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)