Tag: self care

Life

Wednesday Writings

Shaun Bradford

Not sure what I’ll write about today. I have a lot I could write about but no real inspiration to write. I’m on my 67th day of continuous blogging and refuse to stop until I reach 100 days. So what’s been going on in Shaun’s world?

I am still enjoying my freedom. Sometimes I wonder if I’m delusional because I do not regret leaving my career behind. I mean, I feel no remorse whatsoever. None. Is this normal?

Last Thursday I met up with my sisters and their families in Georgia. Decided to meet there because it was midway between our homes. Each of us only had to travel 5.5 – 6.5 hours instead of the usual 12. We leased an AirBnB for four days and had a wonderful time. Can’t wait to do it again!

Also while there, I visited Tyler Perry Studios. Couldn’t be in the area and not visit the place where so many dreams have come to fruition. As I said yesterday, I love watching God work and Tyler’s life and success are great examples of God’s awesomeness. God gave Tyler an exceptional gift and he seems to be using it extremely well. From the highway signs to the grand entrance of the studios, all I could do was smile. Y’all, God did that! I’m so grateful He gave me the opportunity to witness his greatness in person. It’s one thing to see pictures and videos and another to actually stand in the midst of greatness. Very humbling. Praying Tyler experiences continued blessings and success. I cannot wait to see what God has planned through him next. I know it’s going to be even more amazing!

Okay, enough gushing over Tyler’s success. I often wonder where God’s taking me. Will my life impact others? How many people will I reach? And I want to reach them while I’m alive not in death. Honestly, my desire is to reach everyone. Yes.. every single soul on this planet! Even if it’s only for a split second. Whether it is directly or indirectly, I want others, especially the little ones, to know they are loved and accepted just as they are. I am not sure how it will happen but I know it will happen. Yes, I’m saying will happen because with God ALL things are possible. I have always imagined it happening through the United Nations, but we all know God is unpredictable and unconventional. I cannot wait to see how he makes this happen. He knows I love watching Him work and I love a great story. So this should be exciting! Right?…

Here’s my prayer. I pray that I recognize and accept the opportunities He sends my way. I pray fear does not stop me from moving forward. I pray God gives me the strength– mentally, spiritually and physically– to endure this task. I know God’s got me, but do I have myself?

I believe this is enough rambling for today. If you actually read past the first paragraph, I appreciate you. I pray you have a wonderful Wednesday.

Take Care,

Shaun

Life

What Makes You Smile?

Shaun Bradford

What started as a simple social media post is now a blog.

Smile: a pleased, kind, or amused facial expression.

I believe genuine smiles come from the heart. They are not just facial expressions. They are expressions of pure joy and happiness. You must admit, although brief, when you smile you are completely content. Not a single worry in sight.

Me, I tend to smile a lot. I guess you could say I experience a lot of smileable moments. Earlier, while scrolling through social media, I noticed that I kept smiling. So I stopped scrolling and asked myself why. Why so many smiles? That’s when it hit me, I really do love watching God work. I know I say it all the time, but sometimes it does not fully register that I really love watching Him work. Y’all, God is so fascinating! I am forever amazed by the things He does. How He transforms lives. How everything falls into place exactly at the right moment in time. It’s like watching a movie with so many storylines and characters. They are all interconnected but don’t realize it. What I find most interesting, and humbling, is God allowing me to witness it all in real time. Unlike the movies, I actually get to cheer people on as I watch them grow and use their gifts to help others. Y’all, this is what makes me smile.

Honestly, when I think about it, I truly believe this is how God expresses His love for me. His desire is for all of us to live happy, fulfilled lives and this is what does it for me. Not money. Not success. But watching Him work. Y’all, this kind of joy and happiness is pure. So I smile. Grateful

Question- What makes you smile?

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

This morning I woke up with what I consider one of the ultimate worship songs playing over and over in my head– You are God Alone. When I tell you Marvin Sapp sang this song! Whew! Before I cancelled my Apple Music subscription, I used to have it on repeat for at least 30-40 minutes. Sometimes longer. As Marvin sings, “No one compares to Youuu!” Amen. For He is God alone.

You are God Alone by Marvin Sapp

There’s no question of Your greatness
No searching of Your power
All the wonder of Your glory
To You forty years is but one hour
Your knowledge is all encompassing
To Your wisdom there is no end
For You alone are God
You are God alone

Your mercy is everlasting
Your truth is here always
You are He who was and is, and is to come
Who is He that can number you day
You’ve flung the sun to burn in space
And the night’s moon powers light from day
You are God alone

Now unto the King
Eternal, immortal, invisible
The only wise God
The only wise God
You alone are God
For You are God alone

Now unto the King
Eternal, immortal, invisible
The only wise God
The only wise God
You alone are God
For You are God alone
For You are alone are God
For You are God alone . . .

Be all glory
And honor
Dominion and power
Forever and ever, amen
(Repeat 5 times)

For You alone are God
You are God alone
You’re my Jehova Jireh
You’re my Jehova Nisi
You’re my Jehovah Elion
You alone are God
You are God alone
For you alone are God
For you are God alone
For you alone are God
For you are God alone

Source: MusixMatch Lyrics: Integrity’s Hosanna! Music

Hope this blessed you as much as it blessed me this morning. Praying you have a glorious week. God is good!

Shaun

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

The wait…

Word of advice– you probably should keep breathing while waiting. Hold your breath and you might not make it. Just kidding. God is full of surprises. You never know what He’s up to.

Y’all, the wait can be long and tedious. Been reading past journal entries and scrolling through Facebook memories. There were so many instances where I believed I was prepared to receive one thing or another, only to find I was not prepared at all. There was always a waiting period. Sometimes I waited three or four years. Sometimes longer. I noticed that during those periods of waiting, God was pruning and prepping me to receive. During those periods, I became stronger– things that intimidated me before no longer intimidated me. I became wiser– I began making better choices. I was more appreciative– I appreciated every little blessing I received and still do. My relationship with God also became stronger– I prayed and praised more.

The wait…

Be patient during the wait. Be patient with God and be patient with yourself. If you have not received what you believe you are ready for, you are not prepared to receive it. Believe me, when it’s the right time, God won’t keep you waiting– You will receive it!

Lesson– Waiting was and is necessary. I can wait. You can wait. We can wait. God is working.

Shaun