Tag: relationships

Life

Embrace Your Gift

Shaun Bradford

When I went to share my previous post, a Facebook memory from 2022, on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, I decided to change it up a little bit. Here’s what I shared.

God has given you a beautiful gift that was meant to be shared with the world. Don’t keep it to yourself. Use it and SHINE!✨

Yesterday, on my way to the beach, I listened to Lewis Howes’ conversation with Tabitha Brown, You’ve Been Blocking Your Blessings! …. When I tell you that was another conversation that was God sent. So much of Tab’s story about dreams and hearing from God resonated with me. It was so nice to see that I am not alone. I know some of the things I post may sound a bit off, especially when I start talking about feeling shifts in the atmosphere and feeling the need to pray at specific times, but it’s so real. So very real. She also spoke about being obedient to God. How important it is to follow God’s guidance. How she tried doing it everyone else’s way, but it wasn’t until she started walking in her truth that she began to see her dreams being manifested. And her dreams didn’t even measure up to the blessings God actually bestowed upon her.

Listen, I needed that confirmation—which is something she also talked about. I needed to know that I am not crazy for doing what I know I have been led to do. This year, Year50, is the first time I have fully released control and have allowed God to guide and work how He sees fit. This time I actually meant it when I said, “whatever comes and whatever goes, I will be alright.” Y’all, I’m cool. I am so loving this space I am in. It’s a place of peace and surrender. It’s knowing that no matter what happens, God’s got me.

Right now, I am currently using my gifts and being obedient to God. It doesn’t matter if I reach one soul or millions, I am walking in my purpose and calling, and it feels wonderful! Y’all, I can’t say it enough, I am truly blessed.♥️

Shaun

“The Gift” by Donald Lawrence
Life

Respect Peace

Shaun Bradford

Facebook Memory: April 11, 2022

Your time and peace are valuable. Protect both by making sure others respect them. Not only is this an act of self-care, but self-preservation.

Peace is everything. My life has never been very chaotic because, for most part, I played along to get along. Never one to really rock the boat. I was the one who would “take one for the team.” Yeah, I would let everything fall on me. I always felt like I was strong enough to take whatever I was faced with and more. Yes, I thought I was superwoman and everyone’s mama. Guess that’s the nurturer in me. Then, one day I stopped. I stopped taking on everyone else’s issues. When I did, I discovered this thing called peace. Instead of keeping the peace, I was experiencing peace. Believe me, there’s a difference.

A few years ago, I found myself in a situation where I was trying to play the peacekeeper. Well, the only thing that happened was I became miserable and the mess got even worse. So, what did I do? I removed myself from the entire situation. Severed all ties. Y’all, when I tell you I felt like a new person! Now, anyone or anything that enters my life has to respect my peace.

Here’s my two cents. If it disturbs your peace, let it go! I don’t care whether it’s a job (been there, ain’t doing it again), a relationship (done that too, never again), or your own thoughts (rebuke them!!!)—let them go! They are not worth holding on to. Your peace matters. Your health matters! Don’t you know stress kills…literally! Let it/them go and live in peace. Love you!♥️

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

Facebook Memory: April 7, 2022

It’s interesting that I shared this post four years ago while attending the same conference I’m at today. Ironically, this message is more relevant today than it was then. God has a way of bringing things full circle, even messages.

I originally shared this photo on April 7, 2018.

At the time of the original share, I was in the process of rebuilding trust—in myself, in those around me, and in my ability to achieve my goals and dreams. I honestly thought it would be easy. Little did I know it would take several years and cycles of reflecting, regrouping, refocusing and rebuilding, to get to where I am today.

Today, I trust myself. I trust myself to make wiser choices. I trust myself to take care of Shaun. Yes, I finally realize I matter, too. Don’t know why it took me so long to accept this fact. Guess I owe it all to Year50.

I also have a good group of people around me who I trust; who I know have my best interests at heart. God has been weeding people out while strengthening my current relationships. My circle is getting smaller but growing stronger.

As far as me trusting in my ability to accomplish my goals and dreams, I am there. I know I can. A few blogs ago, I wrote about my confidence being restored. Well, I owe that to actually trusting myself to do what I set out to do. Things have always been moving in the right direction; however, my confidence and trust and belief in myself had to catch up. Took a minute—a long minute to rebuild this one—but it’s all back! Grateful

This is it for now. Wishing you a restful Sunday.♥️

Take Care,

Shaun

Life

Gratitude and Grace

Shaun Bradford

Took a moment to check my social media accounts (now scheduled). Hadn’t checked my Facebook memories in a while. I shared so many great memories on this date. The one that I have decided to share refers to a pivotal moment in my life. I can’t say it enough, I am truly blessed. I am so grateful God love me.

Facebook Memory: March 28, 2019

Good Morning! Wanted to share one of things that changed my life. Almost 5 years ago, I discovered Oprah and Deepak’s meditation series. I was leery about meditating because of what I had heard as a child, meditation was “of the devil.” I’m soooo happy I let those past teachings go. Meditation isn’t satanic. Meditation allowed me to clear my mind of the chaos going on around me, and listen, listen to God. After the first series I really did become more grateful. Also, I always believed everyone was connected, but afterwards, I knew we were connected. I finally felt like everything I personally thought and felt about my relationship with God, wasn’t crazy. It all made sense.

I haven’t participated in a series in a while. I still receive invites when a new one begins. Today’s session is about gratitude (mostly all of them are about gratitude). When I began expressing my gratitude, even for the tiniest thing (like finding a parking space), God began to bless me. It’s true, when praises go up, blessings come down. No, I’m not rich financially, but I’m rich spiritually. Spiritual blessings are indescribable. The bond I have with God is like no other. I’m so grateful He loves me. I’m so grateful for His mercy and grace. I’m so grateful He changed me. I love my new life.♥️

Y’all, God is so amazing. And no, I am not crazy, we are all connected. Smile♥️

Be Blessed,

Shaun

Life

Nine Years

Shaun Bradford

Earlier I shared, “Here I Am.”

Five years ago (March 26, 2019), I wrote the following in my journal:

“Today is the day we separated for good. I can’t believe it’s been four years. Four years. Didn’t think I’d make it four years off of patience.”

Actually, it was patience and a lot of prayer that got me through that time.

Just the day before—March 25, 2019—I was finally able to sign the divorce papers. It had been four long years of me patiently waiting for everything to work out. Of me trying not to rock the boat. Of me being kind, thoughtful and considerate. Yeah… I was all of that. Four years of suffering in silence; biting my tongue; allowing others (those who I thought loved me) treat me like trash for deciding to divorce a “good man” (their words). For deciding to listen to what God had been telling me to do for years, but I was too afraid to. I was never supposed to marry him, yet I did. I knew this. Tried to explain this, only to be treated like I was the most horrible person on earth. So, I waited. I waited four years for him to come to terms with the fact that we were actually divorcing. His lawyer said he was finally ready. I was so happy. Signed the papers, and he refused to sign them. Y’all, I had never experienced anger in my life until that point. Never… and I had had some pretty messed up stuff happen to me before then. However, I never got to the point of anger, until then. Whew!!

As I shared earlier today—I am here, and I am still standing! Y’all, what was meant to destroy me did not take me out! I made it!!!

Forever grateful for God’s love, mercy, and grace. I made it!♥️

Shaun

Life

The Last Three Weeks

Shaun Bradford

The last three weeks have been mentally and physically exhausting. Like, for real. On most days, I know I was on autopilot—operating without even thinking, doing what I have been programmed to do since childhood (take charge). At least, that’s how it felt. Here’s an overview of what happened:

My sister had a healthy baby boy. Both left the hospital healthy (so we thought). Two days later, she was in the ER diagnosed with postpartum heart failure, then sent home to follow up with a cardiologist. Two days after that, the baby had jaundice.

Before my sister could follow up with the cardiologist, she was back in the ER. This time they consulted with her OB doctor and was diagnosed with postpartum preeclampsia. Which was more accurate. She stayed in the hospital a few days and was released after her vitals and bloodwork were back to normal.

That was my first hospital stay since my mom passed.

While all of this was happening with my sister, my stepmom was having health issues, which were getting worse. She was sick while my sister was in the hospital, but I couldn’t be with both. Had to decide which needed me the most. It was a lot.

Well, last week…last Wednesday to be exact, my stepmom had to have emergency surgery. I stayed with her from Wednesday until Sunday. She was discharged yesterday, but she still isn’t well. It will probably be several weeks before she’s moving around again.

So, that was my last two to three weeks. Oh… and I was still working during all of this. So very thankful for remote work and the ability to make my own schedule. These are truly luxuries that are often taken for granted. Even being single with grown children is a privilege; however, it is also taxing at times. As my daughter advised me, before I jump up and do anything else, I need to be still and take care of myself, first. And I am doing exactly that.

That’s all I have for you today. Wishing you a wonderful Wednesday.

Be Blessed♥️

Shaun