What makes you smile?☺️
Me: YOU! You make me smile.
Enjoy your Friday!♥️ ~ Shaun
YOU Make Me Smile
Tag: reflections
Wednesday Writings
It’s 3:45 AM and I have been awake for over an hour now. Can’t sleep. I seem to have so much on my mind. If you have read my last few blogs, you know I’m going through some kind of transition. Every time I think I have it figured out, or a name for it, things change and I find myself back at square one trying to figure out what’s happening to me.
Am I lonely? Been house sitting for my sister for over a month and a half now with very little physical human contact. Pepé, her dog, provides some company, and as much as she’s grown on me, she’s still not human.
The next question I’ve asked myself is, am I depressed? I know depression comes in many forms. Perhaps I’m experiencing depression and not know it.
Am I bored? Now that one is difficult to answer. I have plenty that’s keeping me busy, but is it fulfilling? And at this moment the answer is, NO!
Before I began writing, I was searching for receptionist jobs. I have never been a receptionist before, but I do have experience with customer service. I mean, that’s what I have been doing almost my entire adulthood, serving others. I’m thinking being a receptionist, even part-time, will fill the need for physical human connectivity. Plus, it’s something totally different from anything I’m currently working on. I need variety in my life.
I can also volunteer, which I plan to do more of when I get back home. Volunteering will give me a chance to interact with more people without a certain time commitment.
As you can see, I have a lot on my mind. How do people make it without physical human contact? I kind of feel like I felt those first few months after the COVID-19 lockdown except my children were home with me then. This time I’m all alone. Am I becoming a recluse?
Perhaps I’m just homesick.
I’m going to go ahead and end here. I’m finally sleepy. I would attempt to review and revise but it probably won’t do any good. Too tired. I just needed to talk. Thanks for reading/listening. Enjoy your day.
Shaun
Hello Sunday
There is a season, time and place for everything. Our hearts beat with rhythm. Life is a rhythm. A rhythm that eventually has to come to an end.
R.I.P. Larry Burns. I pray that your rhythm ended on a high note.
Shaun
Hello Sunday
Three years ago I took a picture of a water bottle my son had picked out for me that said, “Dream it. Do it.” He– at 15 years old– reminded me of what I had been telling him and his sister for years, “If you dream it, you can do it.” I bought the bottle. Took it to work with me every day. Then, eventually decided that seeing it on my desk wasn’t enough. I needed to see it all the time. So, I took a picture of it and created a screensaver for my phone. That was my screensaver for two whole years.
I wish I could say that every time I picked up my phone I was motivated to really go after my dreams. Ha! That would make a great story. However, what happened was, after a while, I forgot it was even there. I saw it but didn’t see it. It wasn’t until last year, three months after I resigned from my job, that I realized it was there. Here’s what I shared on July 2, 2021 (yep.. a Facebook memory):
This has been my screensaver for about two years. I scroll pass it everyday but never really notice it. You know, it’s just there. Well, this morning the words caught my eye- “Dream it. Do it.” Can’t help but smile. I’m finally doing it.☺️ God is so good. Humbled. Grateful. Blessed.
Shaun’s Facebook Memory. July 2, 2021
Yesterday when I came across the memory, I smiled again. This time with tears in my eyes. Never did I imagine my dreams would take me this far. And I know it’s no where near where I am destined to go. There’s so much more to come. I feel it!
Last year, I was happy that I had finally taken the leap to venture out on my own. This year I’m proud of myself for everything I have accomplished since:
- Re-established my business and brand. Now LaShaundreaB, LLC.
- Began blogging daily (today makes 414 days of continuous blogging.. Woohoo).
- Created RDN Saturdays to spotlight Mississippi Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (relaunching it this fall).
- Created Shaun’s Daily Inspiration for my inspirational quotes.
- Began drawing and created my art collection Shaun’s Smile, which serves as a backdrop for Shaun’s Daily Inspiration.
- Won Mississippi Public Health Association’s Vonda A. Webb Nutritionist of the Year award for 2022.
- Created a few videos on TikTok and Instagram.
- Finished my first real contract job doing trainings via Zoom. Before, the contracts were only side jobs.
- Currently preparing to launch my newest venture/adventure, Nutrition with LaShaundreaB, this fall. It’s a Culinary~Nutrition experience!
Now those were a few of my professional achievements. Here’s what I have accomplished personally and spiritually:
- Established a better, stronger and more stable relationship with God.
- Began trusting God to lead.
- Learned how to relax and enjoy life by being present.
- Found self love. Yes, I’ve learned to accept and love myself just as I am.
- Became comfortable with being my authentic self.
- Discovered that some relationships are not meant to be lifelong. Temporary relationships are just as impactful and meaningful as long term relationships.
- Learned to let go of things that no longer served me, which opened spaces for new ideas and opportunities.
- Most importantly, I got to spend more quality time with my children. The best gift ever!
Of course there’s so much more that has taken place over the last year. So many things I attempted that where not the right fit for me. Good thing is, they were not a waste of time but learning experiences that I have been able to glean from. So they served, and continue to serve, their purpose.
To circle back to the quote on the water bottle– “Dream it. Do it.” Honestly, the life that I’m living now has far exceeded anything I have ever dreamed. I’m not sure what’s next, but I’m not going to waste time trying to figure it out. I’m just going to sit back and trust God to continue to lead. I’m blessed.
Well, that’s all I have for you this Sunday. Thank you for reading and please enjoy your week!
Shaun
Trust the Process
Life is interesting. We never know where it’s taking us. One minute we think we’re headed in one direction and the next, we’re headed somewhere completely different. Thankfully, in the end, we always land where we are meant to be. Trust the process. ~ Shaun
Wednesday Writings
Hello! Hello! Hello!!
Two days before my 49th birthday! YAY!! This week, I decided not to post any pictures. Been focusing on other things, so I haven’t been very photogenic. But, I guess I could have used one of my favorite filters. (Laughing)
Anyhoo.. I didn’t intend to write about taking pictures or my birthday. I wanted to discuss “The Process.” During my morning scroll through my Facebook memories, I came across one of the first quotes I shared, “Focus on the PROMISE, not the PROCESS.” This got me to thinking about the last year. What’s had my focus, the promise or the process? Hmmm…
Honestly, I believe it’s pretty even. At different times, I have given one more attention than the other. Which, thinking back, was necessary. I believe when I originally wrote the quote– because I wrote it as a reminder to myself– I had become frustrated with trying to get my business up and running.
Side note: The downside of spontaneously resigning was trying to figure out my next move. Even though I already had a consulting business, it was for small contracts only. Something I could do on the side. My business was never set up to be my sole source of income.
So, at the time that I wrote the quote, I was feeling lost and discouraged. That’s when I had to encourage myself to focus on the promise and not the process. Had I focused on the process, I don’t believe I would have made it this far without returning to the corporate world.
Today, I’m not where I want to be with my business; however, I’m getting there. Over the past year, I have spent unnecessary money and time following rabbit holes trying to find my niche. If you have been reading my blogs for a while, then you have been on this journey with me. Y’all know I love EVERYTHING!! Yeah.. I’m pretty transparent about that. Y’all know I be all over the place so thanks for riding with me. (Laughing) Listen, life would be so boring if I just stuck with a plan.
Anyway, I promise you this ride is going somewhere. However, now instead of going 100 miles/hour, I’ve slowed it down to a steady 30 miles/hour. Also, I have cut back on the detours and side adventures. Just because that outlet mall has a few different stores doesn’t mean I have to go exploring. (Smile)
I know some of you may be wondering why I didn’t seek professional assistance from a business consultant. Well, I did. Several. The problem was, I had no idea of where I wanted to take my business. I was all over the place. At one point I didn’t even want to do anything nutrition related and it’s my profession. Honestly, I truly feel bad for wasting their time. They really tried to help. What I did gain was insight on how to narrow down my focus to providing a few services rather than trying to save the world.
Okay, back to the process. At this moment, I’m very much focused on the process. The promise is just too big to think about at this time. However, whenever I find myself becoming discouraged again, I’ll switch my focus. I now realize there has to be a balance between the two.
As always, thanks for reading and riding along. Y’all enjoy your day!
Shaun
Hello Sunday
Happy Sunday! Today’s blog is based on a Facebook memory, a post that I shared a year ago–
What do you want? Simple question, yet not always easy to answer. Most of the time when we’re asked this question we respond based on our desires at that particular moment or where we are in life. Quick and easy answers will suffice in the moment; however, deep down we know there’s so much more. When was the last time you asked yourself what it is that I truly want out of life?
Shaun Bradford, Facebook Post, June 12, 2022
As many of you know, my son graduated from high school last month. Although I thought I would be a total mess, I was actually fine. More than fine! Instead of being sad about my stint as “Mom the Caregiver” ending, I immediately began celebrating my new role, “Mom the Advisor.” Yes, I’m an advisor now and loving it!
Even though the tears never came, the thought of “What am I to do, now?” did. For over 27 years, I have made decisions based on someone else’s livelihood. Now, it’s all about me; which, to be honest, feels weird. Y’all, I’m actually at a stage in my life where I can focus on myself and I feel completely lost. I’m no longer that 18 year old joining the Air Force. I am a 48 year old who has already “done it all,” trying to figure out what’s left to do. Lately I’ve been asking myself, what do I still want out of life?
Fortunately, God has given me time alone to ponder my next chapter of life. You see, a little over a week before my son’s graduation, one of my sisters got the opportunity to spend her summer in California and asked if I would doggie/house sit while she was gone. I said yes, but then started having doubts. Mostly because I was worried about my son’s wellbeing. Then, he and my daughter assured me that he would be fine and encouraged me to live! They told me this was my time to do whatever I wanted. They’re so funny. I believe they’ve been trying to get me out the nest for the longest. (Shaking my head)
So, I’m in Alabama. Been here almost a week. It took me a few days to adjust to having a dog around because I am not an animal person. Especially animals that need constant attention. I’m more of a fish– just one– kind of person. Well, it didn’t take long for the doggie, Pepé, to train me. I think I like her.
The other thing I’m trying to get used to is cooking for one instead of going out to eat. I used to eat out a lot when my son would visit family for the summer. It was just more convenient, plus it made me feel like a teenager splurging on treats. Yeah.. I used to live it up! So, now that this is going to be my new lifestyle, I have to learn how to prepare meals for one and resist the urge to eat out.
I also found a temporary space for my office. Still haven’t gotten used to the perks of remote work. For some reason I feel like I need a designated workspace. Yeah.. I’m working on changing this perception.
As you can see, life is changing. I have absolutely no idea of what’s to come. However, what I do know is I have a little time to decide on my next move. As for the question– “What do I want?” Honestly, I believe I’m already living in it. I’m living in the freedom of peace, love and choice. But of course there are other things I desire– to fall in love with someone who loves me just as much as I love them, to grow old gracefully, to be that princess/queen I’ve always dreamt of, to celebrate my 50th wedding anniversary, to travel, to eat, to spread love and hope to every part of the world, to continue being the best mom, sister, daughter and friend I strive to be, and most importantly to honor God with all that I have and am. Yes.. this is what I want.
As always, thank you so much for taking the time to read my random ramblings. I really do appreciate you. Enjoy your week!
Shaun
Hello Sunday
On this date 30 years ago, I embarked upon a journey that would change my life forever. Never in a million years did I imagine I would join the military. Never! It was one of many spontaneous leaps I would make over the past 30 years. Y’all, I am beyond grateful that I took that leap.
Thirty years…
Today I feel as if I’m embarking on another journey. Not sure where the next 30 years will take me; however, I know they will be just as adventurous. Also, I would like to note that a few thing’s have changed since 1992. I’m finally at peace. I know who I am and Whose I am. And I’m no longer afraid. God is good.
Here’s to the next 30 years and beyond! Speaking nothing but blessings over my life. Amen
Y’all enjoy your day!
Shaun
Life & Love
Both are complexed, yet so worth experiencing. My heart has been broken numerous times and disappointments seem inevitable. However, when I look back on life, I smile because I am stronger and braver than I imagined and so are you! ♥️ ~ Shaun
Wednesday Writings
Life is moving right along and I’m moving right along with it. I’m happy. I’m blessed. I’m grateful. I’m humbled. I’m content. I’m at peace. And I’m loved.
As I’ve said before, I’m truly loving this space I’m in. According to my journals, it’s taken me decades to get here, but I’m finally here. And it’s such a wonderful feeling! I don’t ever want to go back to where I was or the way things were.
As the song says, “This joy that I have, the world didn’t give it to me… This peace that I have, the world didn’t give it to me. The world didn’t give it and the world can’t take it away.” Amen
Thank You, Lord, for guiding me through the tough times. For giving me hope when I was hopeless. And for granting me peace like no other. Amen
Thanks for reading! I pray that you’ve also found peace, contentment, love and joy. Be Blessed
Shaun
It’s Shaun’s World 
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