Adjustments

The weather here in Louisiana does whatever the hell it wants to do. One day you’re pulling out your shorts and sandals in anticipation of a festival, and the next day you’re wrapped up like rice and beans in a burrito. Just this past weekend I was rocking leggings and a top sans coat, and yesterday I had on almost every clothing article I own in an effort to block the chill. Even though this unpredictable forecast makes it hard to plan ahead when it comes to outfits, I don’t complain. Because being a life-long Louisianian, I’m used to the inconsistent weather (especially during this time of year). And as I was turning off my air conditioner (once again) the other day preparing to adjust to the cold, I thought about how such is life - adjustments.

I no longer wait for life to adjust to me, I adjust to it. If life throws me a little more than what I ask for, I get a bigger glove to catch it all. If life wants to take its time, I slow down and rest right along with it. Not adjusting to life’s shenanigans and going against the grain when everything else around you is changing is like refusing to wear a coat in 20 degree weather because you’re mad the temperature dropped…a total unnecessary struggle.

Making adjustments is a part of life. They aren’t always easy to do, but in order for us to get to the next level, we must constantly adapt and adjust. In most cases I’m faced with two choices when a situation arises- I can either complain that it’s happening, or I can adjust my vibrations/position/attitude to adapt and move forward. Of course the complaining won’t get me anywhere, but the adjustments eventually will. Because with each adjustment comes a little more strength, a little more perseverance, and a little more wisdom. It’s just like playing chess or a sport. If your opponent (life) makes one move, you don’t just stand there and complain because they did it, you make a move too. And the more moves you make, the better you get. And the better you become, the more victories you’ll have.

“The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.”

— John Maxwell

Adjusting,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Top (Zara, in store only) // Jeans // Hat // Mules

Photo Credit: 87 Photography

Asking Myself This One Question Is Changing My Trajectory

I read a particular article not too long ago that totally gave me a “wow” moment. This simple article was about a lady who was seeing a therapist because her marriage was on the rocks. She was distraught and confused about her situation until her free-spirited therapist (as described in her article) asked her this one question….”What would you do about this situation if fear wasn’t in the equation?” Immediately after the sentence left the therapist’s mouth, the lady said she knew exactly what her answer was and what she needed to do. My mind was consumed by reflection after reading that article. I thought about how fear is the focal point of a lot of decisions being made or not being made. I then asked myself, “Sam, what would you be doing right now if fear wasn’t a part of the equation?” Listen…..I came up with about 20 different things without even thinking twice.

People are always talking about how fear is the reason most aren’t achieving their grand goals. But what’s not often discussed is how fear possibly governs even the smallest situations in our everyday lives. To put it plainly, some of us are basically scared of rejection, outcomes, and consequences not just regarding the major things, but the minor things as well. For instance, sometimes we won’t say what we feel because we are afraid a person will stop speaking to us or take our feelings the wrong way. Sometimes we won’t make that call because we are scared the other person won’t answer. Some of us are scared to rest because we fear someone will outdo us or something won’t get done so we work ourselves to death. Some of us are scared that life won’t turn out how we want it to so we rush into doing things. Some of us are scared of not having enough of whatever we need so we become physical and emotional hoarders. Some of us are scared that others will think the worst of us so we put up fronts. Fear is taking the wheel in a number of situations in our lives, and it’s time to pull the car over and switch drivers.

After reading the article, I incorporated that question into my everyday actions. When a dilemma arises, no matter how big or small, I ask myself what I would do if fear wasn’t in the equation. In most situations, the answer comes to me faster than I can blink. Asking myself this simple, yet powerful question has helped me discover more of my truth. I now know the main reason behind some of my actions and setbacks. And now that I know what the exact issue is….the real work is about to begin. Because knowing what you need to do is one thing, actually doing it is a whole other (and baby, that’s an entire post for another day…whew child).

Negating Fear,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Flannel Shirt (Walmart) // Adidas Biker Shorts // Socks // Dr. Martens

Photo Credit: 87 Photography