Life

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

Life

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

Life

Wednesday Writings

Life is a gift and every moment is precious. We must be mindful of how we choose to spend them.

Shaun

Life

Be Still

Be still.

That’s the quote. Nothing more. ~ Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Happy Father’s Day!

Happy Father’s Day to all of the wonderful fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles and father figures who intentionally create spaces for children to learn, grow and thrive. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and love, as well as being a great provider. Today’s your day and we celebrate you. Please know that you are loved and appreciated.

Happy Father’s Day!♥️

Shaun

Life

Allow Love In

For love to win, you must first allow it in. Love cannot enter a closed heart.♥️ ~ Shaun

Love
Life

Hello Sunday

Yellow background with the words “Hello Sunday” thinly, written in green. Below it is the website link for It’s Shaun’s World 2 dot com. Also, there are three white flowers laying on a notepad in the upper right corner.
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.

A picture of me and my sister’s dog in the car posing for a selfie.
A black and white picture of the dog laying on the floor looking at the camera.

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.

Laptop and monitor on dining room table.
My new office!

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

Life

Surrender to Your Purpose

Sometimes our purpose doesn’t always match our plans. While our purpose is nudging us towards one path, our plans are pulling us in another direction. My advice– surrender to your purpose. Believe me, life becomes so much better once you do. ~ Shaun

Life

Beauty for Ashes

Here’s a much needed reminder that God will give you beauty for your ashes.🌹~ Shaun

Life

The Time Is Now

Guess what?! That perfect time you were waiting for to start a new project, or to start living your best life, is actually now. Yes, the time is NOW! ~ Shaun