Positive People Have Negative Moments

It happens.  Positive people aren't always optimistic.  We are humans, and all humans experience doubt at times.  I had an overwhelming moment the other day.  I tried my best to hide it, but it seeped through my pores and came bursting out through my emotions.  I couldn't hold it in any longer.  After my vulnerable episode, I thought about what my mother once said to me when I was young and in the middle of performing one of my Oscar-worthy, crying fits that I was infamous for.  There I was sprawled out on the floor like someone had attempted to take my last breath and my mother came in the room, casually leaned on the door and said, "I'm going to let you have your moment, but after the moment, get yourself together."  I was astonished.  I only have a moment to throw my fit???  Okay....so I got the fit out of my system, then went on like the day was never interrupted by my childish antics. And to this day, that is my method.  Throw the fit (privately), get it out of my system, then get myself together.  

Yes, we positive people get in our heads and feelings at times, but the difference between us and negative people is - WE DON'T WALLOW IN IT.  We have our moments and in the midst of our moments, something in us says, "wait a minute, this is not how we operate."  And then we immediately correct our thoughts and redirect energy.  Being a positive person doesn't mean life won't catch you off guard.  However, when positivity is your mode of operation,  you will always go back to that place.  Think about it, you can put clothes on a dog and he or she will wear them for a while, but at some point, most dogs begin to roll around in the clothing in an attempt to get out of them.  That's because their default setting is that of a dog.  This should be the same with a positive mindset.  Life can throw us things that will make us go absolutely crazy, but if positivity is our default setting then we will eventually bounce back into that mode. 

So whatever negative moment you are having or have had, let it be.  Just make sure you get yourself together after that moment.  Get back to your default setting. 

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Vintage Floral Jumper // Heels

Photo Credit: @brukavin.visuals

Organic Mask + Courage

Selah Organic Skin Care

Get Like Oprah...

I woke up yesterday morning and looked at the clock which read 5:00 a.m.  I instantly got an attitude because I had just looked at the same clock 30 minutes ago and it said 1:30 a.m.  I don't know if it was daylight savings or someone stealing time but 5:00 a.m. came too soon, and on this day I wasn't having it.  So I turned on my back, looked at the ceiling and declared that I wasn't doing any work that day.  I was staying in the bed until about 12:15 p.m., and then I would binge watch all the shows I've missed. 

Content with my spontaneous decision, I turned on my radio to get a little news and laughter from the Tom Joyner Morning Show.  When I turned the radio on, Tom was interviewing Oprah Winfrey about the season two premier of her television series Greenleaf.  I was listening to how perky Oprah sounded for an early morning that I was not fond of.  Then with her bubbly voice she said, "Tom, I'm out here working like the rent is due!"  I laughed along with Tom and the crew.  Then I abruptly stopped laughing.  All of a sudden I felt like that joke was on me.  "Hold on, I can't afford to be laughing at/with Oprah," I thought.  "If she is out here grinding like her rent is due, then who am I to be chilling in this bed like my rent isn't?" 

I then got out the bed, got my mind right, and hit the ground running that morning.  I was reminded that hard work doesn't stop for those who want to reach certain heights.  You get back what you put out.  And if OPRAH is still putting out tons of effort, then I have no excuse.  

I know we all get tired at times (and we should take a break every so often), but if we keep going during those difficult times then we will only build endurance.  So the next time we feel like stopping, let's remember - Oprah is still out here working like her rent is due and it probably isn't.....but most of ours really is.  Let's get like Oprah.

Peace and Hustle,

- Lil Oprah

Prepare for the Fight

In continuing my message I posted on Monday, I thought I'd share some insight that I received from Bishop TD Jakes about two or three weeks ago.  During one of his sermons I caught on YouTube, Jakes preached that life is a fight, and God is our sparring partner which means He is training and equipping us to win the fight.  I thought about what Jakes was saying and a light bulb popped on in my head.  Instead of wishing that I won't have to fight life all the time, I'll go into it ready for the fight.

I'm not looking for a break anymore.  I'm prepared to work hard for whatever I want.  I was talking to my friend Fish Plate (funny story how he got this nickname) about the recent events and the message I received from Bishop Jakes, and he said something that was real.  He said, "Everybody wants to be Oprah and have Oprah's money, but no one wants to experience and live through the struggles Oprah dealt with before she became Oprah."  This is so true because we often look up to millionaires and stars and wish we had their lives, but we never know what their fight was to get where they are. And you better believe that each person we look up to has had or is having some type of fight - that's just life.  

“Don’t want to do the dishes, just want to eat the food. ”

— Unknown

There is always going to be challenges in life.  Traffic will be heavy, our bank account will be missing some zeros, people will be mean and bias, unqualified people will become presidents of countries, the hot water heater will stop working, it will cost a lot to start a business or go back to school, our gas tanks will be low, girlfriends and boyfriends will leave, husbands and wives will disappoint, the brakes will go out, the car will stop running, the computer will freeze up (this is a sure way to make me run up and down the street screaming), the boss will ignore our accomplishments, blah, blah, blah, blah. Shit happens.  Many people will experience all these things and feel like God has not favored them.  This is the furthest thing from the truth.  God is actually training us for bigger fights to come because it doesn't get easier my loves, it gets harder.  The more successful we become the more responsibility we will have - and that's when we'll really have to scuffle. 

“Mo money, Mo problems. ”

— Notorius B.I.G

I stopped complaining about every little thing that was holding me back and started mentally preparing for the hurdles.  In the past, I knew they were coming but was hoping that God would spare me.  Now I know they are coming, and I use the strength that God has equipped me with to knock them all down.  Do I get tired of fighting?  Yup.  Do I feel like I have lost at times? Of course.  But I will not be defeated because I've got things I want to accomplish.  I will not let life get in the way and have me waking up one morning with regrets.   

Life won't let up - so we can't either.  The more we fight, the stronger we will be.   

So here's to life - Moma said knock you out.

- Samjah Iman

P.S. - I've been jamming to a Tribe Called Quest's latest album.  It feels good to have some music with depth to listen to.  So far I'm digging We The People, Kids, and Melatonin.  I will continue listening to discover more songs. 

How to Face Failure, Obstacles and Detours With Grace by Chela Mitchell

Life will have its challenges, and there's nothing we can do to prevent them.  However, we can decide how we approach and deal with those challenges.  I was reading my girl's blog (chelamitchell.com), and I came across an article she wrote on how to face failure in a more positive way.  Click here to check the article out and take heed.

“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.”

— Charles R. Swindoll

Happy Hump Day!

- Samjah Iman

The Five Musts

Happy Hump Day!  I wanted to share some motivational/insightful information to carry you through the rest of the week.  Some time ago I read a book by John Assaraf titled The Answer.  This book touched on how to grow a business, achieve financial freedom, and live an extraordinary life by applying the law of attraction to your world.  The law of attraction simple means reprogramming your conscious brain to envision positive things for your life.  The more you envision these positive things, the more your subconscious brain is changed.  As a result, you will automatically work hard towards what you believe you should have, and positive things will come.  

In this book, Assaraf lists five key elements that must be in place in order to achieve major success.  Check them out below.  

• You must find something that stirs your soul.
• You must become excellent at it.
• You must recondition your mind to believe you can have it and achieve it.
• You must understand how to make money at it.
• You must take daily action. 

I wrote these five things down and have carried them with me since reading this book.  I read them over every so often to keep them at the forefront of my brain.  When I took them out to read them last week, I thought sharing them with you guys would be cool.  Take heed and believe!  

- Samjah Iman

The Maturation of Samjah Iman

We made it through another week! 

Last week got kind of challenging for me, but I gave it my all.  I didn't complain though because it's all about becoming the fearless woman I am meant to be. I welcome challenges because they equip me for this journey I am on.  Below are three things I took from last week that I will share in hopes to inspire you as well:

1. Let it go - This is a lesson I am constantly learning everyday of my life.  I once read a quote that said "The world is won by those who let it go." - Lao Tzu.  Now to me this quote doesn't mean do nothing.  It simply means give it your best then give it to God.  This upcoming week I will give each task and situation my all, then set it free for the universe to work its magic.  

2.  Embrace growth - Growth can be uncomfortable at times but necessary.  The only constant thing in the world is change, and if you don't change you don't grow.  When you grow as a person, your art (or passion) is broaden.  You see the world differently.  We must read more, explore new things, socialize and hear new perspectives.  It helps us to sprout mentally.  I am making a vow to embrace change and growth which will inevitably expand my art. 

3.  Stay true - Make sure you can look yourself in the mirror every day and be comfortable with the person you are staring at.  I will embody authenticity in everything I do, think and feel.  This strengthens my sense of self and clears my conscious.  "The key to failure is trying to please everybody." - Bill Cosby.  Please yourself!  This makes you happy and everyone around you happy as well. 

Have an awesome week everyone!  Enjoy the journey, let it go, embrace growth, stay true and keep the faith! 

- Samjah Iman