Breaking Up With "Shun".

This piece includes scripture references that are optional, but encouraged if you don’t mind referencing the Holy Bible. 
 
Breaking up is hard. Breaking up with a job, a person, or habit is a very difficult process that could leave trails of grief, confusion, and even anger. In 2024 I’ve tried to break up several times, but I’ve found the undertaking to be challenging. How do I explain what is happening to others? What will people say or think? As I have said before, at the end of the day, the day has got to end…and so does my relationship with the Shuns.
 
On August 19, I started my day listening to a podcast from The Table with AO. The notice of the new episode dropped into my inbox on August 16, but I knew this was one I wanted to be attentive to, so I saved it. Two “Shuns” presented themselves simultaneously and unexpectedly.
 
Procrastination (Read Hebrews 12:11 in your preferred version of the scriptures). If you’re new here: Hi. I’m La’Kendra and I am a professional procrastinator. This was the first “Shun” I experienced listening to that podcast I previously mentioned. Procrastination - in my simple definition - is delaying the completion of a task. Since I can recall, I have been a procrastinator in many areas. I tend to say things like “I do my best work under pressure”. Or “you know diamonds need the pressure to be their best”. And because I kept receiving A’s on those late night papers, I believed this was true. I’ve matured enough to know that I did good work under pressure, but it was never my BEST. Friend, the truth is when I took my time to study for an exam, properly plan out my writing (not applied to a single blog post) and even put laundry away immediately it is just better. It feels better to have completed something knowing that I really gave it my very best and not just a half-hearted effort. Let me admit, this has been the hardest Shun to break up with! I keep going back to it like a drug. Which is a great un-planned segway to….
 
Addiction (Read Galatians 5:16 in your preferred version of the scriptures). (Before I go in, for those who are fighting addictions to drugs, alcohol or other harmful substances or behaviors, I pray you will seek out and find the help you need so you may be released from these things.) I wish I had healthy addictions. I wish I was addicted to salads that only had natural ingredients and non-creamy dressings. I wish I was addicted to water. I wish I was addicted to exercise. That is NOT my portion. I believe we are all addicted to something. I don’t know if there is a secret sauce to this Shun but have resolved that the key for me is to have as many healthy addictions as possible. In my head, more healthy addictions will cancel out my bad ones. That is La’Kendra-Math, and I don’t really suggest you subscribe to how I think. Nevertheless, I do believe it is wise to consider what addictions you have in your life and if they are healthy for you. If it is unhealthy, I highly suggest breaking up with this Shun.
 
An honorable mention goes to: Hesitation (Read Genesis 19:26 in your preferred version of the scriptures). The Shun that tries to hold us back from greatness. Hesitation kept me from blogging again. It said, “Nobody wants to read what you have to say!” Hesitation may be keeping you from starting your business or going back to school or trying a new hairstyle. Hesitation tends to grow from fear and can keep us stuck in a place or mindset we don’t want to leave. Don’t be like Lot’s wife. Leave hesitation this very moment and don’t look back!
 
Conviction (Read James 4:17 in your preferred version of the scriptures). A Shun we all need so don’t break up with this one! This is what some of you felt reading the previous paragraphs (sips figurative tea). It settles down when we are confronted with the truths behind our actions or inactions. Conviction is that feeling of “I should have…” and usually shows up after the fact. Now let me clarify… “I should have cussed him/her/them out…” is not quite what I’m talking about HERE, but I acknowledge that is a real thing and for another day. This Shun springs forth from not doing what thus says the Lord (for me). The podcast I mentioned at the beginning convicted me about my eating addictions.  It made me think twice about having an apple fritter I had JUST purchased. I still ate the fritter, but I promise I was convicted while I chewed! I believe conviction connects your heart and brain in a moment of “we know better than this”. Like, I literally think my heart looks up towards my brain and says “Now, B…” and my brain is like “Before you even say it, you’re right”. What have you been convicted about recently?
 
Let’s reflect: Can you relate to any of these Shuns? How are you breaking up with it/them? 
 
Finally, friend, unlike a podcast, I don’t know if anyone reads my blogs until you reach out. I’m not phishing for numbers. However, if you did read this, please share your feedback with me! If anything I have shared resonated with you or you felt conviction, please share the post with others!