Tag: wisdom

Life

Wednesday Writings

Shaun Bradford

Since Monday, I have been debating on whether or not to write about the late, and most definitely great, General Colin Powell.

Monday morning I woke up feeling wonderful! Had posted my quote for the day – CHANGE begins with me. Then I saw the news – “Colin Powell has died . . .” Y’all, I was not prepared for that news. I know.. death is always unpredictable. I just wish I’d had time to gather and control my emotions before I saw the news. You see, I was already preparing for the 2nd anniversary of my brother’s death, which was yesterday. I knew whose comments and posts to avoid on social media. I had already psyched myself up to be as upbeat as possible this week. Then, I saw the headlines. I couldn’t stop crying. Honestly, I felt like I had lost a very close loved one. The hurt was deep.

So, why such strong feelings?

Well, there are people I admire and then there are those I ADMIRE. He was one of the ones I ADMIRED. He was someone I truly wanted to meet. When Kofi Annan (late Secretary General of the United Nations) died, I had the same reaction. Y’all, I just knew I my heart that I would meet him. The only person I got to meet, who I really admired, was Chef Leah Chase. I was also sadden by her passing, but found comfort in knowing that I got to have a one-on-one conversation with her. I got to tell her how much I admired her. I also walked away with words of inspiration. That’s something I will always cherish. Sadly, I will never have that opportunity with Kofi Annan or Colin Powell.

Today, there are only a few on my list of people to meet. Honestly, I would be devastated if one of them passed without me at least shaking their hand or letting them know how they have inspired me. I really have to stop putting things off thinking that there will always be other opportunities. The reality is life is short and seems be be getting shorter. Whenever the opportunity knocks, I need to go for it!

In honor of General Colin Powell I’ll leave you with this, his 13 rules of leadership (Colin Powell’s 13 rules for how to lead by Share America):

1. It ain’t as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.

2. Get mad, then get over it.

3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.

4. It can be done!.

5. Be careful what you choose. You may get it.

6. Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.

7. You can’t make someone else’s choices. You shouldn’t let someone else make yours.

8. Check small things.

9. Share credit.

10. Remain calm. Be kind.

11. Have a vision. Be demanding.

12. Don’t take counsel of your fears or naysayers.

13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.

Rest in Power, General Colin Powell
It was an honor to have served under your leadership and command. You will be missed.

Shaun

Life

Wednesday Writings

Shaun Bradford

Hey y’all! I almost forgot that today is Wednesday.

Everything is good here. This week has been pretty busy. Which is a good thing. Today’s blog will be very brief.

Here is an excerpt from a journal entry written on September 15, 2017:

I am a conqueror. I was placed here for a reason. Everything I’ve been through, and the dreams I’ve had, are preparing me for something greater.

Remember, you too are a conqueror and was placed here for a reason. SHINE!

Shaun

Life

Wednesday Writings

Shaun Bradford

A few years ago, a question was circulating on different social media platforms – “What advice would you give your five year old self?” The answer I gave then, is still the same today; however, I would add:

Be patient with yourself.
Allow yourself to make and learn from mistakes.
Take more leaps of faith.
Save more.
Invest more.
There’s going to be this thing called social media. Learn to manage it, don’t let it manage you.

Here’s what I originally shared back in 2017 (I believe).

What would I tell my 5 year old self?

You’re going to have some good days and some bad days. Sometimes you’re going to feel like giving up, but you won’t. You’re a survivor. See every moment as an adventure. It will help you through the tough times. Don’t be afraid to take chances. Don’t settle for less than what you want and what you’re worth.

You will always be a little different than others. You’re unique. Embrace it! Travel. Love. Have fun. And ALWAYS put God first. He’s so awesome. The things He’s going to allow you to experience are going to blow your mind. Girl, just enjoy life. And guess what? I love you.

What advice would you give your five year old self?

Shaun

Life

Wednesday

Shaun Bradford
Positive vibes only!

So today I decided to share another Facebook memory. I’m not sure what was going on at the time but it seems as if I was fed up with negativity. I’ll just say this, once I started distancing myself from negative people and situations, my life became so much more peaceful. Today, when negativity rears its ugly head, positivity rushes in like a superhero and Knocks It Out! No lie! I’m smiling as I write because I couldn’t say this five years ago, which is when I wrote this post. Listen, when I tell you God has put in some work over the years, believe me. I’m sooo loving my new life!

May 19, 2016

Just thinking about life.

Trying to get people to see things differently is very difficult. If a person had a negative experience with a person, place or thing, it’s almost impossible to get them to see anything positive about any of those things. So do you continue to encourage them to be positive or just leave it alone? Negative people (myself included) and situations are exhausting! Whenever I feel myself becoming negative I try to remove myself from whatever is causing the negativity. Those vibes are contagious!

So to answer my question- Do you continue to encourage people to be positive or leave the situation alone?. Well, I’m learning to let people be. Whatever that person feels is on them. If they enjoy negativity, they enjoy it. I’ve learned to accept who they are, which has made my life so much easier. My opinions are mine and theirs are theirs. Life is too short to be stressed over things and situations only God can change. But ALWAYS keep praying for them! Be blessed~

Listen, keep those negative vibes away from you. As I said, they’re contagious! I pray you have more positive experiences than negative ones. Whenever you feel yourself becoming negative, please find a way to distance yourself from whatever is causing the negativity. You deserve a positive life.

Have a blessed day!

Shaun