Tag: nurture

Life

Facebook Memory: July 8, 2019

Shaun Bradford

Came across another Facebook memory I thought was worth sharing. I start off by saying I’m a nurturer and problem solver. Both of these attributes have always been a blessing and– I refuse to say curse– a burden. I am still learning that I cannot do more for others than I do for myself. Putting everyone’s problems and needs before my own drains me emotionally and mentally as well as physically. As I said, I’m still learning. One day I will get it right.

July 8, 2019

I’m a nurturer. I’m a problem solver. If I see something that needs to be done, I do it, whether asked or not. So, I don’t blame anyone for expecting me to do what I’ve always done. They all know I’m just being Shaun.

Since my 45th birthday, stepping back and allowing others to handle their problems has become easier. I’m finally focusing on me. These past two weekends have been rejuvenating. I’ve actually enjoyed myself without worrying about my kids (my cheerleaders☺️), my family, or work.

Y’all may think I’m exaggerating, but I haven’t felt free to only think about myself since I was a little girl– was babysitting and cooking by age six. Back then, I was either the oldest or most “mature,” so I was always put in charge of things. This carried over into my adulthood and 1) was great for my career– already had leadership, managerial and problem solving skills, 2) benefited others around me, but 3) caused me to lose myself– who was Shaun? Well… at 40 I started searching for “ME,” and on June 17, 2019, ALL shackles were released when the judge signed those divorce papers!

Whew!! From here on, I’m putting myself first! I deserve it!

Note: Please stop placing so many responsibilities on girls at a young age. It’s okay to teach them to be self sufficient, but also teach them how to take care of themselves. When we know better we must do better. Let’s raise, whole women, not broken women. That’s all!😊

That was two years ago. Today, my goal is to be whole. Which means I need to nurture myself more and solve my own problems before assisting others. Still learning and growing.

Thanks for reading. Wishing you a wonderful day!

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

Gratitude

Appreciation

A simple “Thank you”

Last night I watched the movie, “Malcom and Marie,” which was a 2-hour dialogue between a couple who had just come home from an awards ceremony. Malcom had won an award for a movie he produced about a 20 year old model/aspiring actress who had overdosed on drugs. Marie.. well.. I don’t care how many ways Malcom tried to spin the story.. Marie was his inspiration behind the movie. I’m not going to give away too much of the movie. I want to give you a chance to watch it because, I don’t know about you, I hate spoilers. So, I’ll just leave you with this:

Most women are nurturers. When we love someone, we tend to put their needs and feelings before our own. From the macaroni scene, to stifling her feelings, until the end, Marie was that woman. But did Malcom notice? Do men notice? Like Marie, most of us suppress our feelings, smile and keep going like we’ve never been hurt or bothered. Is it right? Heck, no! But it’s what we do. It’s who we are. Like most women, Marie didn’t want to steal Malcom’s shine. She just wanted to feel appreciated.

Hmm… Wonder what would happen if we started putting ourselves first?

Women, nurturers, Queens, thank you for your selfless acts of love. For acts that go unnoticed. For the things you do that are second nature. Thank you for holding households together while trying to maintain your own sanity. Thank you for your unconditional love. Thank you for loving hard even when it’s hard to love. Thank you for pressing forward through your tears. Thank you for being that rock. Thank you for the sacrifices you make so that others can excel. Thank you for being you. In my Tupac voice, “You are appreciated!”

Gratitude

Appreciation

A simple “Thank you”

Enjoy your Sunday!