The Art of Waiting...

I consider myself a pretty adventurous, bold person to say the least. I’ve moved to another state with no job before. I’ve jumped on a stage and talked in front of hundreds of people. I’ve quit an eight-year job to live out my passion. I’ve started businesses. I’ve even traveled to foreign places by myself. It’s funny that I had/have the courage to do all those things and more, but when it comes to WAITING - I sometimes fall short.

If there’s something in my life that I’m waiting on whether it be extra income, a business to jump off, a house, new this, new that - I find myself getting pretty impatient and trying everything to make sure it comes to pass. I sometimes feel like I’m not hustling hard enough or looking for opportunities in the right places. But as soon as I shake that feeling, step back, and let everything unfold on its own - I’m reminded that letting go of a situation is just as valuable as working hard for it. It’s the divine intervention aspect of the process….the part when you allow a higher power to intervene.

“With waiting, comes learning. ”

— Unknown

I often notice that when I’m NOT looking for something, I find it or it comes to me. And when I’m looking super hard for something, it’s nowhere to be found or if I keep looking hard enough, I end up finding the wrong thing. This is where the art of waiting comes in.

Once you’ve made your needs and wants clear and have done everything in your power to bring those needs and wants to fruition, the best thing to do after that is nothing. Surrender, trust that it will all work out, then move on to the next thing. Taking your hands off a situation that you can no longer control is saying that you trust the Universe/God to work everything out accordingly. Waiting not only builds faith, it sets you up to receive exactly what’s meant for you to have.

While everyone is telling you to turn your hustle up since it’s October and there are only 90 something days left in the year, I’m telling you that if you’ve done all you can do, then wait. What’s meant for you will come to you.

Being still,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Green Jumper // White Boots (Urban Outfitters…sold out) // Vintage Dooney & Burke Purse

Be Still

The other day while in yoga class, the instructor gave us a set of poses to do.  After we completed the poses, she directed us to stand still.  During the standstill pose, I started fidgeting, looking around, I scratched my nose, wiped sweat from my forehead, etc.  Observing me and my other class members' constant movement, the instructor reiterated to the class, "stand still."  I scratched my nose again.  She went on to say to the class, "the hardest, yet most beneficial pose in yoga is standing still."  The light in my brain turned on. 

I've always had a problem with being still.  I have to constantly be doing something in order to feel like things are moving.  However, I'm in the process of learning that sometimes I have to possess enough faith and patience to just be still.  Practicing stillness allows me to calm my mind and spirit, lower my stress levels, be more present, appreciate the moment, and it also recharges my batteries. 

I read somewhere that resting is one of the most spiritual things a person can do.  I wholeheartedly agree with that statement.  Resting or being still is a way to let go and let God, honor ourselves, the precious moments we are given, and the hard work we do.  When we are constantly on the move, stress tends to creep up on us which in turn causes us to overlook chances to be grateful and to be in awe of the beautiful things happening around us.  Therefore it's healthy for us to step back for a second, breath, and just be still. 

Enjoy the rest of the week and Happy Mardi Gras and Valentine's Day to those who celebrate it.  I hope you all will add being still to your list of things to do this week.  We all work hard and deal with so much; therefore, we must take a minute to honor ourselves and be still.

Peace and Blessings,

    - Samjah Iman

Outfit Details:  Dad's Cap // Patent Leather Booties // Distressed Jeans (designed by me) // T-shirt (old) // Leather Bag

Essence Festival 2017 Street Style

Essence Festival has come and gone and I took full advantage of it! I got to see some great performers, I covered some cool events, and met some creative individuals.  In addition to attending all the events, I also hit the streets to capture some style.  Check out what my camera caught below.  Enjoy and be inspired!  

I got a chance to meet and take a picture of Solange in her store!! She's definitely a dope individual!

Have a wonderful week!  Talk to you all soon!

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman