Tag: Wednesday

Life

Wednesday Writings

Shaun Bradford

Lately I’ve experienced bouts of loneliness even with my kids in the house. I’m not sure if I’m bringing it on myself or if it’s happening naturally. Sadly, all I think about is what’s to come. Pretty soon I will only have to care for myself and this makes me feel lonely.

This weekend I attended a fundraiser, then treated myself to lunch. For years I have eaten alone, traveled alone, gone to the movies alone and never felt lonely. But this weekend I felt lonely.

Everything seems to be happening so fast. One minute I’m with my son 24 hours for months without a break (virtual work and schooling for almost 2 years). And I loved it! Now he’s preparing for graduation and college.

The other day I was telling my daughter that I’ve only felt this way once and it was when I was pregnant with her. I had just moved from Germany to Florida and didn’t know anyone. It was just me and my baby bump living alone. Didn’t have a phone and when I got one, I couldn’t make many long distance calls because it was expensive. Oh.. and it was a while before I could purchase a car. Had to walk to work or depend on someone else for a ride. Outside of work, it was just me. I was alone and I felt it. Which is something I never want to feel again.

Fast forward to now. I have a phone but hate using it for talking. I’m a texter. I’m not into pets or people that need constant attention. I don’t like hanging out. However.. I know this sounds weird.. I do like attending events and conferences and socializing. Not sure why. My kids know me so well and are kind of like me. We love our space. We love our quiet time. However, we also love having long, thought-provoking conversations as well as singing, dancing and cooking together. Oh.. and we text each other all day long! I really do love my mini-mes.

Anyhoo.. I know I’ll be just fine. I just need a minute to adjust.

Thanks for reading! Wishing you a wonderful rest of the week.

Shaun

Life

Wednesday Writings

Shaun Bradford

Life is moving right along and I’m moving right along with it. I’m happy. I’m blessed. I’m grateful. I’m humbled. I’m content. I’m at peace. And I’m loved.

As I’ve said before, I’m truly loving this space I’m in. According to my journals, it’s taken me decades to get here, but I’m finally here. And it’s such a wonderful feeling! I don’t ever want to go back to where I was or the way things were.

As the song says, “This joy that I have, the world didn’t give it to me… This peace that I have, the world didn’t give it to me. The world didn’t give it and the world can’t take it away.” Amen

Thank You, Lord, for guiding me through the tough times. For giving me hope when I was hopeless. And for granting me peace like no other. Amen

Thanks for reading! I pray that you’ve also found peace, contentment, love and joy. Be Blessed

Shaun

Life

Wednesday Writings

Shaun Bradford

My nephew shared a quote this morning and the words ring true.

“Everything you now do is something you have chosen to do. Some people don’t want to believe that. But if you’re over age twenty-one your life is what you’re making it. To change your life, you need to change your priorities.” – John C. Maxwell

He also added that due to social determinants it may be difficult to change your life. However, I’ll add, it is not impossible. Sometimes this means making sacrifices (changing priorities) so that you can live a better life – mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as well as financially.

I’ll end with this question–

Are you presently making changes to create a better life for yourself (see meaning above), or are you content with where you are?

Me – I’m making changes.

Thanks for reading and please your day!

Shaun

Life

Wednesday Writings

Shaun Bradford

“Everyone has their own road to travel,” is what I wrote a few years ago. It seems like the older I get the more evident this becomes. No matter how much we want things and relationships to remain the same they won’t. Life is constantly evolving. Everyone has their own lives with their own set of dreams, goals and problems. And of course I have mine!

My world is finally opening back up and it looks totally different from the way it looked pre-COVID. I’m not afraid of what the future holds. However, it saddens me that things are no longer the same. As many of us have experienced, change – positive or negative – can be difficult to accept and adjust to, but it’s so necessary.

On this day three years ago, I wrote: “Reflect, Regroup, Refocus.” Never have I felt the need to do this as much as I do now. Change is inevitable and it’s happening right before my eyes. The only thing that has remained constant, and will always remain constant, is God’s presence and love. And you best believe I’m not letting those go. Nope! I’m leaning on Him even more.

Thanks for reading! Enjoy your day.

Shaun

Life

Wednesday Writings

Shaun Bradford

Seems like this has been one long month; or rather, this month has been one long week. Honestly, it seems as if the hours and tasks have been never ending. I believe I have done more this month than I’ve done in an entire year, two years even. Maybe it’s because things are opening back up, or because I’m finally getting back out. Probably the latter.

I’m not going to lie, it feels good to socialize again. Didn’t realized how much I needed to be around people other than family. I’m a people person. I love meeting people and holding random conversations. So getting back out felt really good. I actually felt like I was living again.

Well, with that said, “living again” has also been very draining, physically as well as mentally. In certain environments I have been able to socialize mask free; however, COVID-19 has always been at the forefront of my mind. Are they vaccinated? Where’s my hand sanitizer? Where’s my mask? Why are they not wearing masks? Social distance, please! Whew, it’s been a lot!

I guess you can say from here on out it’s back to business as normal but with precautions. This coming Saturday my son has another campus tour. Meaning we have to be around people. Then, next week, I have another conference to attend. Which means even more people. Yeah.. no more bubble for me. It’s back to business as usual.

Thanks for reading and please enjoy the rest of your week!

Shaun

Life

Wednesday Writings

Shaun Bradford

It’s been over two years since I’ve been to an in person conference. Although I’m excited to see everyone, part of me wants to remain in my bubble. Y’all, this bubble has become so cozy. I used to love networking and socializing. Lived for it! Now, I only desire quiet, intimate gatherings. Twenty is plenty. I’m pretty sure once I see everyone my attitude will change. However, at this moment, the only thing I’m looking forward to is my hotel room. My how things have changed. Laughing. Guess I better suck it up. I’m attending another conference in two weeks.

Shaun