My life. My world. Love, hope, peace, joy & happiness.
“Learning to relax and accept things until God moves.”
Journal Entry- March 6, 2019
Today…
“Learning to relax and accept things as God moves.”
In 2019, I was waiting. Today, I’m no longer sitting and waiting. I’m moving with God. And what a world of difference it’s made! I’m blessed.
Praying that you enjoy your Sunday. Have a blessed week.
Shaun
Overall, this month has been pretty good! I am excited to announce that I have adopted a new favorite pastime – Drawing!
I have always loved art and spent countless hours drawing as a child (no cable television– lol). While in middle school I took art classes as electives but wasn’t really serious about it. In adulthood, I have spent years admiring others’ work while secretly wishing I could tap into my artistic side again. Well, as the saying goes, “There’s nothing to it but to do it.” Smile.
So that’s exactly what I am doing. I am drawing again! Every day I draw something. Anything. The finished product doesn’t have to be perfect, look good or even be recognizable, as long as I am drawing something. My intention is to become a better drawer/artist over the next year with the ultimate goal of one day becoming an renowned artist. Lately, I have been thinking a lot about legacy and what I want to be known for. Well, besides love, kindness, compassion and being an overall good person, I want to be known for my writings, quotes and artwork. If you have been following my blog over the past month, then you have seen some of my work. I am calling my collection Shaun’s Smile because it’s what makes me smile. Feel free to follow me on Twitter: Shaun’s Smile or Instagram: It’s Shaun’s World to view more of my work.
I used the following drawings with my quotes. Enjoy! ~ Shaun
Happy Sunday!
I’m currently reading – The Life You Long For: Learning to Live From A Heart of Rest by Christy Nockels. So far, so much of her story has resonated with me. Especially the part about being so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life trying to achieve goals and the lifestyle you have always dreamed of that you neglect to live. The funny thing is you believe you’re living until you actually begin living. As Christy calls it, it’s living from a heart (place) of rest. In other words, living from a place of peace and contentment.
As Christy has noted in her book, it takes a moment to get to a place of rest and once you get there, it’s still challenging to remain in that space. Because as we know, we cannot control the things that happen around us, but as pastor and author, Joel Osteen would say, we can control how we respond.
For a few weeks now, more so the last two weeks, I have been thinking about the freedom of choice. As we know, socially and economically, everyone does not have the same level of freedom when it comes to choices; however, all of us do have the freedom to make choices, even small ones. Although it is impossible to control others’ actions or events happening around us, we can control our reactions and actions, which is a choice. So when I refer to the freedom of choice, this is exactly what I’m referring to. Nothing intense. Nothing political. But personal choices that we make daily.
Since I have been living from a place of peace, I have noticed that my choices are different, they’re better. I respond to situations much differently than I used to. The things that used to make me anxious, no longer bother or upset me. I’m also learning to be kinder to myself. Which is BIG! Y’all, I really was my own worst critic. I’m also less judgmental. I have always loved people’s uniqueness, even my own, but that didn’t stop me from judging. Yes, I’m human. Overall, life is so much better than before and it’s all because I have chosen to make it better – I have chosen to live from a place of peace. Now, I would be lying if I said my life is always peaceful, that nothing happens that throws me for a loop. Y’all, every day.. yes, EVERY SINGLE DAY I’m faced with things that challenge my peace; and every day I make the choice of how I respond. To me that’s freedom! And I’m loving it.
Word of advice – which is what has gotten me to this place of peace – if it disturbs your peace it’s too costly. Let it go.
As always, thank you so much for reading. Praying you have a peaceful week.
Shaun
Before I forget, Happy Galatine’s Day to all of my Gal Pals! You are loved and forever appreciated.💘🌹
Y’all, life is good and God is awesome! Came across the following post in my Facebook memories from a year ago. Basically, it sums up how I’ve felt over this past year.
Facebook Memory: February 13, 2021
January was pretty awesome! What a way to start the year. Listen, I’m still amazed! I believe God just loves loving on me in public sometimes.☺️🥰
Y’all, never did I imagine I would be an author. I love blogging and journaling, but I never pictured seeing my name in a book. Never!! Well, besides my thesis, which I still need to have bound.🤦🏽♀️
Seriously, last month I stepped outside of my comfort zone and did something else I never imagined myself doing– I promoted myself. I promoted my work. It’s one thing to do it here, among family and friends, but completely different doing it among peers and strangers. First, there’s the fear of being noticed. Then, there’s the fear of being imperfect. Yeah.. over the years I’ve allowed those two things to keep me from moving forward. Well, today I can happily say, writing, promoting and launching the book gave me the confidence I needed to step into the next dimension of my purpose. Believe me, the fear is still here. However, it’s not stopping me from moving forward because there’s so much God has for me to do.
Also, I want to thank everyone for your support. I truly couldn’t have done this without you. I appreciate you giving me the space to be me. Thank you!🙏🏽❤️
That was the beginning. Since then, I have launched LaShaundreaB, LLC, created Shaun’s Daily Inspiration and expanded It’s Shaun’s World to include my love for food, travel and fun (follow me on Instagram and TikTok). As I stated earlier, I never knew being part of the book anthology (Finally Free) would give me the confidence I needed to step into the next dimension of my purpose. Never once did I imagine I needed that boost. Honestly, I thought I was good where I was. Although I’m not completely out of my shell, and sometimes still retreat to my comfort zone, I’m on a totally different level than I’ve ever been and ready to go higher. God is good!
If you would like to follow my journey, you can find me on TikTok (2 accounts):
Shaun’s Daily Inspiration (daily quotes) It’s Shaun’s World (documenting my adventures)
Before I end, I would also like to thank you for giving me a space to be myself. A space to grow without judgment. I really do appreciate y’all!❤️
As always, thanks for reading and have a wonderful week!
Shaun
Today’s Hello Sunday is dedicated to my second mom, my bonus mom, Jewelstine. Today’s her birthday!
Here’s our story:
We met when I was only a few weeks old. She was my first babysitter, first Girl Scout troop leader, and my first employer (let’s just say I was her little teacher’s assistant). She took me to my first movie (E.T.), my first theme park (Libertyland), roller skating rink (Rollerworld) and softball game (she was a softball coach for decades). She also gave birth to two of the kindest, giving, compassionate and hardworking people I know – my siblings – the late Alton Sutton, Jr. and my sunshine (which is what my sister calls me), Kisha. If I had to choose a bonus mom for my children, without hesitation, she would be it. She loves unconditionally and gives selflessly. I am so blessed to have her in my life and absolutely honored to call her Momma.
Happy Birthday Momma! Wishing you as much love as you give as well as many, many blessings. Love you always!
Shaun
Today I would like to share some of my thoughts and feelings about where I’m at in this stage of life. Basically, I just need to write.
This morning I came across another Facebook memory I shared two years ago. Here’s the quote:
Never allow waiting to become a habit. Live your dreams and take risks. Life is happening now.
Author Unknown
Back then I was like, “Yeah! I’m not waiting for nothing or no one. I’m living my best life now!” Fast forward to today, this quote has me feeling some kind of way. Let me explain.
Transparent moment:
For a while now.. I guess you can say for months now.. I’ve been second and triple guessing my feelings. Even after a few sessions of therapy, my therapist says I’m fine. So why don’t I feel fine?
Here’s what I’m feeling or have been feeling, and as strange as it may sound it kind of frightens me – calm, peaceful, relaxed, happy, and loved. Everything I’ve ever dreamed of and it frightens me. Sounds strange, doesn’t it? Like why does it frighten me so?
Okay.. back to the quote. When I shared it two years ago, I remember feeling like I really needed to enjoy the space I was in, needed to be more present. I remember constantly waiting for things to happen or trying to make things happen. I spent so much time doing both that I was only living my life in spurts and was always anxious. Now here I am two years later, very present and living in the moment, living the dream.
So why am I so perplexed about where I am in life?
Well, since I was a teenager I have always said, and lived by this – “After I turn 50, I’m going to live my dream.” You see, the first 50 years were supposed to be my test and trial period. My period to make mistakes as well as make the amount of money needed to support and sustain my lifestyle for the next 50 years. And the next 50 were to be spent doing what I actually loved, which kind resembles what I’m doing now but without the millions of dollars I imagined. Yep.. I’ve had it all planned out for decades. Yeah.. planned. I have to laugh because according to my plan and timeline, I’m supposed to be working my butt off trying to figure out how I’m going to live and sustain my dream and I’m here living nonchalantly like 50 isn’t fast approaching. Guess you could say I’m still in the test and trial period so why am I worried. Well, I’ll be 49 this year and time is running out!
Side Note – As I was writing, God reminded me of what I asked for. Last March, as I was sitting at my desk working my butt off, I looked out the window and saw this bird singing. At that moment, I told God I wanted to live as free as a bird, and as clear as day He told me I could. Three weeks later I resigned from my job. Ever since I’ve been living this carefree, basically, euphoric life. He gave me exactly what I asked for but for some reason I keep trying to find fault in it. Maybe, I don’t have to work my butt off trying to figure out how I’m going to support my dream. Maybe all I need to do is leave it in God’s hands while enjoy life.
Note – After I write this blog, I’m going to leave this matter alone because I get the feeling that I’m disrespecting God’s gift every time I bring this up.
Y’all, I’m feeling much better now that I got that all out. Life is really good. Just had another “Aha!” moment. Have I been subconsciously searching for ways to self-sabotage my dream? Would I do that to myself? Hmm.. Something to really think about.
Anyhoo.. thanks for reading and following my random thoughts. Sometimes I just need to get it all out into the universe. I’m so grateful for this space. God is so amazing!
Wishing you an amazing week!
Shaun
Today, I am sending prayers, love, light and positive vibes to all who are experiencing sadness, depression, heartache, pain and grief. Today, my heart aches with you. Please know that you’re not alone. You are loved and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love Always,
Shaun
Manifestation: the act, process or instance of manifesting (to make evident or certain by showing or displaying)
Manifestation. Have you ever thought or spoken (written or verbally) something into existence? If you have, then you know it’s like one of the most thrilling experiences ever (even the negative ones). To be able to see what you put into the universe manifested, is pretty amazing.
Yesterday, director, Matthew A. Cherry, took a picture in front of a billboard with his tweet from June 2012 stating, “I’m gonna be nominated for an Oscar one day. Already claiming it.” Well, in February 2020, he actually won an Oscar for the animated short, Hair Love. It actually happened, to include a little extra (the Oscar)! YAY!!
As a young child, I only heard about the negative side of manifestation. My mom always warned us to be cautious of the things we said because they could come true. She had witnessed it and gave examples. I don’t know about my other siblings, but after hearing her stories, I was always mindful of what I said, especially when I became upset.
Well, as I got older, I began to notice positive things could happen.. or I should say, I became more aware that I could actually think, write or speak things into existence. I know it sounds weird, but it’s true. The kicker is – 1) nothing ever happened as imagined; 2) nothing was ever intentional (always a random thought); and 3) I never saw it coming. There are tons of examples I could give but I’ll only give a few (smile).
The very first major moment I can recall is getting orders to be stationed in Germany. I remember as clear as day sitting in the park writing in my journal asking God to take me far away from home. I was sad and depressed and just wanted to get away. If you have been following me for a while, you know I am very random and spontaneous. Well, one morning I woke up, took out a phone book, found an Air Force recruiter, scheduled an appointment and the rest is history. Nothing was planned. Nothing was contemplated. Just done. Well, during basic training, I was asked to select up to five bases where I preferred to be stationed (my dream list). Although I said I wanted to get away from home, I chose stations that were within a 5-8 hour radius. You know, wanted to be close enough to travel home often but far enough away so that no one could just pop up unannounced.
That was what I wanted. But the joke was on me. Y’all, God really does have a sense of humor and WILL give you what you ask for. When I got my orders, I was asked if I wanted to go to the United Kingdom or Germany. Y’all, I was devastated! I wanted to get away but never wanted to go that far. Since I had taken years of French in high school, I chose Germany because it was close to France. Two weeks after I left basic training, I was in Germany. This all happened – from me writing it down to arriving in Germany – in less than 6 months. That was my first major moment of manifestation.
A few other big moments were – me saying I was going to have my first child at 21, and did; saying that I was going to get married before I was thirty and have my 2nd child at thirty (got married at 29 and had my son at 30); also writing a list of names of people I really wanted to meet and meeting the top two – Marcus Samuelsson and Leah Chase at the same event three months after I wrote it down. There are so many more moments I have experienced that have been just as exciting and rewarding. Maybe one day I’ll share them in a book. Of course it will happen spontaneously. Smile
Y’all, my life is very interesting. To be honest, it seems like the things I randomly think, speak or write actually happens, and the things I’m intentional about speaking or writing rarely happens. I’m not sure why, but that’s how things happen for me. Honestly, my most rewarding experiences have happened after I have randomly thought, spoken or written about them, and have always happened unexpectedly. And y’all, I love it!
I am not sure what will happen next. Can’t even remember if I have thought, written or spoken about anything in a while. Right now I’m just living, being present. Hmm… an “Aha” moment. I am already living in my manifestation. Wow! It is nothing like I imagined, but I am here.. in it! Guess I needed to write it all out to see it. Can’t say it enough, God is so good!
Thank you for reading and please enjoy your Sunday!
Shaun
Something NEW for 2022!✨
So, around 2:00 AM this morning, I got this idea to create a TikTok account to document my adventures. Basically, to document my travels, food and fun (actually selfies – smile). As usual, once I get a creative idea in my head, I have to act on it no matter how tired I am. And that’s exactly what I did! And y’all, I’m tired!
At 2:00 AM, I decided to create a new TikTok account for It’s Shaun’s World and rename the current one, Shaun’s Daily Inspiration. The NEW It’s Shaun’s World will now house documentaries of my adventures.
For years I have watched and followed culinarians like Marcus Samuelsson, Guy Fieri, Adrian E. Miller and the late Anthony Bourdain travel the world and document their culinary experiences. Secretly, I always wished I could do the same. Well… I can! Imagine that! I have everything I need to get started. One thing this pandemic has taught me is that life is too short to continue sitting on the sidelines waiting for the “right” time to get started, when the “right” time is NOW! Here’s my introductory video.
Before I end, at the beginning of every new year I choose a word or phrase for the year. This year’s phrase is, “Unapologetically Me.” Last year, on November 14, 2021, Bishop T.D. Jakes told us to mark the date on our calendars as the last time we would apologize for being who we were. Since I have always considered myself quirky, when he used the term quirkiness, I knew the message was for me. Immediately, I began separating myself from people and situations that made me want to apologize for being myself. Since making those changes, I can honestly say it feels good to be me! I no longer feel intimidated or less than. Now I feel free to create.
Okay.. let me end this and take a nap. If you didn’t see my previous blog, I would like to wish you Happy New Year! Enjoy 2022!!
Shaun
Yesterday, as my kids and I opened gifts, I could not help but smile as I realized I received what I wanted. No, it wasn’t a man. Smile. It was what I have always longed for, but until yesterday, had not been able to fully articulate. The one thing I have always wanted is to be loved the way I love. To be loved unconditionally. And yesterday I felt it. It’s not like my kids have not always loved me. However, I always felt incomplete because I believed I needed the love of a significant other. Shaking my head – those crazy, yet wonderful, fairytales. Smile. Well, yesterday, their love was enough. I felt complete. Ironically, I don’t need the love of a significant other to feel complete. I already have everything I need. Imagine that! Y’all, it feels like someone flipped a switch from incomplete to complete. Life is so funny. Advice – don’t bother trying to understand it. Believe me, you will never figure it out.
Oh.. one of my gifts was a new suitcase. I screamed like a little kid when I saw it. My kids know me oh so well. I guess they are preparing me for my next chapter. It’s almost like they are kicking me out the nest. All smiles. I’m ready!
Also, one of my sisters got engaged, yesterday!!! I am so excited for her! God is good!
Thanks for reading and please enjoy the rest of the holiday season!
Shaun
It’s Shaun’s World 
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