Sometimes I Sits and Thinks and Sometimes I Just Sits...

When I was a kid, I remember being so frustrated with my mother because I felt like she didn’t sit down enough. There was always one more chore to do, one more meeting to be at, or one more errand to run. Big P (my mother) would be moving in and out the house doing 12 things at once while I observed her in exasperation. I would get so fed up from watching her jump from one thing to another that I would spring up from whatever I was doing and say with passion and concern, “Momma, why won’t you just sit down?!” My little soul was disturbed by her hastiness, and I didn’t understand why she couldn’t just drop everything and take a moment to chill……then I became an adult.

Here I am 30 years later wondering why I just can’t sit the hell down sometimes. It’s like I feel guilty when I have free time, and I find myself trying to fill it with something. Before I started writing this blog post, I was thinking of at least five things I needed to be doing at the moment. I called my mother and started rattling off the things I wanted to accomplish today but could not because of inclement weather. Then I said, “I just can’t sit here and do nothing.” To that statement, Big P replied with the following quote: Sometimes I sits and thinks and sometimes I just sits (some say this quote is from Winnie the Pooh, some say otherwise). She then reminded me of the times I used to ask her to just sit down which was basically her smooth way of saying, “Sam, take your own advice.”

Sitting and doing nothing is so underrated in today’s society, yet it’s such an essential thing to do. I’m the one who creates the goals and finish lines in my life yet and still I’m rushing like I’m on someone else’s clock. I sometimes get so caught up in societal standards that I find myself jumping through hoops and going super hard just to feel like I’m keeping up. Yes I have things to do and goals I want to see come to fruition, but I also have a spirit that needs tending to as well. If I don’t take the time to reflect and do absolutely nothing, I won’t be able to give my goals 100 percent and most importantly, I won’t be able to hear from God.

I’m challenging you all, as well as myself, to take some time this week to just sit and think or just sit. Let’s make sure we are giving ourselves the space to be productive as well as the space to be rejuvenated.

Happy sitting,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Cliff Multi Snake Sneakers and Fanny Pack // All-in-one White Romper

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

Keep Going

Hey loves.  I'm back from Denver, and I would be lying to you all if I said I'm ready to rock and roll.  I'm actually mentally drained.  I feel like laying in the middle of the floor on my back and staring blankly at the ceiling.  These days it seems like life is a pitching machine and someone turned the speed dial all the way up.  As soon as I catch one ball, another one is coming - fast.  

While in Denver, I got the chance to see my 97 year old great aunt Thelma who lives by herself and still drives daily.  While conversing with Thelma, my mother asked her to bestow some words of wisdom upon us.  Thelma hesitated then spoke in her loud, thunderous voice, "Well Pam, I would have to say....keep going.  No matter what comes your way, keep going.  Get up in the morning, toast the toast, turn the coffee pot on and keep going."   

Even though my mind is weary and the floor is calling my name, I will keep going.  I will rest when I need to then get back up and keep it moving.  Now if you all would excuse me, my tea pot is whistling and my toast is done.  I got things to do and people to see.  

Good day folks!

- Samjah Iman

I Quit

I walked in my house and slammed the door behind me.  My shoulders immediately dropped from exhaustion, yet relief.  I was finally done with another lengthy day of drawn out meetings, chatty co-workers, and repetitive emails.  After eight tedious years of being employed at this place and finding my passion within that time frame, work was starting to feel severely unfamiliar.  It felt like I had been invited to a sophisticated all white soiree, and I showed up late - clad in black from head to toe.  I was out of place.  I didn't belong.  Although the work day was behind me, I cringed at the thought of returning to the same old routine the next day.  Something had to shake.  I began drawing the blueprint to my escape plan from my job.  I eventually settled on a six month strategy that would give me enough time to seek out employment elsewhere.  Unbeknownst to me, while I was sketching my plan out, the Universe had its own plan already set in stone.  I was gone from my job two weeks later. 

Before leaving my job, my mother and I fasted and prayed for guidance.  Towards the end of our fasting and praying journey, I received some insight from my spirit.  It felt like a pound of courage had been strategically placed in my gut.  I experienced an "ah-ha" moment.  I thought to myself, "If I'm miserable, no one else can change that but me.  I am in control of my life." On that following work day - with no full-time job to go to, a part time writing gig, unshakable faith and a little money in my savings to hold me down - I walked into my job with my head held high and gracefully submitted my two weeks notice.  If I've never felt proud of myself before, I was damn sure bursting with pride on this day.  For I had my big girl panties on, and I was twirling my destiny in my hand ever so stylishly.  It was a day I will never forget.  

It's been two weeks since I've turned the page to my next journey, and I'm admiring my new found bravery.  I've been writing more for my other gig and exploring other promising opportunities as well.  I'm not sure if this will be my full entrepreneurial sprint, but if I do get another job it will definitely be one that encourages and enhances my talents.  I will no longer work a job just to get a paycheck.  Life is too short for mediocrity.  

By no means am I telling any of you to quit your jobs and follow your passions.  This is my faith walk.  You have to run your own race and do what is in your spirit.  However, what I am telling you is to act like you know and understand that you are in control of your destiny.  You have the power to change any situation in your life that isn't nourishing.  The ball is in your court.  What's your next play?

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Dress by Candiedgirlboutique.com

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