, or as I always say, what should’ve or could’ve happened. The quickest way to become down and depressed is to constantly think about how things could’ve been if only you had made other decisions. Starting today, let’s begin again – living without regrets.”

Today, I can happily say I’m living without regrets. Again, God is so good. Y’all already know I’m tearing up. Honestly, I never imagined I could feel like this. Last year on my birthday, my wish was to always feel like I felt that day– loved and carefree. Y’all, I’m living it! I’m blessed.

I pray that you have a wonderful Wednesday. See you on Sunday!

Shaun

Life

God’s Promises

Shaun Bradford

Hello.. Hello.. Hello!

Y’all, I had planned on writing something else. Something related to tonight’s season finale of Tyler Perry’s Sistas. Wanted to finish my conversation about Aaron (see It’s My Tweet Night). Instead, I’m leaving you with this gem I found from last year’s Facebook memory. Yes.. another Facebook memory. I just love them!

Listen, I’m so grateful God has me leave nuggets for my future self. On March 31, 2020, I closed on my house. This year my news is even greater! As I said on Sunday, I’ll write about it in my next Hello Sunday. Just know that this particular message was written for me to read TODAY!! Talk about timing. Y’all, God just blows my mind!

March 31, 2020

“Good Morning! Here’s today’s social media find. Y’all, God is sooo good! WHATEVER He asked you to give up, or leave behind, will always be replaced with something greater. I promise you, He will not leave you hanging. Don’t cry over your loss, just let go and let God. Amen”

Whew!! Have a blessed day!

Also, if you’re watching #SistasOnBET tonight, tweet with us!

Shaun

Life

Déjà Vu! Didn’t I Say This Yesterday?

Shaun Bradford

We’ve all had déjà vu moments at some point in our lives. It’s like you’re standing somewhere and for a split second you think, “I’ve been here before,” or “I’ve heard this before.” Well, this morning while scrolling through my Facebook memories I found a post I made on March 8, 2019. Y’all, it’s so similar to yesterday’s blog that it’s scary. Wow!! Just take a look at the screenshot. I guess I really needed this message, or perhaps someone else needed it so much so that I had to post it TWICE. Just, Wow!!

I actually said this 2 years ago! Speechless

I’m listening God!

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

Today’s Hello Sunday is based on a random thought. Have you ever felt the need to explain your decisions or beliefs to others without being prompted? Not sure why I asked because I already know you have. All of us have. Like when you tell someone you can’t do something you follow it with “because xyz.” Or you make a decision (good or bad) and feel compelled to provide more details– “I’ve decided to do this because xyz.” Or you explain why you like or dislike something without being prompted– “Girl, I like/dislike xyz because…” Y’all, do we really need to explain ourselves? Are we doing it so that we’re perceived favorably, or so others feel more comfortable with what we do or say?

For me, it’s a little bit of both. When it’s something that directly affects other people, I often feel the need to provide more details because I want them to know there was thought behind my decision(s). On the other hand, I also find myself further explaining my own decisions to include my likes and dislikes, which only affect me. Umm… but why?

Y’all, I just had an “AHA” moment!

It’s the fear of being judged. That’s it! It’s that– “What are their thoughts of me now?” “Do they think I’m considerate or inconsiderate?” “Do they think I’m focused or weird?” I guess, at the end of the day, it really doesn’t matter how many details you or I provide, it’s about how the other person perceives or interprets the message. Period.

Well, problem solved! Only provide more information at your discretion, not because you feel you must.

Me unnecessarily providing more information after I’ve just written not to do so. UGH!! It’s after 5:00 a.m. my time and I’m so sleepy. You see, I fell asleep around 8:00 p.m. last night and woke up a little after midnight. So, I’m going to publish this blog and go to sleep. As always, thanks for reading my ramblings.

My life…

Enjoy your Sunday!

Shaun

Life

Hold On, God is Working

Shaun Bradford

Didn’t feel like writing this morning. Was going to post a statement about accountability and be done. One of my words for 2020 was consistent and boy am I trying to remain consistent. My other word was sustainable. As we know, you cannot have anything sustainable if you’re not willing to be consistent. Which often means showing up when you don’t feel like it. Anyhoo.. I found this Facebook memory from March 3, 2019 and thought I’d share.

“Good Morning! Here’s today’s social media find. No matter how long it takes, keep holding on. Don’t throw in the towel. I love this quote because it’s so real. It seems like the closer you are to your dream being manifested, the more excuses and doubts fill your head. Whatever calling, or purpose, you have on your life, God will equip you to fulfill it. This is something I have to remind myself of when I start having doubts about what I know I’m supposed to do. Although tempted [to quit], don’t do it (in Joe’s voice😉). God will equip you with everything you need for all occasions. Have a blessed day.”

I’m here to encourage you (and myself– yes, I needed this message too) to remain steadfast. If you’re like me– you’re tired, you want to throw in the towel, or you just don’t feel like trying anymore– don’t give up!

Y’all, I needed this message this morning. Thankful for Facebook memories. Yesterday I posted, “Hang in there. You are stronger and more powerful than you think.” It was a message for yesterday. However, I’m pretty certain it’s definitely a message for future Shaun.

Listen, stay encouraged because God is working. He’s always working.

I love, y’all! Be blessed.

Shaun