Being Selfish is My Mode of Operation From Now On....

I just left the hospital yesterday. I had a minor procedure done (lady stuff). I’m healing and resting. Although the circumstances weren’t favorable, I found the blessing in the storm. I know for sure that one of the purposes of these circumstances was for me to get some much needed rest. I’m currently being selfish, and it feels so good. For the first time in a while, my mind and body are still. And it only took me having to go to the hospital for that to happen. Wow.

I’ve been saying for the last few months that I needed some rest, but I wasn’t following through. After I resigned from my job in December, I wanted to hit the ground running with my freelance career. My mind was steady racing everyday about everything I needed to do. I feared that if I gave myself a break, I would miss a lucrative opportunity. I was doing my yoga in the morning and all the meditative stuff, but sometimes I would even rush that to get to my work. Subconsciously, I began to carry that familiar guilt on my shoulders that almost every black woman bears - the guilt that we must be superwoman to every problem and everyone except our needs and ourselves. I don’t know how I began to feed into this notion because I try my best not to subscribe to that “black women should be strong all the time and keep going no matter what” crap, but there I was…lying in the hospital bed (enjoying the silence and hospitality might I add) and thinking, “Yup Sam, God had to sit you down so that you can understand that it’s time for you to become a little more selfish.” I heard God, and I’m taking heed.

“Taking care of yourself is taking care of others.” My 96-year-old grandmother uttered those words to me out of the blue this past summer while I was sitting on her plastic-covered couch, squinting at her 32-inch television. I now feel those words deep in my soul. I love to work and will continue to grind…but at my own pace. Wealth to me is good health, a flexible schedule, and peace. I’m giving myself permission to ignore calls and delay responses to emails and messages when I need to. I will extend myself even more grace and will allow myself to take whatever I need to off my plate to remain sane. I will feel the strength and confidence (instead of weakness) in saying “I won’t be able to do that right now…or never.” I will have however many lazy moments I need. I will take the time to sit and read a book without thinking about what else needs to be done. I will give myself a moment (if not more) out of each day to be selfish, and I will not beat myself up about it. This is my creed, and I will refer back to this post when I need to. Peace and blessings, y’all.

Selfishly,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Vintage Leather Coat // Heels (Steve Madden, old) // Skirt (Free People, old) // Top (Zara, old) // Sunglasses (vintage hand-me-downs)

Photo Credit: 87 Photography

Recognizing My Power...

It’s January 7th, 2021 at 11:39 a.m. I’m writing this blog post from the comfort of my kitchen table. As I sip my water and nosh on my King Cake, I’m in a state of calmness. Ironically, Nas’ classic song, The World is Yours, is seeping through my Bluetooth speaker. I chuckle. His words match my sentiments. I’m reveling in the fact that there’s an apparent shift happening in the universe, and I’m 100% positive that I am on the right side of that shift.

Of course the buffoonery that was displayed yesterday at the U.S. Capitol showed us what we already knew…white privilege is alive and well. But through all the pandemonium, my understanding of just how powerful my people are became even more apparent. Those terrorists where not only acting out of stupidity, they were acting out of cowardice. They are scared. They are scared that the nation they worked so hard to steer in their direction is slipping right from under their weak palms. They are scared that more of us finally woke up, and that the power we as black people showed in this last presidential election and in Georgia will be exercised from here on out. Although yesterday wasn’t a laughing matter, I couldn’t help but smile. I smiled because my power is so persuasive, my voice is so resounding, my vote is so critical, it brings the demonic spirit out of suckers, it rallies the positive activists, it puts officials in and out of government seats, it changes the political trajectory of racist states, and it gives hope to future generations. With this much power, there is no need for me to wait for life to go in my direction. I can get what I want, when I want it, how I want it. I come from brilliant people, and with the technology and resources I have at my finger tips - I should be doing it bigger and better than they did. All I have to do is tap into the power that lives right in my spirit, and I will.

Recognize the power you have, and use it wisely. Continue to flourish, continue to heal, continue to use your talents for your benefit and then for the greater good of our community. It’s our time y’all….let’s make our foremothers and forefathers proud.

Walking in my power,

- Samjah Iman

Photo Credit: 87 Photography

Outfit Details: Floral Turtle Neck // Wide Leg Pants // Purse

Life Update: I Want To Live Today

Quick Story: On November 18th of this year, around 2 pm, I received a text informing me my good friend had transitioned from this life. I couldn’t believe the words on my phone screen. I read them over and over. I just talked to my friend on that Friday (Nov. 13th) so I figured someone, somewhere, had something mixed up. I decided to call his phone to let him know the foolery I had just received on my phone. He didn’t answer. So I texted him…no response. Then after about an hour or so of being in denial, his best friend called me to confirm what I didn’t want to believe. My friend had left the earth at the age of 35. I couldn’t grasp what I just heard. I kept saying out loud, “huh??” I got up from my desk to close my office door so no one would walk by and notice the sunken look on my face.

After gathering myself, I opened the files on my computer. I searched for a particular document I had been pondering on for a while. I was going to give this document to the powers that be at the so-called appropriate time. But after receiving the news I had just received, I realized that for this matter, there was no better time than the present. I edited the date and then printed my resignation letter and marched it right into my supervisor’s office. I’m stepping out on faith…again.

I told the story of my friend’s passing not because I need your expressions of sympathy. I’m doing just fine and with time I will be even better. I wanted to share that story with you all so that you too can be motivated to live for today. The time is now to do whatever is in your heart. I’m not saying quit your jobs. I’m saying LIVE…however that looks to you…just do it. Do what you have to do as a responsible adult, but make sure you top that off with what you want to do as well.

On another note, I haven’t talked to you all in about 2 1/2 weeks so I’ll catch you guys up on some of what I have been doing. See below.

What I’ve Been Listening To: I decided to take a trip down memory lane and pull out Erykah Badu’s Mama’s Gun album. The album is celebrating its 20th birthday so what better way to pay homage to this thought-provoking art than by listening to it. The more I play the songs, the more I realize it was meant for me to revisit this album. It is speaking to the times I’m currently in. On one of her songs titled Time’s A Wastin , Erykah smoothly sings, “Keep on drifting…ain’t no telling where you’ll land.” That line adequately describes my current journey.

On the podcast tip, I’ve been revisiting old episodes from Side Hustle Pro. I love hearing the stories of women who are side hustlers-turned-moguls. Listening to where they started and how they got to where they are now is the motivation I need at this moment.

Who I’m Currently Inspired By: ANGEL ANDERSON - owner of THE SPICE SUITE in DC!!! You have to listen to her story (here) if you haven’t already heard of her!! This girl is goals!! I love her style and how she fuses fashion and food. She never set out to start her business. It just happened, and it is absolutely booming!! I’ve been following her on social media for a while and it so gratifying to see her growth. Home girl will rock the cutest pair of tennis shoes or a fabulous fur coat while cooking up a colorful dish using a special blend of spices that came from Morocco or India! Check her social media out here. You will not be disappointed!

What I’ve Been Working On: I’m currently working on my mindset. I want to control my thoughts as much as possible. Everything begins with a thought so therefore I’m creating abundance in my mind and letting it manifest into reality. Watch me work.

What I’ve Been Reading: I’m currently reading Party of One: The Loners' Manifesto by Anneli Rufus. It’s kind of slow so it’s taking me a while to get through it. I may put it down and come back to it. I got the news a week or so ago that one of my favorite authors, Sista Souljah, is coming out with the sequel to The Coldest Winter Ever (one of the best books in the world!!). I CANNOT WAIT! Life After Death will drop around March 2nd. YESSSSSS!!!!

Quote of the Month: What is possible and not possible is not your business. It’s nature business. Your business is just to strive for what you want. - Sadhguru

Let’s Live Y’all

- Samjah Iman

Photo Credit: 87 Photography

Outfit Details: Vintage Sweatshirt // Beret (old, similar one here) // Boots (kinda similar ones here)

You've Got to Fill Up Constantly

Listen…..I cannot afford to miss any meals on any day. And if I do miss a meal I get grouchy, I get a headache, I get weak, and even light-headed. I am not the type that can eat one time a day and be content. I need breakfast in the morning, a snack after that, lunch, another snack, then another snack, dinner, and another snack. I don’t play when it comes to feeding my body because the consequences are too much to bear when I don’t do it. And it’s the same when it comes to feeding my soul and mind.

The other day my mother and I were talking about a situation that caused her to go all the way off. When she came back to her usual, collected self she said, “See….that’s why we need to be fed positivity constantly. We just can’t feed our spirit on Monday and expect it to fill us up for the entire week. We’ve got to continuously feed our spirits.” I started amen-ing and clapping like I was on the front pew in the church house. Because if I don’t know about anything else, I know about feeding myself constantly. And whether it be food or spiritual motivation, I need it around the clock. Because just like I suffer the consequences and have mood swings when I’m physically hungry, the same thing happens when I’m spiritually and mentally hungry.

When I go a long time without eating, I’m more tempted to eat junk food or anything in sight just to quiet my growling stomach…..the same thing goes when I’m spiritually and mentally starving. If I’m not feeding my mind and spirit healthy content or inspiring art on a regular basis, my mind and spirit become more susceptible to negativity which in turn produces an unhealthy environment internally.

There are so many positive messages and videos plastered all over the internet and social media. I absolutely love this…..but what’s missing are the messages that tell people they need to ingest these positive/spiritual materials habitually. You can’t listen to a motivational video one day and expect it to get your mind right for the next three months. That’s like filling a car up with gas one time and expecting it to never need gas again! You have to fill your tank up on a consistent basis so that you are motivated to keep going, so that these positive messages become a way of life for you, and so that they can also act as a purgative that will prevent toxic messages from lingering in your mind and spirit too long. I’ve definitely been guilty of watching a spiritual video or reading a motivational book then reverting back to my old way of thinking as soon as life threw me a curve ball. That’s when I learned that feeding my soul and mind could absolutely not be a sporadic thing. I have to feed those aspects of myself the same way I feed my stomach….constantly.

Look ya’ll….life doesn’t let up, so we shouldn’t either. There’s more than likely a new chip waiting for the perfect moment to perch itself comfortably on your shoulder very soon. So make sure you take the time to pull over today and fill up on some motivation. Don’t wait until your tank is on E….at least keep it half full.

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Top (old, H&M) // Flared Jeans // Sunglasses (sold out, similar here)

When I'm Consistent, The Universe Responds

I'm often asked what my end game is.  When I'm introduced to people, and we discuss our passions/careers, they always end up asking me what I would like this blog to ultimately turn into.  About a month ago I linked up with some accomplished colleagues who enthusiastically discussed their future entrepreneurship "end game" plans while we ate lunch.  Everyone took turns revealing their blueprint to success, and when my turn came to discuss my "end game" I simply said, "I don't have one. I'm just doing what I love and floating."  Of course that wasn't the answer they were looking for, but it was my truth.  I didn't and still don't have an "end game."

After the lunch encounter, my mind became occupied with the whole "end game" situation.  I was thinking that maybe I should have some sort of plan for this blog and my fashion.  Yes I love writing/reading and wouldn't mind being an editor/content manager for a popular magazine one day.  I also love fashion and wouldn't mind becoming a buyer for a savvy clothing brand as well; however, I wouldn't consider the aforementioned aspirations my "end game" goals.  I called my loved one to discuss the "end game" plan thing, and as I was talking, it came to me....I said, "you know what, scratch this whole convo, I don't have to search for an "end game" goal, it'll be revealed sooner or later."  

“When I’m consistent, the universe responds.”

— Samjah Iman

The growth of this blog had a lot to do with me being consistent and having a true affinity for my work - and in turn, the universe opened up many doors.  When you do what you are passionate about doing just for the sake and love of doing it, good things will eventually come.  This theory is tied to the whole "you get out of it what you put in it" truism.  I truly believe that if you are continuously sowing good seeds, doing the work, and putting positive energy in the atmosphere....good things will come your way and your "end game" goal will eventually fall in your lap.  When you love and nurture something, it has no choice but to grow.   

“Everything I’ve done has grown simply from refining and cultivating it as opposed to aiming it in a particular direction. ”

— Nesby Phips

I'm discovering day by day that it's okay to not have an "end game" plan all the time.  I remember Oprah once saying to just do what you love and the money will come.  Those words have sat in my pysche and heart forever.  I live by them.  As long as I continue to put my soul into my work and be as consistent as possible, I won't have to chase the "end game," it will find me.  

Trusting the process and letting the universe do its thing,

-Samjah Iman

Side Note:  I got this dress for a Girl Boss Dinner in Nola.  I was in need of cocktail attire, and I didn't want the ordinary look.  I contacted Washington Ave because I knew they would have a funky, unique vintage ensemble that I would like, and they did!  Shoes available here.  

A 70's Look + A Message to Life

Hey my people!  I'm back with a 70's inspired look that is perfect for your spring wardrobe.  Check it out below!   

I've been away from the blog for a few days, but I'm back and ready to style and talk.  These last two weeks have been kind of hectic, and life is currently trying to see what I am made of.  It's trying to figure out if I will fight or run, stress or stride, sit down or stand up.  Well...life must not know 'bout me.  Because my boxing gloves stay ready, my heels were made for walking (some of them lol), and I got too much to do therefore sitting down is not an option.  I got something up my sleeve for life.  Do you?

Peace and Blessings,

- Miss Warrior

Outfit Details:  H&M Blouse (in stores) // H&M Flare Jeans (one pair left here) // Vintage Purse (Shopvintagebowtique - Instagram) // Shoes (Aldo - sold out).  

Photo Credit: twoclipz@gmail.com

Flower Child

“You a flower child, beautiful child, I’m in your zone. Looking like you came from the 70’s on your own.”

— Drake

The outfit above is what I would have wore to Beyonce's Soul Train-Themed birthday bash if my invitation wouldn't have gotten lost in the mail.  As most of you know I love the 70's fashion era; therefore, when I saw this shirt on Styled By Rish - I immediately felt connected to it. 

This top (or dress) fits right into a Bohemian/70's category.  It's perfect for a festival or those laid back, fall days when you are trying to achieve a "free spirit" look.  To complement my top, I threw on my old, knee-high boots because #1. I'm so ready for boot season, and #2. My boots make the top work as a dress and adds to the Bohemian/70's vibe.         

If you love flowing, comfortable tops - this one is for you.  Trust me when I say this shirt will get plenty of wear because it is so easy to style and versatile.  Get yours before they are all gone!

Love, Peace, and Soul!

- Samjah Iman

Respect the 70s

Although I am deeply in love with the era I was born in - the 80s - the 70s seemed so freaking cool.  I can picture myself kicking it in some dark, smokey club with this outfit on while men are swarming around the place talking jive, afro puffs are in full effect, and Al Green is blasting from the speakers.  The fashion from the 70s era intrigues me.  I love how the clothes were tailored to everyone's body during that era and how the outfits were simple but eye-catching. 

Flared jeans are pushing their way back on the scene.  The H&M jeans I'm wearing in these pictures have the right amount of stretch in them, therefore they hug the bottom perfectly - like a pair of 70s jeans should.  Tying my blue jean shirt up and adding some platform shoes to the mix definitely gave my outfit that 70s look.

Oh, check out my vintage Gucci purse!  This was an awesome Christmas present that was purchased from @Bells_Boutique_ (Instagram).  This boutique has all kinds of vintage designer bags (authentic) for excellent prices - my type of boutique.  

Outfit Details: Fitted Denim Shirt // Flared High Jeans // Aldo Booties (old) // Vintage Gucci Purse - @Bells_Boutique_

Are you digging 70s fashion?  Tell me your go-to 70s piece below. 

- Samjah Iman