“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!
Seems as if the atmosphere is shifting and it’s shifting at an extremely fast pace. Maybe it’s only in my world. I do have a lot going on. Well, what seems like a lot at the moment. Most of it is related to transition. I’m transitioning from a full-time caregiver/parent to as needed. At the moment, I’m not really sure how to cope with this awkwardness. Of course I have plenty of things to work on and keep me busy, but socially there’s a void. There’s a void that I’m not exactly sure how to fill. It doesn’t make it any better that I no longer have coworkers or work in a public space. I’m a very social person but even being on social media is different. The connections don’t provide the same feelings as in person connections. They don’t fill the void.
Y’all, I’m just thinking as I write. I know in an hour or two I’ll feel differently. However, at this very moment, I feel alone. Crazy part is, I don’t want to text, call or video chat, I need physical, human interaction. I need to feel their energy (positive only). I’m tired of going to the store just to see and interact with people. Yes, I strike up conversations with random people. I know that I can always volunteer, but I want to be around people who don’t need me. I want to be around people who want to socialize. Even if we’re only watching a movie or in the same space. Guess I need to be more careful about what I put out into the universe because the last place I want to end up in is jail. Lol. I kinda scared myself with that last statement– watching movies or just in the same space with people. Whew! You never know how the universe will answer.Gotta be more careful. Anyhoo.. I really have to figure this one out.
Well, that’s as much as I feel like writing. Thank you so much for reading. Enjoy your day!
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:
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!
Two days before my 49th birthday! YAY!! This week, I decided not to post any pictures. Been focusing on other things, so I haven’t been very photogenic. But, I guess I could have used one of my favorite filters. (Laughing)
Anyhoo.. I didn’t intend to write about taking pictures or my birthday. I wanted to discuss “The Process.” During my morning scroll through my Facebook memories, I came across one of the first quotes I shared, “Focus on the PROMISE, not the PROCESS.” This got me to thinking about the last year. What’s had my focus, the promise or the process? Hmmm…
Honestly, I believe it’s pretty even. At different times, I have given one more attention than the other. Which, thinking back, was necessary. I believe when I originally wrote the quote– because I wrote it as a reminder to myself– I had become frustrated with trying to get my business up and running.
Side note: The downside of spontaneously resigning was trying to figure out my next move. Even though I already had a consulting business, it was for small contracts only. Something I could do on the side. My business was never set up to be my sole source of income.
So, at the time that I wrote the quote, I was feeling lost and discouraged. That’s when I had to encourage myself to focus on the promise and not the process. Had I focused on the process, I don’t believe I would have made it this far without returning to the corporate world.
Today, I’m not where I want to be with my business; however, I’m getting there. Over the past year, I have spent unnecessary money and time following rabbit holes trying to find my niche. If you have been reading my blogs for a while, then you have been on this journey with me. Y’all know I love EVERYTHING!! Yeah.. I’m pretty transparent about that. Y’all know I be all over the place so thanks for riding with me. (Laughing) Listen, life would be so boring if I just stuck with a plan.
Anyway, I promise you this ride is going somewhere. However, now instead of going 100 miles/hour, I’ve slowed it down to a steady 30 miles/hour. Also, I have cut back on the detours and side adventures. Just because that outlet mall has a few different stores doesn’t mean I have to go exploring. (Smile)
I know some of you may be wondering why I didn’t seek professional assistance from a business consultant. Well, I did. Several. The problem was, I had no idea of where I wanted to take my business. I was all over the place. At one point I didn’t even want to do anything nutrition related and it’s my profession. Honestly, I truly feel bad for wasting their time. They really tried to help. What I did gain was insight on how to narrow down my focus to providing a few services rather than trying to save the world.
Okay, back to the process. At this moment, I’m very much focused on the process. The promise is just too big to think about at this time. However, whenever I find myself becoming discouraged again, I’ll switch my focus. I now realize there has to be a balance between the two.
As always, thanks for reading and riding along. Y’all enjoy your day!
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.
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.
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!
Gift yourself grace. Be kind to yourself. Understand that you will not always get things right. Yes.. YOU are going to make mistakes. (Did you really believe you were perfect?😉) Be Blessed♥️ ~ Shaun
It’s Shaun’s World 
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