Tag: positive vibes

Life

A New Chapter: The Next Six Months

Shaun Bradford

First, let me start off by saying God is so Good. Y’all, I needed that visit with my bestie, Shawn, yesterday.

Moment of transparency…

After my mom passed, I began feeling isolated from everyone and everything (still do at times). It was like I began seeing people and things for who/what they were, and decided I no longer wanted or needed to participate in the shenanigans just to feel included (personally and professionally). Basically, the only ones who mattered were my babies. They were the only ones besides my tiny circle (cause family was iffy) who I could count on to remain the same. I am pretty sure most of what I was feeling was grief, but not all.

Anyway, I needed to see Shawn, even if it was only for several hours. Y’all, we laughed and laughed. Like I said, I needed her visit. One thing I can say about our friendship is we don’t let what’s going on around us affect our relationship, never have. Rarely do we waste our conversations on negative things. Life is just too short and too precious to focus on the negative. Which leads me to the topic of this post—my newest chapter.

A few days ago, I hit the midpoint or peak of Year50. Instead of waiting until 2024 or Year51 to start a new chapter, I have decided to start it now. I mean, I am the writer, right? (Laughing) However, with this being said, I must remember God is the editor-in-chief and has the final say. Yeah…I cannot forget this part. Listen, sometimes he throws in more plot twists than my fav and have me all over the place (laughing), but I trust Him. He knows what he is doing. So, welcome to my newest chapter, “The Next Six Months.”

Y’all, it seems like I have a Facebook memory for every occasion. As I said, God is the editor-in-chief, and I guess you can say I am living out the edited version of what has already been written. Here is what I shared two years ago.

Facebook Memory: December 29, 2021

Your next chapter will be AMAZING! Receive it. Speak it – “My next chapter will be AMAZING!” Own it!

Speaking it. Receiving it. Owning it! My next chapter will be AMAZING!

That’s all I have for you for now. Listen, you do not have to wait until the new year or a special occasion to start your next chapter. You can always start today. You control the pen. Feel free to end this chapter now and start the next one. But, beware, God does have the final say, and He just might throw in a few unexpected things (those plot twists) to keep life interesting. I mean, who likes boring. Okay…sometimes boring is good. Smile

Have a blessed day!♥️

Shaun

Life

Friendships

Shaun Bradford

In a few hours I will be picking up my bestie of 48 years from the airport. This will be our first time seeing each other in person this year. I’m so excited! She will only be here for a day, but any time with her is always wonderful. I can’t wait to see her! God knew I needed this.

Friendships…

Lately, my circle of friends has become smaller. I guess I should now refer to it as tiny. Yeah, 2023 has been some year. Most of the ones I have now I have had for decades. Thankfully they are not fair-weather friends. They can actually stand the rain. Hmm…Now I have to listen to Johnny Gill’s “Fairweather Friend,” or New Edition’s “Can You Stand The Rain” or any JG or NE/BBD (because now I’m hearing “When Will I See You Smile Again”) song for that matter. Laughing. Baby, I can go on and on with the songs. I am NE4Life!!

Anyhoo…As always, my Facebook memories are so timely. Although I shared this song a week or so ago in another post, I also shared it two years ago.

Facebook Memory: December 28, 2021

“Keep smiling. Keep shining. Knowing you can always count on me, for sure. That’s what friends are for.” Dionne Warwick

“In good times and bad times I’ll be on your side forevermore. That’s what friends are for.”

Today’s going to be a great day! I pray you have a strong circle of friends or at least one true friend. Friendships are so important. Wishing you a wonderful day! Love you!♥️

Shaun

Life

Thankful

Shaun Bradford

The current song that’s playing in my head is Marvin Sapp’s, “Thank You For It All.”

Y’all, I am still here. YOU are still here. What a blessing! No matter what we have been through, currently going through, or eventually will encounter, we have soooo much to be thankful for.

The song says—

I thank You for it all
The good, bad, the ugly, great and small
The times of victory, and when I fall
I’m so grateful that I’m still standing tall
I thank You for my tears
The pain helped me overcome my fears
You’ve been good to me down throughout the years
It’s a miracle that I’m still standing here

All that I am is because of all that You brought me through
And everything I survived, it’s all because of You

If you have not stopped to give God thanks today, I hope that this post prompts you to. You are truly blessed. Love you!♥️

Shaun

Life

The Rebirth: Part 2

Shaun Bradford

Below is a post I wrote last year about my Facebook memory from the year before (December 23, 2021). Guess I have been sharing my memories for a while now—smile. So, since the memory has already been shared, I will use the same quote (too good not to reshare) and piggyback off of what I shared yesterday about rebirth.

The rebirth…

The rebirth will require us to leave things behind. Things that have held us back and/or been haunting us for years, even decades. It’s time to release them so that we can move forward in our purpose.

When I started my journey on this side of 50, I had to release quite a few things (people too, some released themselves). At first, it didn’t feel good. Honestly, it felt like I was losing part of myself including my identity. If you have read any of my monthly “celebratory” blogs (one is coming tomorrow!), you know I went through a spiritual, emotional, and mental pruning phase. Baby, when I tell you it did not feel good! Had me grieving for real. But it helped me see what had to go and what needed to stay. Everything that is still with me today was meant to stay. Now, I still have some decluttering to do but it’s nothing like the pruning. Whew!

Tomorrow, I will be 50 1/2 (smile) and will share another celebratory update about my first six months on this side of 50 (woohoo!). So stay tuned…

You had to leave it/them behind in order to move forward. Couldn’t progress without doing so, and cannot continue to progress by holding on to the guilt. Release the guilt and move forward.

Here is last year’s blog which contains Facebook memories from last year and the year before—December 23, 2022 & December 23, 2021. Enjoy!

Growth!
Rest is good for the soul. Get some! (Speaking to myself also.☺️)

By the way, I did put up my Christmas tree, played Christmas music and watched Christmas movies most of the day. It changed everyone’s mood. My babies have always fed off of my energy. It’s no different now that they are adults. I still have to set the tone for my little family despite what I may be feeling. I love seeing them smile.

I pray you have a wonderful day. Remember to love on someone today, and allow yourself to be loved on. There is no greater gift than love. Give it. Receive it. I love you!♥️

Shaun

Life

Trust God’s Plan

Shaun Bradford

Here’s another memory that I shared today on TikTok and Facebook. I posted it with the first song that came to mind—“I Understand,” by Smokie Norful. I believe it fits the quote perfectly. We must trust God’s plan.♥️ ~Shaun

Life

Declare Victory and Focus on the Good

Shaun Bradford

Y’all, I am really considering bringing back my Wednesday Writings. I used to share so much…perhaps a little too much. Guess you can say it’s where I shared my most transparent moments and feelings. Below is one I shared last year on this date. When I say it’s so timely and right on point!

Yesterday, I wrote about the atmosphere shift I could feel taking place, and about staying rooted and grounded in God and most importantly staying covered. Well, last year I wrote about declaring victory not defeat. Baby, I was going through some things and I had to let the enemy know that NO WEAPON formed against me would prosper!!! And I took the advice I shared yesterday, I stayed rooted and grounded in God and allowed Him to lead. Here’s a little of what I shared.

Facebook Memory: December 21, 2022

Y’all, life happens and challenges come. Be sure to VERBALLY declare victory over the overwhelming. Yes, speak your victory into the universe and watch things change.♥️

Wednesday Writings
Speak it!

Listen, I was going through some things and at this moment, I am still going through a few things. Seems like you can never have the good without a little bit of bad or vice versa, you have the bad but there is always a little bit of good in each moment. My advice is to focus on the good, the positive. Focus on how great our God is. Y’all, He’s so good!! So very good. Honestly, I can barely remember what I was going through last year, but I know that whatever it was God handled it, and I know He will handle things again. I needed this memory. I am declaring victory over my life. What the enemy meant for harm will not prevail! My God is greater and mightier! Amen

Y’all, I cannot stress it enough, I am truly, truly blessed! I just love the way God loves me. He always provides exactly what I need when I need it. Forever grateful.

Thanks for reading. I pray that you are preparing for a peaceful and relaxing holiday break (those who have one), and spending the holidays with family and friends.

Be Blessed!♥️

Shaun

Life

Wednesday Writings

Shaun Bradford

Feeling a bit nostalgic this morning so I decided to bring back Wednesday Writings for old time sake.

Life is so interesting. More interesting than we realize or care to admit. A few months ago, I mentioned how I could feel the atmosphere shifting, A Shift in the Atmosphere. I wrote:

“Not sure if it’s only happening in my life, but there is a shift happening. A huge shift in the atmosphere. Y’all, something big is taking place. I feel it with my entire being.”

I brushed it off as it happening because I had just turned 50. However, it’s so much more. Something major is happening.

Of course there was a huge shift after the onset of COVID-19, which was devastating. Sadly, I believe that was only the beginning. Storms are coming. Major storms. And I am not referring to the weather and natural disasters. I’m referring to spiritual storms. My advice, and what I am planning to do, is that you stay rooted and grounded in God. Drop your anchor and hold on. And please stay under God’s covering and protection. Please!

Y’all, I feel this shift is not meant to just cause harm but to destroy. Haven’t been able to shake this feeling for months, now it’s stronger than ever. Stay rooted, grounded and protected. As long as you stick with God, no matter how rough things become, you will win!

Please know that I am not trying to prophesy or anything of that nature. I am just writing what I feel so deeply within. Continuing to send prayers up. Praying that God keeps us protected from harm in all forms, as well as bring peace and relief to those already suffering.

I know this message was anything but encouraging or inspiring. However, what I have found to be true, no matter what is happening around me, even when I become anxious or worried, there is still a certain level of peace that never leaves me and I know it’s because I know I am covered by God. Amen

I’m going to go ahead and end here. Although storms are coming, and some of you may already be in storms, know that God loves you and He’s got you. Never doubt His love. You will always find it in the beauty, light, and positive energy that surrounds you.

Love you.♥️

Shaun

Release control and allow God to lead. He’s got you.
Life

How Dedicated Are You?

Shaun Bradford

When was the last time you stopped and asked yourself if you were actually dedicated to the process or just going with the flow? Here’s what I shared last year about dedication.

Facebook Memory: December 19, 2022

Dedication (Merriam-Webster): Self-sacrificing devotion and loyalty

Whew!! What a definition! Listen, dedication requires heart and commitment. If your heart isn’t in it, consider letting it go. However, if your heart is there, STICK WITH IT!♥️

Do you have the heart for it?

Listen, that definition is not for the weak! As I wrote several blogs ago, it’s decluttering time. Before we move into 2024, it is so very important that we stop and think about where our dedication lies, then adjust as needed. Make adjustments according to the bigger picture, not the present moment. Per my daughter, “What are we carrying that is not useful?” Additionally, if it does not bring you peace—LET IT GO!

Just something to ponder on during the next few days of 2023. 2024 is all about peace.

Be Blessed♥️

Shaun

Life

There’s Still Time To Make Memories

Shaun Bradford

There are only two weeks left in 2023! Be sure to spend them doing something fun and meaningful including making beautiful memories with family and friends. Love you!♥️

Enjoy!
Life

Only Two Weeks Left in 2023

Shaun Bradford

Y’all, we are only two weeks away from the glorious 2024! Yes, I am referring to it as glorious because 6/24 is my birthday month as well as my 51st birthday. How cool is that! Looking forward to every wonderful thing God has planned for me. It’s going to be a great year!

Here’s a caption from one of last year’s Facebook memories along with the Hello Sunday post I shared with it.

Facebook Memory: December 18, 2022

Only 2 weeks left in 2022!🎉

Whatever happened or didn’t happen this year, was meant to be. If you’re human like me, I know you celebrated your wins, even the small ones. But your losses, disappointments and setbacks… How did you cope – or attempt to cope – when things didn’t quite go as planned?

Me– I leaned on God a little more. I’m so grateful for His love, mercy and grace.♥️

Hello Sunday
There is nothing comparable to God’s love, mercy, and grace. He’s so amazing.

Y’all, self-love is everything, but God’s love will always, always, always reign supreme. I just love the way He loves me. If you do not already have a strong relationship with God, I suggest you build one. There is absolutely nothing like it—nothing like it! I cannot stress it enough, I am truly blessed.

Praying you have a peacefully, blessed week. Whatever goals you set for 2023 can still happen! Don’t let the countdown to the new year stop you from achieving as much as you can. You got this!

Love you!♥️

Shaun