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Fear Won't Govern My Life

April 22, 2019 by Samjah Iman in Style

This past week I had a minor scare at my home. I love natural light, and I spring up each morning looking forward to opening my curtains, allowing the sunlight to occupy my living area. Well on one particular day, a deranged looking, Peeping Tom walked by and decided to stop and press his head against my window to get a closer look at the happenings in the Queendom. After discovering me staring right back him, he quickly walked off; seemingly embarrassed. But not too embarrass to return and do it again…..and again! When I saw him lingering in front of my window for the third time, I quickly sounded my alarm to scare him. I then called my parents to let them know the deal. My father instructed me to close the curtains, cock my gun, and send the signal when I’m ready for him to come my way. For the next few days after that I was kind of spooked. I was on high alert. I could already picture myself going to war to defend my territory and ending up on the 5 o’clock news (my mind does the absolute most at times). The fear of what could possibly happen began to paralyze me. I didn’t want to linger outside too long, and I was hesitant about opening my curtains - afraid of what would be lurking on the other side of the window.

My father called to check on me each day and when he did, I told him that I was okay but I didn’t want to open my curtains or be outside too long which was unfortunate because I absolutely loved my neighborhood. Before I could finish going on and on about how startled I still was, he stop me dead in the middle of my sentence and said, “naw Sam….that’s what you don’t need to do. Don’t give into fear or allow your life or routine to be interrupted because of this….live normally.” As soon as he said those words I felt the gangsta in me permeate my pores. I stood up from my couch with confidence and said, “You’re right Daddy! I’m not about to let my fear, this incident, or any other traumatizing situation that has happened in my life, cripple me. I will go about life normally and be prepared for whatever comes my way.” From then on, I relaxed. Yes I’m still acutely aware of my surroundings, the gun is still loaded, the police are on speed dial, and I don’t open my curtains as wide as I did before (small steps), but I’m carrying on with my regular day to day activities like I ordinarily would. I step outside daily with a calmness as if a ruthless army walks before me (and it does….my ancestors are a beast!). It seems as soon as I made the decision to face my fear head on….something incredible happened - my fear vanished. And ya’ll, I did all that stressing and haven’t seen that man since lol.

I thought about how many times I’ve rearranged my routine or life in the past to avoid something or because I feared the outcome. Not anymore. What I’m constantly learning is that most of the fears I’ve conjured up in my head haven’t and probably won’t come to pass.

“Whatever you fear the most has no power - it is the fear that has the power. ”
— Oprah

I remember my mother once saying to me, “When you’re not afraid to fail, it frees you.”, she was on point with that one. Because all fear does is immobilizes us and keeps us from living the fullest life we can possibly live.

Whatever fear is holding you back from doing whatever it is you need to do, face it. Square up with that fear, show your gangsta, and don’t let it have dominion over your life - and in most cases, you’ll find that you’re way more powerful than any fear you’ve ever had.

Picture Credit: Jay Marie Visuals

Outfit Details: Top // Pants (old) // Heels (old similar pair, here)

April 22, 2019 /Samjah Iman
samjah iman, all white looks, All White outfit ideas, motivational blog
Style
23 Comments

Fancy (and Comfy) in Adidas

August 14, 2016 by Samjah Iman in Style

I'm really learning how to make this fashion thing work to accommodate me and not the other way around.  I remember a few years ago, I wasn't too concerned about being comfortable; just cute.  Fast forward to now, and I almost always make sure I accomplish both in everything I wear and do.

I recently attended White Linen Night in New Orleans.  This is a cultural event that involves art, food, all-white fashion, and music.  For this event, I made sure I complied with the all-white fashion request (BeBe Dress (old) and white choker).  I also made sure I was cool (hence the fan I got from the Dollar Store) and comfortable (my Adidas).

It seems the more comfortable I am, the more my style flows.  Fashion is not only about how you look, it's also about how you feel.  Keep it cute and comfy!

P.S. - Please keep the residents of Baton Rouge and surrounding areas in your prayers everyone.  A lot of people here are in desperate need of some love, peace, and blessings.

xoxoxo

- Samjah Iman

August 14, 2016 /Samjah Iman
samjah saulsberry, samjah iman, style blog, style & energy, Style and Energy, style inspiration, Adidas, tennis shoes and dresses, all white looks, All White outfit ideas, white linen night nola, white linen night fashion
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White Linen Blazer, HM Linen Shorts

A White Affair

May 30, 2016 by Samjah Iman in Style

I went home for Memorial Day Weekend to see my family and to attend an annual white party given by the Traveling Tigers (a RV club of Monroe, LA) in support of the Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation of Monroe, LA.  My original plans were to sit in my place all weekend, rest my brain and catch up on the TV show Blackish.  However, my friend and mother insisted that I join them at the party.  I said to myself "Why not go? I can rest my brain while I'm driving."  My last minute commitment to this event meant that I had to do some last minute shopping which was right up my alley. 

In a hurry to piece an all white outfit together, I purchased an off white, linen/cotton blazer from Gap and paired it with some white, linen/rayon shorts from H&M.  I threw on some nude Steve Madden ankle pumps (old) and proceeded to the party to let my hair down - and let my hair down I did.  See below. 

Gap Linen Blazer, H&M Linen Shorts, Steve Madden Nude Ankle Pumps

Mommy dearest and big brother.

The band played one of our favorite songs by the Isley Brothers - For the Love of You.  It was only right we showed the band our appreciation for their excellent music taste by two-stepping. 

The effects of the Crown Royal began to kick in at this point. 

The Crown Royal totally took over.  

I had the most fun that I have had in a while at this party with my family and friends.  It's good to let loose every now and then.  Unwinding and enjoying life makes working hard even more purposeful.   

Hope you all enjoyed your Memorial Day Weekend.  Thank you to the soldiers who fought and died for our country.  Have a bomb week everyone and thanks for stopping by.....I'm grateful (and hungover). 

Cheers!

- Samjah Iman

May 30, 2016 /Samjah Iman
Gap Linen Blazer, HM Linen Shorts, White Party, Samjah Iman, samjah saulsberry, All White outfit ideas, all white looks, all white party, white fashion, Traveling Tigers RV Club of Monroe, Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation Benefit
Style
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