Tag: storytelling

Life

It’s Wednesday

Shaun Bradford

I’m still not sold on the “Wednesday” title. Sounds boring. At least I added “Hello” to Sunday. If y’all have suggestions, please share. My Wednesdays need help!

Anyhoo.. Short story…

Yesterday someone decided to create a fake Twitter account by cloning mine. Y’all, I’m so happy someone caught it when it first happened. I’m not going to lie, at first I was somewhat flattered. Couldn’t believe someone wanted to be me. But then, the more I thought about it, the more agitated I became. I kept trying to figure out the person’s thought process behind creating the account. Talk about perplexed! Why me? I’m not famous. I don’t have many followers. Why my account? As I sat there trying to figure it all out, I noticed that some of my followers started following the account. Okay, that’s when I got upset. LISTEN… I really wanted to cuss the person out. Like… FOR REAL!! However, I decided to take the high road.. WHEW.. by politely telling them they needed help and that I was praying for them; all while I was praying for myself. Lord knows I wanted to go off! Never in a million years would I have imagined that I would have to report someone for impersonating me. What’s wrong with people? Do they not have anything better to do than create confusion? Are they that unhappy with their lives that they have to pretend to be other people. Some might say they’re just hackers trying to solicit money or people playing around. Either way, they’re still miserable. No one who is mentally stable and love themselves would be involved in such foolishness.

Anyway, in the end, I was forced to prove my identity to have them removed. Crazy, huh!

My life…

Y’all, enjoy your Wednesday! Remember, just be yourself. And I guess I should add, make YOU so great that others want to be you! Lol

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

Umm.. trying to figure out where to begin. Y’all do know I always write on the day I publish, right? I want my blogs to be as authentic as possible. So whatever I’m feeling whenever it’s time to publish, that’s what I write about. With this said, I did promise to tell y’all my news.

Drumroll………

On April 1st, I took a wild leap of faith and resigned from my job. Yes.. I resigned!

When I think about it, the 18 years I spent at the university resembled the 18 years I served in the military– 18 and 18, they overlapped but kind of eerie, huh. Anyway.. was about to get sidetracked. Lol. The resemblance was similar because of the levels career advancement. In the military I went from Airman Basic (E-1) to Master Sergeant (E-7). During my 18 year stay at the university, I went from an undergraduate student to principal investigator. Talk about favor! I will say, both institutions allowed me the freedom to explore different opportunities without ever having to leave my safety net. For that, I’m forever grateful.

So what happened? Why did I resign?

Simple. God said it was time. I woke up one morning and He said it was time to leave. Of course there’s a back story but it’s not important. What’s important is once again I listened and let go– which is also the title of my chapter in the Finally Free book anthology. This time when He said it was time to leave I didn’t ask questions. And yes, this time. You see, I had been instructed to leave several times before but I was too afraid. I used to ask, “Lord, how am I going to make it?” I’m not going to lie, I needed a detailed plan that included a good financial setup. However, this time I said, “Okay, Lord. I trust You.” Never once did I think about how I would survive, nor was I afraid. Even when I told my kids they didn’t question what God had told me. They said they knew everything would work out because God has always taken care of me. Talk about faith! When I tell you I have the best kids!!

Y’all, 2020 restored my dreams and this year I’m fulfilling them. In my first Hello Sunday for this year, I wrote I was starting this year with a blank canvas. That’s when I hit the reset button and started rebuilding my life. Now it’s time for me to fully walk in God’s purpose. Y’all, I can’t wait to see the picture He paints. I know it’s going to be spectacular!

Before I end, here’s another eerie story. On April 1, 2011, I retired from the military. Ten years later I resigned from the university. It’s crazy because I had no idea I had chosen the same day until I saw my Facebook memory. Timing. God’s timing.

Be Blessed

Shaun

Life

God’s Promises

Shaun Bradford

Hello.. Hello.. Hello!

Y’all, I had planned on writing something else. Something related to tonight’s season finale of Tyler Perry’s Sistas. Wanted to finish my conversation about Aaron (see It’s My Tweet Night). Instead, I’m leaving you with this gem I found from last year’s Facebook memory. Yes.. another Facebook memory. I just love them!

Listen, I’m so grateful God has me leave nuggets for my future self. On March 31, 2020, I closed on my house. This year my news is even greater! As I said on Sunday, I’ll write about it in my next Hello Sunday. Just know that this particular message was written for me to read TODAY!! Talk about timing. Y’all, God just blows my mind!

March 31, 2020

“Good Morning! Here’s today’s social media find. Y’all, God is sooo good! WHATEVER He asked you to give up, or leave behind, will always be replaced with something greater. I promise you, He will not leave you hanging. Don’t cry over your loss, just let go and let God. Amen”

Whew!! Have a blessed day!

Also, if you’re watching #SistasOnBET tonight, tweet with us!

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

I’m a little late getting started today. I cannot believe I actually slept until 6:00 a.m. So unusual, yet so needed. I know that the past few Hello Sundays have not been very informative and they’ve been pretty short. Believe me, it’s not because I don’t have anything to write about, it’s the exact opposite. Y’all, I have so much I can write about, I just don’t know where to begin or which story to tell. All I can say is, God is sooo good and y’all, He’s working!!

Listen, this past year– from last March to this March– things have been happening nonstop.. one significant event after another. You would’ve thought the pandemic would have slowed things down but it had the opposite effect. Everything just sped up. It reminds me of how Bishop T. D. Jakes used to say, “Get ready! Get ready! Get ready!” Listen, when God starts moving, you better be ready! Honestly, everything is happening so quickly. I haven’t even had time to ask myself if I’m ready. I’ve just been moving with the flow. It’s like an opportunity presents itself and I take it. God says to do this or that, and I do it, no questions asked. I mean, I’m really going with the flow. I know this blog probably doesn’t make any sense because I’m so in my feelings right now. Everything that’s happening is surreal. Listen, I’ve always said I love watching God work. However, it’s one thing to watch Him work in others’ lives and a totally different feeling watching Him work in your life. Totally different!

I’m going to end now because the tears won’t stop flowing. Which is a good thing. I’ll take tears of joy over tears of sorrow, any day. I’m blessed.

Here’s an excerpt from a Facebook post I made on this day in March 2019. Y’all, I’m beginning to realize I posted a lot that March. Feeling like a butterfly because I believe that’s when my metamorphosis began, March 2019. Wild! Timing.. God’s timing.

“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, life is good. A couple of weeks ago I made another life changing decision which I’ll write about it in next week’s Hello Sunday. Just know that I’m excited about what God is doing and where He’s leading me.

Be Blessed

Shaun

Life

Déjà Vu! Didn’t I Say This Yesterday?

Shaun Bradford

We’ve all had déjà vu moments at some point in our lives. It’s like you’re standing somewhere and for a split second you think, “I’ve been here before,” or “I’ve heard this before.” Well, this morning while scrolling through my Facebook memories I found a post I made on March 8, 2019. Y’all, it’s so similar to yesterday’s blog that it’s scary. Wow!! Just take a look at the screenshot. I guess I really needed this message, or perhaps someone else needed it so much so that I had to post it TWICE. Just, Wow!!

I actually said this 2 years ago! Speechless

I’m listening God!

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

Shaun Bradford

Today’s Hello Sunday is based on a random thought. Have you ever felt the need to explain your decisions or beliefs to others without being prompted? Not sure why I asked because I already know you have. All of us have. Like when you tell someone you can’t do something you follow it with “because xyz.” Or you make a decision (good or bad) and feel compelled to provide more details– “I’ve decided to do this because xyz.” Or you explain why you like or dislike something without being prompted– “Girl, I like/dislike xyz because…” Y’all, do we really need to explain ourselves? Are we doing it so that we’re perceived favorably, or so others feel more comfortable with what we do or say?

For me, it’s a little bit of both. When it’s something that directly affects other people, I often feel the need to provide more details because I want them to know there was thought behind my decision(s). On the other hand, I also find myself further explaining my own decisions to include my likes and dislikes, which only affect me. Umm… but why?

Y’all, I just had an “AHA” moment!

It’s the fear of being judged. That’s it! It’s that– “What are their thoughts of me now?” “Do they think I’m considerate or inconsiderate?” “Do they think I’m focused or weird?” I guess, at the end of the day, it really doesn’t matter how many details you or I provide, it’s about how the other person perceives or interprets the message. Period.

Well, problem solved! Only provide more information at your discretion, not because you feel you must.

Me unnecessarily providing more information after I’ve just written not to do so. UGH!! It’s after 5:00 a.m. my time and I’m so sleepy. You see, I fell asleep around 8:00 p.m. last night and woke up a little after midnight. So, I’m going to publish this blog and go to sleep. As always, thanks for reading my ramblings.

My life…

Enjoy your Sunday!

Shaun

Life

Hold On, God is Working

Shaun Bradford

Didn’t feel like writing this morning. Was going to post a statement about accountability and be done. One of my words for 2020 was consistent and boy am I trying to remain consistent. My other word was sustainable. As we know, you cannot have anything sustainable if you’re not willing to be consistent. Which often means showing up when you don’t feel like it. Anyhoo.. I found this Facebook memory from March 3, 2019 and thought I’d share.

“Good Morning! Here’s today’s social media find. No matter how long it takes, keep holding on. Don’t throw in the towel. I love this quote because it’s so real. It seems like the closer you are to your dream being manifested, the more excuses and doubts fill your head. Whatever calling, or purpose, you have on your life, God will equip you to fulfill it. This is something I have to remind myself of when I start having doubts about what I know I’m supposed to do. Although tempted [to quit], don’t do it (in Joe’s voice😉). God will equip you with everything you need for all occasions. Have a blessed day.”

I’m here to encourage you (and myself– yes, I needed this message too) to remain steadfast. If you’re like me– you’re tired, you want to throw in the towel, or you just don’t feel like trying anymore– don’t give up!

Y’all, I needed this message this morning. Thankful for Facebook memories. Yesterday I posted, “Hang in there. You are stronger and more powerful than you think.” It was a message for yesterday. However, I’m pretty certain it’s definitely a message for future Shaun.

Listen, stay encouraged because God is working. He’s always working.

I love, y’all! Be blessed.

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday!

Shaun Bradford

Today’s Hello Sunday is dedicated to Canadian DJ and music producer, Ryan Shepherd.

Yesterday, as I was checking my Twitter notifications, I noticed that Ryan had liked a few of my Hello Sunday blogs. Usually I don’t click the profiles of people who like my tweets; however, yesterday I was curious because only one or two of my followers actually read my blogs. So I immediately assumed Ryan was a bot. Well, he’s actually a live, breathing human being. Lol. Come to find out we’ve been using the same hashtag, #HelloSunday. Imagine that! Of course my #HelloSunday refers to my blog. However, his refers to his newly released song, “Hello Sunday,” featuring Caitlyn Scarlett. It’s a fun, cheerful tune that makes you wish everyday was Sunday.

Here’s Ryan Shepherd’s HELLO SUNDAY. Enjoy!

Shaun

Life

Me vs Twitter

Shaun Bradford

Yesterday I did something I’ve done many times before; however, this time was different. Yesterday morning I decided to log of Twitter, and I didn’t feel like I was being punished. Usually when I log off, I have to convince myself that it’s for my own good. Y’all, it’s never easy because I always feel like I’m losing my best friend or part of me. Pathetic, right? Well, yesterday I logged off without any regrets and it felt so good!

Oftentimes, I find myself wondering what life was like before social media. What were we doing? There was a time when I was so addicted to the games on Facebook (think this is where it began) that I was checking my farm (Farmville) and cafe (Café World) at work. I remember one of my colleagues asking if I remembered to check my food in my Café. Talk about crazy! Looking back, I couldn’t imagine myself living without my farm or cafe. Now they’re only memories.

Truthfully, besides the farm and cafe, I was never that attached to Facebook. I could log off for days and not feel like I was missing anything. But Twitter… Twitter is a-whole-nother story! I love Twitter because it’s fast-paced and so interactive. Talk about exhilarating! It’s a great place to discuss shared interests and get instant feedback. Now, this is where my problem resides– LIVE tweeting. (Y’all, I can’t even say “reside” without hearing “Where the money reside, where the money reside.” Lol) Listen, there’s nothing like LIVE tweeting during my favorite shows! It’s like being in a theater with a bunch of people who like talking during movies. As I said, very interactive. My problem, though, is I can’t seem to turn it off after the shows are over. I want to continue talking about them. Like… for days! I crave the interaction. I’m telling you, it’s addictive. I guess you can say the only good thing is, I like discussing fake drama not real drama. Real drama is a little too much. This is where Twitter becomes overwhelming and I’m forced to log off to maintain my sanity. Which was my reasoning for logging off yesterday.

With that said, yesterday evening I decided to log back on a little before my show, #TheOvalOnBET (just in case you want to tweet with us) came on. Was planning to log off afterwards but I stayed to tweet during my other show Ruthless (no hashtag for this one- y’all ain’t ready- LOL!). Afterwards, I happily logged off. I had gotten my fix and was out of there. Y’all, I’m really proud of myself because I didn’t think I could do it without feeling like I was losing something. Honestly, I’m good until my other show comes on. I guess you can say I’m reclaiming my life! Lol

By the way, two of my favorite shows were renewed for a third season– Tyler Perry’s The Oval and Sistas (#SistasOnBET). I’m so happy for Tyler and the cast! However, I’m even happier for me because I have something to tweet about for another year or so. Yep.. I’m smiling.

Shaun

Life

It’s My Tweet Night

Shaun Bradford

It’s Wednesday, my tweet night! Y’all, I just love live tweeting during my shows. There’s nothing like reading people’s reactions to different scenes in real time, you know, before they actually have time to process what happened. Some people analyze scenes based on reality or cinematography, while others just watch for pure entertainment (that would be me!). Listen, I love the far-fetched storylines and scenes that seem to drive so many crazy. I guess it’s because they remind me of some of my crazy dreams. Baby, my dreams are very entertaining! Anyway, with that said, all of the storylines aren’t unbelievable, most depict real life situations. Believe me, some have evoked feelings and emotions I thought I had long buried. But don’t worry, I’m not writing about those today– they’re way too intense. I plan to keep this one light. Today’s blog is about one of my favorite characters on Tyler Perry’s Sistas.

Aaron is his name. The only reason I’m writing about Aaron is because, in my opinion, his character is the most genuine. However… so many don’t like him. Yes, he’s had a bit of a controversial past. I mean, his ex-wife committed suicide because he divorced her. I know, seems pretty dark, but there’s more to the story. At first, I thought he was a little harsh– hmm.. now I’m sounding like Andi describing Gary, who’s abusive and in Aaron’s anger management group…

Y’all know what, I’ll have to save this “think piece,” as my daughter would call it, for some other time. After having my “Andi” moment, I’m beginning to think I’m the one who’s delusional. Maybe Aaron isn’t the person I think he is. Who I want him to be. Have I been bamboozled? Am I only seeing what I want to see? Please say it ain’t so!!

I’ll write more about Aaron after I see a few more episodes. Fingers crossed that he really is the guy I think he is. We need at least one level-headed, genuine guy on the show who’s not afraid to be vulnerable or constantly trying to prove himself. I believe Preston and Maurice also fall into this category. I would say, “but they’re not my type.” However, I can’t do it without laughing because smart butt Maurice would come back with, “You not my type either!!” Lol!

Listen, if you’re looking for a good show to watch, check out #SistasOnBET. I would love your feedback about Aaron. Like, for real. One day I’m going to start dating again and he’s definitely my type. I want to make sure I’m not overlooking red flags. Help a sista out!

As always, thanks for reading!

Shaun