Tag: memories

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

“Some opportunities only happen once.”

I wrote this on May 30, 2015 when I had the opportunity to do a promotional video for Oprah & Deepak 21-Day Meditation Experience. When I received the email, my initial thought was- “Is this legit?” After the writer assured me that it wasn’t a joke– because I’m very leery of things I receive online– I became afraid. Y’all, so many thoughts filled my head– “How will I look on camera?” “Will I say the right things?” “How many people will see the video?” “Why me?” The more the questions flowed in the more fearful I became. So I replied to the email and politely declined making the video, but I did provided written feedback. Y’all, I really loved the 21-day series. I participated in multiple ones. They helped me manage my emotions during some really difficult times. If you ever have the opportunity, please sign-up. And guess what- they’re usually free!

So that was six years ago. Now let’s fast-forward it to a few months ago. I was contacted by someone doing PR for a show I watch. They asked if I would do a short video about how I liked the show. Unlike the first time, this time I was offered a small incentive, which should have encouraged me to do it, but I declined. Again, the same thoughts came rushing in with the first being “Is this legit?” Once again, fear had won. Later that evening, I saw a video that another viewer had submitted and thought to myself, “I could have done that.”

So, do opportunities only happen once? My answer is no. If it is something that is meant to be– like me being heard as well as seen– the opportunities will continue to come. A little over a week ago, I was contacted by a journalist from a TV station to do an interview. This time I wasn’t afraid. I accepted the opportunity. Do I care how I’ll look, or if I’ll say the right things? Of course! However, those thoughts no longer control me, nor does fear.

Y’all, I am so grateful God doesn’t give up on us, especially when we have given up on ourselves. After the first opportunity, I was sure no one would ever contact me again. Honestly, I felt like a failure. But God had other plans! As I’ve said many times before, I’m so grateful for second, third, fourth, and even 100 chances. God is good.

Shaun

Life

Wednesday

Shaun Bradford

Speak life and believe. Every day. All day.

Yesterday I had decided I was going to blog about balance, balance and peace. However, this morning it was laid on my heart to blog about the importance of speaking life over our lives and the power of belief. I know it sounds like I’m about to preach a sermon but I promise you I’m not. This will be short– very short.

So this morning I woke up with Donald Lawrence’s song “I Speak Life” playing over and over in my head. Even though I kept hearing it, I still had plans of writing about balance. Well, that was until I read my journal entry from six years ago– May 26, 2015. That entry was the confirmation I needed to proceed in this direction. My guess is that this blog must be written, if not for someone else, for me for whenever I need it. Because more than likely, I’ll need to read it again. You know, that’s just how God works. His messages are always available when we need them. Anyhoo.. testimony time.

My Testimony:

It had been exactly two months to the day that I had been separated from my ex. Although my life seemed pathetic, I was happy. Y’all, I was back to driving my little, raggedy Dodge Neon– which was falling apart but was drivable and reliable. I was also about to lose my house and eventually did. With all of that going on, I woke up that morning not knowing if I would be employed a few months later. One of the grants I was working on was wrapping up, and the other didn’t have enough funds to pay my entire salary. However, there was an instructor’s position open. Although I had never considered teaching, I applied for the position. I applied for it with the request that I was allowed to continue to do research. The department chair at that time informed me that all of the other instructors only taught courses and they needed a full-time instructor. Instead of worrying about it, knowing I really needed the job and should’ve taken what was offered, I gave it to God and confidently told a friend, “God’s got me.” Listen, I spoke and believed God had me covered. I wrote about how I went about my day basically praising God all day. Everyone who knows me knows I’m always full of praise. Y’all God really is that good! Listen, by that evening God had worked everything out. I received an email from the Chair saying they had found a way for me to teach 50% of the time and do research the other 50. Whew!! When I tell you there’s power in speaking and believing! If it does not happen, it’s not that your belief is not strong, it just means God has other plans. And believe me, His plans are always better.

That testimony was only one of many. Whenever I find myself wanting to speak something negative, God blocks it. I’m constantly reminded, and I remind others, that words have power. Whether you speaking them over your life or about others, they’re powerful; and once they are said, you cannot take them back. Motivational speaker Les Brown said that even the smallest amount of doubt spoken can change the flow of God’s blessings (paraphrased). So remember to speak life and only speak life, and don’t forget to believe.

Be Blessed,

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford
My Joy

Today, I decided to reblog last year’s blog, My Joy. The experience I shared last year (May 16, 2020) is how I have felt every day over the past month or so. No lie– EVERY DAY! Y’all, I never knew I could be so happy all day every day. Lately, whenever something negative tries to enter my space, God blocks it with something positive. Just a thought– Maybe God has always provided positive options but I chose to focus on the negative OR not listen and follow His guidance. Hmm… something to think about from now forward.

Listen, I cannot emphasize this enough, when you allow God to lead and love on you your reward is that unspeakable, indescribable joy. Y’all, it’s how I’m living! Forever Grateful ~ Shaun

My Joy

I could not end this week without testifying about all of my wonderful experiences this week. Smiling as I reminisce. Sometimes I feel like I’m in a …

My Joy
Life

Wednesday

Shaun Bradford

Today’s blog was pretty easy to write because I wrote it two years ago, May 5, 2019. Y’all, I can’t say it enough, I absolutely love Facebook memories! As I’ve mentioned in several blogs this year, 2019 was a pivotal time in my life. Didn’t realize how much so until I started paying attention to the number of Facebook posts I made that year. Well, around this time two years ago, I had finally let go of being angry at my ex for not signing the divorce papers and had decided I was going to live as a free woman despite his signature. Guess what– By the end of that month, he had signed the papers. I was actually a free woman! Go figure, all I had to do was let go.

Well, while I was trying to get a grip on being free again, I was also struggling with insecurities. I can’t lie, from time to time I still do, but nothing like back then. Now I find myself struggling to embrace “chubby” Shaun… okay… overweight Shaun (hey, I’m a registered dietitian nutritionist- I have to call it like it is) while continuing to move forward. As the fabulous motivational speaker Lisa Nichols said, she didn’t let her weight stop her from being great. And I can’t allow mine to stop me from doing the same.

Here’s my post from May 5, 2019.

For as long as I can remember, I have always found something wrong with the way I look. When I was in grade school, I was too skinny and too dark. When I was 11, I discovered bags under my eyes and went CRAZY! Yeah, I woke up one morning and the bags were there – TO STAY! I’ve always had a gap. I always loved my gap. Then I joined the military; got braces; and the gap went away for only a second and life was good.😁 But then it came back. Lol! Next, I had my first child and lost the weight. A few years later I thought I was humongous at 125 lbs.🤦🏽‍♀️ Life went on; however, the older I got, the more insecure I became.

Today, I seem to be insecure about EVERYTHING- my height, my weight, my voice, my accent… Crazy, huh? I never imagined that at 45 I would be worried about ANYTHING. It’s not the life I imagined. I thought I’d have it all figured out by now and that my confidence level would be out of this world! Not so!!😩😂

So, this morning, I decided to share a picture that makes me very uncomfortable. It’s one of me being myself. No posing. Living in the moment. Me being me.☺️ Yes, I know this was long, but I needed to get it out. I believe the only way I’m going to overcome my insecurities is by flaunting them. My purpose is greater than my insecurities. It’s time to let them go. I have work to do! For real!

As I said two years ago, my purpose is greater than my insecurities. I have real work to do!

Thanks for reading.

Shaun

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