Sunday – Page 29 – It’s Shaun’s World

Hello Sunday

July 31, 2022 Shaun Bradford

Obedience: Compliance with an order or request.

Obedience. For the past few days I have been seeing and hearing the word “obedience” everywhere. Even read a past journal entry this morning that referenced obedience. From past experience, I know that when something rings this loudly in my thoughts and surroundings, it’s a message. And to be completely honest (transparent) obedience is something I have been struggling with lately. Not necessarily being obedient to God now, but thinking about past requests for obedience that I obeyed and am now feeling somewhat out of place. However, the flip side of actually following through with the request is I feel more free and at peace. Weird, huh? Here’s an example.

Moment of Transparency:

One of my most recent struggles has been with Twitter. If you have read any of my past blogs over the years, you know that I have multiple accounts on multiple social media platforms. I know it may seem odd to have so many accounts, but for me, it’s my way of compartmentalizing the content I share. To me, it just makes sense to have multiple accounts. Anyway, I have had this one Twitter account for a little over eight years now that I have been struggling with letting go. The message I have gotten from God over the past few years has been to let it go, but for some reason, I can’t completely do it. Maybe it’s the memories, the connections, the friendships (virtual friendships) or the history that has me attached. Giving it up feels like I’m giving up a piece of me or eight years of memories. And y’all, the only thing I was asked to do was to log off. I wasn’t asked to delete it, just log off. Simple, right? Not really.

Well, at the end of last year, I was finally obedient and logged off. I did great for a while. Then a new movie came out that I really wanted to tweet about but couldn’t because I was no longer on that account. Although I shared a few tweets from one of my other accounts, it wasn’t the same. And y’all, my shows were getting so good! All I thought about was tweeting, but couldn’t. Talk about agony!

Honestly, logging off was one of the best things I could have done. It was so freeing. I felt so much lighter. What I didn’t realize then, which I do now, is that I was addicted to that account. Not Twitter, but that particular account. I couldn’t function without constantly checking it. Even when my mind wasn’t thinking about tweeting, my finger would find the Twitter app, open it and mindlessly scroll down my timeline. Y’all, it was really bad! And I know what had me addicted. It was the constant interaction and feedback I received; and when I didn’t get it, I would feel ignored or rejected. So I would tweet until I got the response I desired. Ha! Can’t get any more transparent than this, right? (Smile) Listen, I was a mess. I had to log off. It was so necessary. Y’all, my mental and emotional well-being was in jeopardy!

A couple of months ago, I decided to log back on to start sharing my quotes. So far things are going well. Confession– I have shared a few tweets outside of my quotes but I haven’t engaged in any tweeting activities. Yesterday, I was reading tweets that had been shared on Instagram. One post encouraged followers to LIVE tweet during the shows, which was something I used to do. Y’all, there’s nothing like LIVE tweeting. Anyway, after seeing the posts, I began feeling sad because I missed the action. I missed the conversations. I missed my people. I was so tempted to go back and pick up like I never left. But I couldn’t. Y’all, I never want to feel that weight of addiction again. It was too much!

Obedience. Fortunately, I can say the only thing I actually lost from being obedient was the addiction. The true connections and bonds I made over the years, as well as the memories I’ve created, still remain. Grateful

So, that was just one example of a recent struggle I’ve had with being obedient and releasing something. I also struggle with being obedient and receiving things. Now that’s the big one!

Well, this is all I have for today. Thanks for reading and enjoy your day!

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

July 24, 2022 Shaun Bradford

You

WILL

Win

That’s the blog for today. You WILL win! Despite your current situation or how hopeless things may appear, know that God has you covered and YOU WILL WIN! Believe me, God has a way of making what seems impossible, possible.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

July 17, 2022July 17, 2022 Shaun Bradford

“God knows exactly what you need even before you know you need it.”

I wrote this two years ago. As always, my Facebook memories are so timely. As I shared in last week’s Wednesday Writings, something is changing. Something has changed. I can’t quite explain the feeling because I’m not exactly sure what it is that I’m feeling. I thought it was empty nester’s syndrome but it’s so much more. Honestly, I have never felt this way before. It is not a bad feeling just an uncomfortable one. It’s like I’m entering a different space, a different dimension. Kinda like when you go to a new school or move to a new city or state (or country) and nothing’s familiar. Physically I’m in the same place. However, mentally and spiritually (because it’s beyond mental) something has changed.

Today, I needed this reminder that God already knows what I need as well as where He’s taking me. I have to trust Him completely. My job is to keep showing up. Amen

Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts and feelings. Wishing you a wonderful week!

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

July 10, 2022 Shaun Bradford

There is a season, time and place for everything. Our hearts beat with rhythm. Life is a rhythm. A rhythm that eventually has to come to an end.

R.I.P. Larry Burns. I pray that your rhythm ended on a high note.

Shaun

Life

Hello Sunday

July 3, 2022 Shaun Bradford

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

Hello Sunday

June 12, 2022June 21, 2022 Shaun Bradford

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.

Mushroom and scallion quesadilla topped with avocado, pico de gallo and sour cream. Also has bottles of Tapatio and Cholula pictured.

Lemon basil raviolis topped with shredded parmesan and a medley of sautéed veggies (mushrooms, green beans and multi-color sweet peppers) and chunks of sautéed chicken breast.

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