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)

It's the Little Things....Like a Subway Salad

Last week I had the honor of meeting a kind man who was recently released from prison after being locked up for 45 years (of course his sentence was too harsh for the crime he committed). He offered to share his story with me and a few other people, and I really couldn’t believe my ears as he laid out the awful details of his turbulent journey. “I believed I was going to die in prison. , he said. I lost most of my family while I was in there so when I was released, I had no choice but to sleep under the bridge for a while.” He went on to talk about how he eventually got back on his feet with the help of a local agency, and that he is blessed and optimistic that things will continue to get better for him. After he finished sharing his story, one of the listeners decided to ask the kind man what he wanted for Christmas. I just knew the kind man was going to say something like a bike, maybe a watch, a gift card, or something that would contribute to his new life outside of prison. Hell, if they asked me I would have surely asked for a vintage purse. But to my surprise, he asked for something that I would have never thought to ask for if I was in his position. “I’m extremely blessed, and I really don’t need anything. , he said. But if you would like to get me something….this may make you laugh…but….I’ve always wanted a Subway salad.” I felt humbled, sad, and extremely grateful all at the same time.

Just when you think you don’t have enough, someone somewhere else is wishing for the bare minimum. I sometimes find myself getting caught up in social programming which causes me to think that I need more….more money, more subscribers, more followers, more space, more clothes, more time, more this, more that. When in actuality, I have everything I need and then some.

“Needing nothing attracts everything.”

— Unknown

The conversation with the kind man reminded me to just be content. Peace comes from contentment, less stress comes from contentment, and more blessings come from contentment. As we go into this Thanksgiving holiday, let’s remember to appreciate what we already have. And if you find yourself being greedy or not satisfied with what’s going on in your life, remember those who would give anything to be in your shoes. Happy Thanksgiving my people!

Content,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Blouse (Zara, in store only) // Jeans (American Eagle) // Mules (Steve Madden no longer available)

Walking Like I'm Talking...

I’m in this weird/cool space where I’d rather be taking steps instead of talking about taking steps. I love to motivate people and be motivated, but at some point…we all have to trust in our abilities and walk it like we talk it. It’s beneficial to read all the self-help books, to repeat and write down affirmations, and to share and screenshot the inspirational memes from social media - but when are we going to actually show up? I’m not talking about the showing up that requires us to remain in our comfort zones. I’m referring to the showing up that forces us to go beyond our limits.

I proudly watched Kamala Harris stride across that stage last Saturday evening (to the sounds of Mary J. Blige!) as the US Vice President-elect. I was smiling from ear to ear as I sat in awe of the moment (black people, I am so damn proud of us!). I’ve been contemplating my next creative/career move for months now, and watching Kamala stand boldly before millions, donning a classic white pantsuit, got me amped. I didn’t get an “ah-ha” moment during her speech, and I’m still unclear about the exact direction I want to go in…but what her speech and presence did do was push me to want to take off. I’m going to just start walking towards my new season (whatever it shall be)…boldly and blindly. I have no idea where I will end up, I just know it’s time to move. It’s time to show my face and let fate do the rest. And the one thing I have a substantial amount of faith in is when I take the first step, the Universe will make way for the second.

Not living up to our full potential is a total disgrace to this current era we are in. We have more accessibility to the world and opportunities than we have ever had before; all we have to do is genuinely put ourselves out there and keep pushing. The other day I was scrolling on Instagram, and I saw someone promoting a book of Instagram captions that people can use under their pictures. AND IT WAS SELLING!!!!!!!!!!!!! I stared at the advertisement in amazement. If that didn’t push me to make some kind of move, I’m not sure what else will.

I think we (really talking to myself) have listened to enough podcasts, read enough “How To” books, and wrote down and posted enough affirmations. Of course it’s always good to soak up as much knowledge as you can, but now it’s time to implement that knowledge.

Let’s trust ourselves. Let’s walk the walk.

Strutting,

- Samjah Iman

In Case You Missed It - I took a little break from S&E to do some research (i.e. basically live life). Below is what I have been wearing while I was away. I included links to the looks that are still available. Talk to you all soon!

Outfit Details: Top (Zara - in store) // Boots

Outfit Details: Everything in this pic is old. :-/

Outfit Details: Dress (Zara - in store) // Boots

Outfit Details: Sweatshirt // Joggers (old) // Sneakers

I Quit - Part 4......The Journey Continues

Around this time three years ago I was reveling in the fact that I built up enough nerve to walk away from a job that I had nothing left to give to and that had nothing left to give to me. I don’t know if I ever went into detail on this blog about why I resigned from that 8-year position, but to make a long story short - my spirit was disturbed. Some of the people at the job made me uncomfortable. I wasn’t totally into what I was doing, and I carried the weight of the job on my shoulders all the time which caused me to be constantly stressed and out of alignment in my personal life.

I revisit this story about quitting my job yearly so that I can remind myself of my bravery and also see how far I’ve come. I’m in a much better space now than I was then, but my spirit is starting to slightly nudge me again…suggesting that I’ve gotten all I needed to get from the space I’m in, and it’s time to change course. There’s another move I have to make, and I’m not sure how or when I will do it. I’m not even sure what it is. I just feel in my spirit that it’s time for me to transition, and I’m going to obey that feeling.

A major lesson I learned as a result of walking away from that 8-year job three years ago is that one of the most unproductive things I can ever do in life is ignore what’s in my spirit. My spirit is my most sacred guide - it’s my inner God. And when I ignore it, the consequences are heavy. Peace is everything to me, and I will rearrange, erase, start over, open doors, close windows, sage, and do everything else to get it and keep it. I’m not sure where my journey is leading me y’all, but I will make this known - this time around, it won’t take me 8-years to surrender to what’s boiling inside of me. When my spirit says jump, I’ll be ready….and you guys will be the first to know where I land.

The rest is still unwritten…..

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: African Print Top // Gold Fringe Halo Necklace // Drawstring Shorts (similar pair, here)

I'm On a Podcast....CHECK ME OUT PLEAAASSSEEEE!

It was my first day of Film School at Howard University, and I was on edge. I was nervous about attending such a prestigious institute, nervous about meeting new people, and nervous about the shoes I chose to rock…were they stylish enough for this fashionably, progressive environment, should I have worn the boots instead? I had a million things going through my head and on top of that, my SUV was illegally parked outside of the building (parking spaces on campus were like black people at a Trump rally - few and far between). I was stressed. I wanted to drive back to Monroe, Louisiana and curl up under my momma, but I couldn’t afford the gas so I had to stay…..and I’m glad I did.

My HU experience afforded me the opportunity to not only learn some valuable things about my heritage as it relates to film, it also gave me the opportunity to meet the most incredibly, talented humans from around the world - one of those humans I’m referring to is Crispin Brooks. Crispin and I hit it off immediately when we met in script class. His Caribbean accent was so entertaining that I could listen to him talk all day. His bubbly energy enthralled me. We liked the same music, we loved to laugh, loved to talk about fashion, and we both shared the same nostalgia for everything 90’s. We became super cool. He often shared his dreams with our crew about returning to his island, Anguilla, after film school to create several media platforms to tell stories with an island flair - and he did just that.

After years of living our lives beyond HU we reconnected through social media, and he invited me to be on his podcast! I’m extremely honored that my HU brother thought my life journey was interesting enough to share with his audience. I had a great deal of fun doing this interview. I discussed my path to where I am now, and I talked about my views on fashion, life, and more. I would deeply appreciate it if my Style & Energy fam would listen to the podcast when y’all get the chance….oh and leave a comment on the podcast web-page if you’re digging it. Thanks a bunch!!!

Check the podcast out here….talk to y’all soon! Stay safe!

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Vintage Dress (found it in H&M for $10!)// White Pumps

Photo Credit: 87 Photography

Determined to Get the Waffle...

When I was a young kid, one of my favorite restaurants to dine at was the Waffle House (snobbish, right?). There was something about the smell of mop water mixed with fried bacon and constant chatter that appealed to my senses. I learned about the Waffle House through my father. The first time he took me there I was not only amazed by the atmosphere, I was also impressed by the fact that every worker knew his name. I had to get back to this place by any means necessary, and my father was the key. So over grits, runny eggs (his not mine), waffles, and overly-sweetened orange juice, I asked my father what the deal was on this restaurant, how everyone knew his name, and how could I be a part of this cult. He told me he comes to this particular Waffle House every Saturday around 7ish in the morning, and he’s been doing it for years. “For years?”….I thought to myself - “and I’m just now finding out about this slice of shabby heaven?” I wanted the waffle I was eating, the smells I was inhaling, and the conversations I was hearing around me to be a constant in my life. But 7ish in the morning on a Saturday was a stretch. So I kindly asked my father to consider changing his Saturday schedule to accommodate my late sleeping patterns. Of course he rejected that suggestion. He then told me if I wanted to go with him that bad, I’d have to be disciplined and wake up. I weighed my options. I then took another bite of my fluffy, golden-colored waffle…..and that was all she wrote. I was determined to do what I had to do to get that waffle every Saturday morning, and I did just that. I made it to the Waffle House that next Saturday, and a few more Saturdays after that. My determination outweighed any obstacles that posed as barriers…sleep (one of my favorite things to do in the world) couldn’t even hold me back from this goal.

A shift is currently happening in my life, and it’s time for me to make some moves so I’ve been searching my soul for motivation/discipline. As a result of soul-searching, this story came to my memory and reminded me of the tenacity and spunk that lives inside of me. I thought about how, even at a young age, I did what I had to do to get where I wanted to be. I thought about how hard it was to get up, but how sweet the victory (or the waffle) was because I did the hard part. So as I thought about this story, I reminded myself that when I want something REALLY bad, there’ s no stopping me. I set my eyes on the prize, make negotiations if need be, map out a route to get to the prize, then I put the pedal to the metal.

Sometimes we forget about who we are and what we’ve accomplished before. Every now and then we have to remind ourselves of the beast that lives within us. So the next time you stumble upon a roadblock or need direction for an endeavor, dig deep within yourself and pull some inspiration from a past victory. I bet you’ll get at least some of the motivation you need to pursue your next big or small thing. Now if y’all will excuse me, I have another waffle to go after.

Determined,

- Samjah Iman

Be safe y’all!

Outfit Details: Shoes // Top // Distressed Jeans (I purchased these jeans from Walmart and cut them up myself.)

Trusting and Flowing....

Just a little quick message…

Outfits below!

Sorry guys, I have no details on these looks. They are all old styles I pulled from the back of my closet. Anyway…..enjoy the time you currently have. Keep trusting and flowing….

Later!

- Samjah Iman

Five Ways I Stock Up on My Emotional Currency

I’m constantly evolving. I try each day to be my best self, and of course sometimes I fall short. I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m not going to hit the bullseye every single time, and I’m okay with that. As long as I keep working towards being the best Sam I can be, it’s all good. Life is a journey - it’s ongoing. We will forever be improving, learning new things, contradicting ourselves as a result of learning new things, and striving for greatness. Becoming the best you doesn’t mean you will get it right each time, nor does it mean you are going to be the perfect human being. It just means that you’re becoming more self-aware, and that you’re on a steady path of looking inward (checking yourself often) more than you do outward (blaming everyone/everything for your actions/emotions). Once I realized that becoming my better self is a constant practice, I relaxed. Things began to flow a little easier, and I was able to do the work without any pressure. I began to heal, display more grace and mercy for myself and others, and stock up on some much needed emotional currency. I’m no therapist or psychiatrist, nor do I have all the answers. I’m just a woman who has been blessed with wise counsel and lessons on top of lessons. And when I learn a lesson or receive some great advice from a trusting source, I feel it’s my duty to disseminate said knowledge so that others can be blessed as well - hence, Style & Energy.

I got some great feedback from my previous post, Can You Afford It….Emotionally. I’m truly grateful that I could inspire at least one person to take emotional inventory. It’s imperative that we stock up on our emotional currency constantly because life takes a lot out of us. Therefore, we must replenish what we’ve lost so that we can stay spiritually full.

In keeping my promise that I made in my last post, I’m sharing five ways I stock up on my emotional currency. Let’s dive into them below.

1. Heal

   I’m on a healing path. I’m learning to speak up when I’ve been wronged or confide in a trusting source about my traumatic incidents. And if talking is too uncomfortable, I journal about them. Any process that allows you to open your wounds and clean them out will definitely help with healing. When we don’t heal properly we tend to carry those unhealed experiences around with us piling one negative experience on top of the next. Pretty soon, we get to a weary and weighed down place because we are carrying too much. We have to not only say we are going to let go, but actually do it. Letting go surely doesn’t happen over night. It’s a process. But if we are truly dedicated to our healing, it’s a process we must work on daily. Another thing I do that is beneficial to my healing is forgiving myself. I rest in the fact that I only acted off the limited knowledge I had in the past, and as Maya Angelou said, “When you know better, you do better.” Therefore, I don’t beat myself up about what I didn’t know then. I just try my best to make good use of the knowledge I have now.

2. Feel

   I now embrace every feeling I have. I’m not faking the funk or hiding it. Ignoring or hiding your feelings only pushes them under the rug. And you better believe when someone “flips” that rug one day (i.e. pisses you off or disappoints you), all the feelings you’ve been tucking away will fly up from under that rug just like dust. I discovered that there is no way to go over my feelings, under them, around them, over them, or on the side of them. I have to go through them. I have to embrace my feelings and be real with myself about them. When I’m hurt, I allow myself to be hurt. When I’m sad, I allow that….happy, etc. Feeling your emotions when they arise allows you to tend to them right then and there so that you can clear out any toxicity in real time. Tucking them away allows the toxicity to fester which depletes you over time, and this is definitely a set-up for a future debacle.

3. Confer With and Feed Your Spirit

   The more I listen to my spirit, the stronger it becomes. Choosing to consult my spirit on the choices I make has been one of my best moves yet. In the past, I would end up in some crazy situations simply because I didn’t follow my gut/spirit. And the moment I began to honor my higher self, my higher self began to honor me in return. Tending to my spirit is like drinking water - it’s essential for my well-being. In order for me to have a healthy emotional balance, I have to make sure my spirit is flushed out and filled up often. Yoga, soulful music, positive affirmations, books, and writing are some of the things that help me achieve a full spirit. Click here to see some other ways in which I feed my spirit/soul.

4. Know and Respect Your Limits

   Once you discover what your emotional triggers are, honor them. It’s one thing to know something, but it’s a totally different thing to act upon what you know. If a certain person, situation, or environment depletes your energy or contributes to your emotions spiraling out of control, try to find the will power to either change your attitude or limit your involvement with that person, situation, or environment. Just like some of us know our limit and respect it when it comes to drinking alcohol due to experiencing those fun, inebriated moments-turned stomach curling disasters, we should also learn our limits and respect them when it comes to spending our emotions. If you know what the consequences will be and you can live with the hang over, then jump out there. But if you know the hang over will put you in a funk that will eventually become taxing on your spirit, your mental, and your emotions - “back up off of it and sit your cup down.” - Snoop Dog.

5. Take Some Time To Be With Yourself

   I was watching an interview featuring rapper/actor/music producer David Banner that resonated with me. Banner proclaimed, during this interview, that he was currently happier than he had ever been in his life. The person conducting the interview asked him what was the source that contributed to his happiness. Banner answered, “loving myself….truly loving myself and the God in me.” He went on to say that he could be by himself now. He could sit alone in a coffee or tea shop or not feel the need to turn a TV on when he’s in his own company because he truly loves being with him. Solitude is a genuine expression of self love. Finding the time to sit or be with yourself helps to rejuvenate you. It allows you to explore your thoughts and feelings and connect with your inner God without any interruptions. Certain people and things can exhaust our energy thus draining our emotional bank. We have to step away from those people/things every so often to check in with ourselves - making sure we are good.

I’m still a work in progress, but these simple practices have helped me tremendously. Of course everyone is different, and what works for me may not work for the next person. You can try my tactics, tweak them to fit your vibe, or come up with a complete set of new ones. Whatever you choose to do, just make sure you put in the work to get your emotional currency up - because EVERYTHING comes with a price.

Saving,

- Samjah Iman

Oh……the ‘I’m Someone’s Daughter Too’ Tees are back in stock!!!!! Get yours here before they are gone!

Outfit Details: Bralette (similar, here) // Black Oversized Joggers // Mules 

Photo Credit: 87 Photography

Breakdown to Rebuild

I remember my first day at Howard University like it was this morning. I sat in my African American Film class all bright eyed and bushy-tailed (and dressed to the nines of course), ready to conquer the new chapter of my life. After several minutes, the professor finally sashayed into the classroom and - before she could even introduce herself - commenced to throwing around ideologies and theories pertaining to the hegemonic structure and social construction. My right hand began to shake while attempting to take notes…..”hegemon-who?", I thought to myself as I frantically scribbled on my notebook paper. As the professor continued to inconsiderately regurgitate words that made absolutely no sense to me, I quickly scanned the room to see if I was the only one having a twilight zone experience. I was. My diplomatic peers, hailing from all over the world, began going toe to toe with the professor verbally - putting their two-cents on the topics at hand like they had taught a few college courses of their own in the past. I just sat there in shock and shrunk smaller with every foreign word that was being spoken around me. As soon as class was adjourned, I packed up my bag and ran straight to the nearest bathroom. I locked myself in a stall, called my mother, and before she could utter hello, I started balling my eyes out. Through uncontrollable sobs I managed to say, “Momma, I can’t do this! I don’t know enough to be at this school. My education didn’t prepare me for this! I want to leave!” After my Oscar-worthy, dramatic breakdown, I just knew my mother was about to send the first thing smoking to DC to rescue her youngest child. So I took a deep breath and patiently waited for her to spell out my exit plan. She didn’t. Instead she said, “You are just as capable as everyone in that classroom. So you have to decide if you’re going to face the challenge or run from it. Now put yourself back together, and go make the choice.” I mended eventually….and I ended up acing that class….and the other classes that followed. I just needed that “bathroom release” to jump start what turned out to be an amazing, worthwhile journey.

You know how we take some things apart and put them back together in order for them to function better? That works for us too. Sometimes we need to fall apart, detach, collapse, and come undone in order to come back strong. People often try to avoid a good cry or breakdown because it makes them feel defeated and/or vulnerable. But like a friend once told me (brace yourself, it’s a little graphic), “A good cry is like a good bowel movement….it cleans your system out.” It’s necessary to let your pinned up emotions flow freely (responsibly of course) so that you get all of those toxins and stress out of your body in preparation for rejuvenation. When you think about it, breaking down is a part of a process that a lot of systems go through in order to function properly. For example, you have to shut down computers every now and then for them to continue to work properly. Some electronics need to be taken apart and put back together to get them to act right. And it’s no different for us.

So take a moment, when necessary, and come all the way undone. Let go of all your inhibitions in order to rid your system of any pinned up stress. Then after your meltdown is over, take a deep breath, collect the pieces, and put yourself back together again. I’m sure you’ll get the boost you need to keep going.

Peace and Blessings ya’ll,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Top // Jeans (I cut them up) // Dr. Martens 

Photo Credit: Mary Martin

Doing Less to get More

A week or so before Essence Festival, I was mentally burned out. I had been stretched in 50 different directions, and all I wanted to do was sit on my couch and binge watch Girlfriends and Sex and the City while eating banana bread. The return of Essence Fest, to me, meant a hint of fun mixed with long hours, work, more work, strict deadlines, and pure pandemonium. Now don’t get it twisted, I wasn’t tripping off the hard work…I’m no foreigner to the grind….I was just growing weary of being busy and not strategic. So Essence Festival came and went, and just like I predicted - I ran myself into the ground….and the money I made didn’t match the hustle I put in. A few days after Essence Fest, I came across a quote that I know for sure was thrown in my path on purpose. Check it out below.

““The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.””

— Warren Buffett

This quote bopped me right on the top of my head and planted itself in my psyche. I thought about it days after I read it. Shortly after discovering the quote, a friend (out the blue) called and suggested that I read the book The One Thing by Gary Keller (when certain subjects keep coming up in my environment, this is one of the ways I know God is speaking to me). Stumbling upon that quote and getting that book prompted me to reanalyze what success looked like to me and the most effective way to reach it. And the first thing I began to do was…..trim the fat.

In my opinion, Mr. Buffett is basically saying to weed out the things that are not aligned with your goals so that you can get to the things that are. Sometimes my hands are in too many pots which results in me not bearing any fruits. But when I concentrate on a specific thing, I master it. When I first started this blog/influencer journey, I tried to take on as many projects as possible so that I could get my brand out there. I was all over the place which quickly drained me and left me no energy to complete the important tasks. Now days, I’m learning more and more that being busy and being productive are not related. The more tasks you take on that are unrelated to your goals, the further away from your goals you’ll be. But if you sift through the rubbish and get to the treasure, you’ll actually accomplish more.

“If you chase two rabbits, you will not catch either one.”

— Russian Proverb

So now I’m laser focused. I’m carving out my main goal and sticking to it. If something comes up that doesn’t align with my main goal, presents itself as just busy work, or doesn’t feel right in my spirit - I nip it. And because I’ve gotten so focused, a lot of the right things have been coming my way. And as a result, more opportunities are on the horizon.

Think about it, entrepreneurs like Jay Z came into the business concentrating on one goal. In Jay’s instance, it was rap. He went so hard with rap that of course he succeeded. And as a result of that achievement, success in other areas followed.

Doing less to get more might sound crazy to some. But for me it’s just what the doctor ordered. Because being involved in everything means you’re actually involved in nothing due to your attention and energy being unevenly divided. But putting all your attention and energy into fewer things (or one thing) can give you the results you desire and then some.

“He who works all day has no time to make money.”

— John D. Rockefeller

Doing less….getting more,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: These overalls came straight from my Aunt’s closet. She made me swear I wouldn’t slice them up….however, my cutting finger has been itching!! LOL! Oh, and of course they are vintage!! Ya’ll know me!

Releasing the Grip

Despite what the world says or what social media messages may drill in our minds, I’m learning that the most effective way to live life is by letting it be. Yes we have the power to manifest beautiful things in our lives, but we also need to learn the balance of controlling what we can and letting the rest flow however it’s meant to flow. Most of the stress we create in our lives comes from trying to control a situation. If you take a second and think about a stressful issue occurring right now in your life, you will probably discover that you’re adding more stress to the situation by constantly trying to control it, or figure out how to make it better, or how to stop it. And what you really need to do is release your grip, and let it go (I’m preaching to me on this one).

For the past few years I’ve been enduring a tough but much needed lesson on learning how to take my hands off certain situations and letting them be. I’m always trying to figure out how I can speed the process up, help the process out, or get rid of the process all together. I’m constantly thinking that maybe I’m not doing enough, or maybe I should have said this, or maybe I just need to add a little more of that to make it better. When in actuality, all I’m doing is interfering with the natural/spiritual process that is taking part on my behalf. It seems when I’m constantly trying to make something work, it moves further away from me. But when I release it, it works out how it’s supposed to work out when I least expect it.

The other day while going back and forth in my head over an issue, I was reminded of some simple yet sound advice my father gave me years ago that can be applied to any situation. Back then I was battling some acne issues which made me obsessed with every product that claimed to rid my face of the hideous critters. I would walk around the house every night with about 20 creams on my face then follow those up with some new mask. I did this religiously for about two weeks but nothing seemed to help. One night, with a white mask caked on my face, I walked into the kitchen - passing my father up in the living room - to get a snack. My father, whom I’m assuming was tickled at the sight of his daughter resembling a mime, took one look at my face and smirked. Just as I was about to head back to my domain, he stopped me and said, “you know the bumps will eventually go away if you just leave them alone and stop focusing on them.” In typical teenage fashion, I rolled my eyes and continued on the journey to my room to sulk. But his words sat with me. The next day, I didn’t use any of the masks or creams I accumulated, nor did I use them the day after that, or the day after that. I just did the simple tasks of washing, toning, and moisturizing. I also made it my business not to stare at the bumps in the mirror every chance I got, and just like daddy said - they eventually went away.

I’m not telling you guys to give up on your endeavors. I’m simply saying declare what you want, control the part you can control, then release your grip and watch life work its magic. By doing so you allow all the bumps to work themselves out, and eventually things will change. And what's for you, will come to you.

Releasing the Grip,

- Samjah Iman

P.S. - I don’t have any outfit details on this look because I purchased it from a garage sale!! Sweet huh?! But what I do have is some info on a cool event happening during Essence Festival! The one practice that has been keeping my stress levels low, teaching me meditation, discipline, and the art of being still is yoga. And this year my yoga community (Magnolia Yoga Studio - Nola’s 1st black owned yoga studio) is kicking off Essence Fest weekend with a super cool yoga event! See below!

For more information on tickets, visit their website.

Oh and a couple days after the yoga event, come see your girl on the panel at Brunch for the Soul. I’ll be there stuffing my face and speaking from my spirit! Details below!

Purchase tickets, here.

See some of ya’ll at Essence 2019!

Self-care Isn't Always Fun

Self-care is a big topic these days, and rightfully so. Almost every other magazine, blog, and social media post focuses on the crucial subject. I’ve joined in on the hoopla as well. I’ve given out suggestions on how to feed your soul , put yourself first, and all that cute crap. It wasn’t until the other day during one of my mother/daughter venting sessions when I zeroed in on the fact that self-care isn’t always fun.

When most think of self-care their brain automatically goes to hour long massages, picture-worthy beach vacations, Blue Bell cookies and cream ice-cream while deep couch sitting, pedicures with a side of Pinot Noir, alone time, a page-turner book, exercising, etc. However, that’s just one side of the self-care movement. There’s another side - a side that isn’t so pretty…..a side that forces you to make gut wrenching decisions that look bizarre to others in the present time, but benefits you wholeheartedly in the future. The type of self-care I’m referring to forces you to say enough is enough, even when your heart wants to hand out 50 more chances. The self-care I’m talking about sometimes ignores what the body is saying and chooses to be alone for a while so that healing and spiritual realignment can properly take place.

I remember listening to Lauryn Hill’s song When It Hurts So Bad off her debut album for the first time at 16 years old. I would play the song over and over attempting to wrap my mind around why Lauryn thought that something which hurt so bad felt so good. Then in my 20s, I played the song repeatedly and concluded that she must be talking about something going wrong in a relationship and being torn between two lovers…..”what you want might make you cry, and what you need might pass you by…..if you don’t catch it.'“ One of the many things I dig about art is that it evokes different emotions and different interpretations from every consumer. That’s the sole purpose of it. I also like that if you keep coming back to the same art (music, writings, paintings, etc.), it will mean different things to you at different times in your life. I played Lauryn’s song the other night for the first time in a minute. I listened intently to the words….and I had my “aha” moment. At this time in my life, I believe Lauryn’s song speaks directly to self-care. Her lyrics, “when it hurts so bad, why does it feel so good” , in my opinion depict tough decisions you have to make that sting like hell momentarily, but are ultimately good for you in the long run. This message not only applies to romantic relationships, it applies to all relationships whether it be friendships or business relationships.. It can also be applied to life decisions, health decisions, money decisions, etc. Sometimes you have to be willing to miss out on some things, be the only one standing up for some things, say no to a lot of popular things, and walk away from some exciting things in order to take care of yourself. Sometimes you have to endure the pain now, so that it won’t hurt later. Self-care isn’t always fun. Sometimes it comes with a hefty price tag. But what I’ve learned over time and what I’m still learning is to pay it up front, and reap the investment later. There are a lot of people walking around this earth who didn’t pay the price in the beginning, and the result? Well, they’re bankrupt now.

Paying it upfront,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: White Top

I Quit Part 3 - The Update

Whew child! It’s been one heck of a roller coaster ride these last two years. This journey has been filled with all kinds of twists and turns. It’s been up one month and down the next. It’s been promising in the morning and dreadful in the afternoon. I’ve threatened to pull my hair out on one day and cried tears of joy on the next. My money, emotions, and stress levels have all been as unstable as the stock market. But throughout this entire journey, I held on to what I knew to be true which is - change is always inevitable. I would tell myself each and everyday that if I just stayed the course, something would shake. And it did. I just had to go through it, to get to it.

Most of you know I quit my job of eight years in 2017. I didn’t plan on quitting that year, but certain circumstances and my spirit pushed me to do so. I left the job with some money saved up, my rising brand, and a part-time position with an online magazine already in my back pocket. About a year after leaving that job, two of those things slowly evaporated lol. Rent was eating my savings up, and the magazine I was working part-time for ended up loosing its Instagram account (which generated a lot of advertising revenue) and as a result, my pay vanished - and then I eventually vanished….from that job. In the midst of all that, I manifested another fashion gig and when it came to pass, I just knew it was ideal. The pay was good and the work was right up my alley…..or so I thought. Months later I would discover that this magazine wanted me to not just be the editor of one section, but they wanted me to build the entire magazine! And then after a few months of giving me a hefty salary to do so, they came to the conclusion that they couldn’t afford me anymore. How crazy is that?! After months of trying to make things work, I got word that a prominent attorney needed a content creator/social media writer. Something in my spirit prompted me to be assertive and contact the headhunter who had the details on this position so I obeyed. After about two weeks, I was in there!

Two years and a whole lot of hustling later, I’m finally getting a steady grip on things. Last week I talked about doing nothing and being still in times of confusion and impatience, and let me say this - it worked and it’s still working. Two great opportunities fell out of the sky this week, and I truly feel that there’s more where those came from.

My journey to entrepreneurship does not look how I thought it would, and that’s totally fine with me. The best thing about this journey is that it’s mine. It’s specifically tailored for my story, and it’s not supposed to fit anyone else’s. I’ve learned so many valuable lessons from this journey. I’ve learned how to manage my money better (Lawd this lesson was hard), I’ve become more in-tuned with my spirit and more confident in following its lead, and the biggest lesson I’ve learned through all of this is to simply just hang in there. If you keep going, change will come. I got knocked down several times during this journey and will probably get knocked down again. But what I do have is time…..and as long as the clock is still ticking, I have nothing better or more beneficial to do than to stay in the ring and keep rolling with the punches. Eventually, I’ll win the fight.

To be continued…..

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Polka Dot Off-the-shoulder Top (old, Forever 21) // Stripe Skirt (old, Forever 21) // Heels

The Best Thing You Can Do Is....Nothing

I’m stagnant at the moment in regards to my ambitions and goals. I’m not failing, but I feel like I’m not progressing either - or at least I can’t see it. I’ve planted over 100 seeds in the ground, and it seems not one of them has yet to even peep through the dirt. Prior to writing this blog post, each and everyday I would think of something I could do to get some momentum going; however, nothing worked. Everything seemed contrived.

I went to a hot yoga class last week to relieve some stress, and it seemed to have been the hardest yoga class I had experienced all year. In between poses, almost the entire class was huffing, puffing, and fidgeting - attempting to persevere. The instructor noticed our restless exhaustion and said, “the best thing you can do in between poses is nothing….conserve your energy.” Her words got the wheels in my head turning. I began to analyze and compare my current yoga circumstance to what was going on in my life. The hard yoga poses were similar to the goals I’m trying to reach. The moments in between the poses symbolized the times when nothing is happening which makes me anxious to get to the next pose or the next step in life because the waiting process is agonizing. But (as the teacher put it) in doing nothing during that process I allow myself the time to just exist in the moment, as well as prepare myself mentally and physically for the next pose - or for what’s to come in life.

After making it through that yoga class and allowing the teacher’s words to sit in my spirit, I came to the conclusion that the best action for my current state is no action at all. It takes a great deal of faith (that I sometimes lack) to take my hands off everything and just be. I told myself that if I really trust what I’ve manifested, did my part, and believed that it will come to pass - then I should have no problem embracing this current intermission. Now is the time for me to sit back and let my angels work while I rest more, research more, be lazy, enjoy Sunday mornings, people watch, polish my nails while jamming to Leikeli47, take long baths surrounded by candles, catch up on some documentaries, sit in silence, etc. Because if I haven’t learned anything else about life, I’ve definitely learned that change is inevitable…nothing stays the same. And I’ve also learned that if you try to force things to happen, you interfere with life’s beautiful process which results in even more setbacks.

When you get the chance to restore and revitalize, take advantage of it - because before you know it…the yogi will be saying, “next pose!”

Being still,

- Samjah Iman

P.S. - This slip dress was given to me by my mother….she’s had it since the 90’s.

Sustaining the planet one recycled garment at a time.

10 Ways to Feed Your Soul

A lot has transpired in the world over the past couple of weeks. Rapper/Community Advocate Nipsey Hussle was gunned down in his neighborhood which left our culture and the Hip Hop world in complete disarray. There’s a lot to be said about his demise, the impact/legacy his life will have on our society and Hip Hop going forward, and how we can play our part in this paradigm shift - but right now we desperately need to fill up on some SOUL FOOD. There are so many things sucking the life out of us at this moment. News reports, social media posts, and a whole lot of chatter has us going in various directions mentally. We all need to take a step back and fill up.

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about feeding yourself constantly. With all that’s going on and all there is to come, I want to hone in on that topic and share some things that I believe are good TO and FOR your soul. I’m sure a lot of you may do some (if not all) of these things already. - you just probably don’t refer to it as “feeding your soul.” But anything that feels good to you and doesn’t hurt you or anyone in the process is feeding your soul. Get into my tips below.

Laugh and hold a good conversation with a loved one - There’s nothing like kicking your feet up and reminiscing with a friend about the crazy things you guys used to do in the past, or sharing your dreams with a person who has your best interest at heart, or laughing until your stomach hurts with a family member. Moments like these reboot your love meter and give you the release you so desperately need every now and then.

Read or listen to some inspiring words - You don’t have to open a book to read some inspiring words (although I recommend you do). Now days you can google a certain motivational topic or click on your YouTube app to hear some inspiring words. This has everything to do with monitoring what you monitor. You have to watch what you are letting seep into your psyche. The more you ingest empowering information, the more soulFULL you will be.

Give out flowers - No you don’t have to go to the plant store to do this one. I’m referring to speaking words of beauty to your loved ones or strangers. If you feel someone is doing a good job, let them know you’re proud. You think that guy has on some cool shoes? Tell him! You like her hair? Compliment her! The world can be so harsh, and your words and gestures can help heal it. Giving out flowers metaphorically is gratifying and therapeutic. Putting beautiful phrases and words in the atmosphere creates some good energy which eventually comes back to you.

Look for the good in every situation - The Kirk Franklin song, Blessing in the Storm has a whole lot of truth to it. When you’re looking for the good and the blessing in every situation, you’ll find it. Sometimes the blessing is harder to find than other times, but it’s there. When you operate with this type of mentality, burdens won’t look the same as they did before - and as a result, your soul will eventually become lighter and lighter.

Breathe - In yoga class, the teacher always tells us to rely on our breath. When the poses become challenging, breathing helps us through them. This applies to life as well. Taking a second to breathe deeply throughout your day is calming and rejuvenating which puts you at ease; therefore, benefiting your soul. `

Eat a good meal AND some dessert - Don’t go overboard with food, but don’t deprive yourself either. Have a good meal and some dessert every now and then. We are often eating on the go and trying to fit a crappy meal in wherever we can. Every once in a while sit down and truly enjoy a full course meal. Then get under your comfortable blanket, turn on your favorite TV show, and savor that piece of chocolate cake. Life is short, treat yourself here and there - your soul definitely smiles when you do.

Watch a movie that makes you feel good - No horror movies or mind boggling dramas….watch a movie that makes you tingle inside like Love Jones or that makes you fall out on the floor laughing like Bad Boys (yup, I’m stuck in the 90’s). It doesn’t matter if you’ve seen it 100 times already…souls love familiarity.

Jam out to some good music - Listen, a good Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, or Goodie Mob song will have me going to church! And don’t let some Frankie Beverly and Maze come on then I’m two-stepping all over my kitchen floor! You know that feeling you get when your jam comes on, and something compels you to close your eyes, tilt your head back, and let out a joyous groan? Yup, that’s your soul saying you’ve hit the spot! Whether it’s discovering new music or listening to that old faithful tune that you know pulls on your heart strings - you need it. Music gets us through hard times, helps us to celebrate happy times, and gives us hope for better days to come.

Connect with nature - There’s nothing like rocking in an antique chair on a relic porch. There’s something spiritual and invigorating about it. Currently I don’t have a porch, so the other day I sat outside on the steps of a building for 10 minutes. I let the sun cover my face as I smiled at people strolling by. When I got up from the steps to go to my next destination, I felt satisfied. Being out in nature refreshes your soul. Connecting with the natural elements puts you in a better mood and soothes your mind. You don’t have to spend hours outside, just take a brief walk or sit outside for a second when the weather permits. You’ll surely reap the benefits.

Give/Help someone - I once read a quote from Janelle Monáe that resonated with me. She said, “I’m a believer that the more I am giving, the happier I am, and the more beautiful my exterior will be.” Janelle ain’t lying ya’ll! Giving is medicine for the soul. It’s healing. To see someone’s face light up when you do an unexpected, good deed is an incredibly unmatched feeling. When you give, you’re not only benefiting that person or organization that you’re helping - you’re benefiting yourself as well.

When we feed our souls, the world and everyone around us will benefit. Stay soulFULL my people.

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Photo Credit: keithshoots.com

Acknowledge Each Stroke

Let me tell ya’ll….hustling and chasing these goals and ambitions can be IRRITATING!!! I got frustrated the other day because the work has been wearing me out (and because of this daylight saving time mess)! It’s like I’ve been in this intense grind for a minute, doing everything in my power to make things happen, and the big picture still hasn’t come together. Yes I understand that seeds take time to grow, and everything happens in due time, and blah, blah, blah. But that doesn’t stop me from tripping out from time to time…..hey, I’m human.

To deal with this feeling, I decided to open up one of my notebooks that holds my scribble scrabbles, notes, and ambitions. I flipped through the pages desperately seeking inspiration and in the process, I stumbled upon a list I wrote last year entitled 2018 Business Goals. I went down the list out of curiosity and came to a halt when I got to number 14.

Sometime in 2018, I wrote (among other goals) that I wanted to participate on panels at blogger workshops and conferences. When I read that goal, I smiled. I thought about that since writing that particular goal down, I’ve been invited to participate on three panels and have one more scheduled at the end of the month. If I had any doubt prior to opening up that notebook, it vanished soon after.

I wanted to post this on my blog not only for myself, but for you guys too. The first point I want to make is - writing stuff down and manifesting is real. I cannot stress that enough. I didn’t reach out to any brand to be on any panels. I just put the work in on my brand, and obviously the right people were watching. I forgot I had even written this particular goal on paper until I decided to open up my notebook out of frustration - now fast forward to 2019, and I’m doing what I wrote down in that notebook. It may not look exactly how I pictured it…but nevertheless, it came to pass.

“Write it down on real paper with a real pencil. And watch shit get real. ”

— Erykah Badu

The second point I want to make is - stop focusing on the big picture so much and praise yourself for the small steps you have conquered. Because I’m not where I want to be, my work began to feel in vain. But after opening that notebook and seeing that I accomplished a small part of the plan that I set out to conquer, I suddenly felt like all of my hustling is worth it.

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

— Chinese Proverb

Think of your life as a picture you are about to paint. You set the blank canvas on the easel, do one stroke, look at the picture, then get frustrated because it’s not all there. It doesn’t make a lick of sense to get frustrated since you’ve only done one stroke, right? Exactly! But this is how we act when it comes to our goals! We do a few strokes (or hustles) and get mad when the picture doesn’t look complete (guilty as charged!)…..but if we take a moment to acknowledge that one stroke we just made and understand that it is a crucial component to the complete picture we are trying to paint - we will view it and celebrate it differently.

I have to remind myself constantly that in order to create the big picture, I have to do the small strokes. And without those small strokes, there will be no big picture.

Let’s concentrate on getting that one stroke right today, then hitting that other stroke tomorrow, then the other one the day after that. Then one day we will look up and the big picture will be staring us right in the face.

 Stroking,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Shorts Jumpsuit // Nikes

It's about the Lessons

I recently sat on a self-esteem panel for an organization called Sisters in Power. When it was my turn to answer a question from the audience I was asked, “if you could go back and start your life over again, what would you change and why?” Before I answered the question, I sat there on the panel fidgeting with the mic while contemplating my honest answer. Everything from failed relationships to student loans came rushing to mind, and for a split second I could understand why some would absolutely choose a do over. But then I thought about how the only way I know the bulk of what I know about life today is through trial and error, and if I did choose to go back and do it differently, I would still make mistakes. So I put the mic close to my mouth and proudly spoke these words to the audience, “If I could go back, I would not change anything.” It’s not about what you’ve endured and the mistakes you’ve made, it’s about the lessons.

There was a time I would be highly upset when things didn’t go as I had plan. I would regret the situation and pout about the outcome. Then I got some sense. I realized that every situation I encountered shaped me into the person I am today. Without the choices I’ve made in the past, I don’t know where I would be or even who I would be for that matter. Every ignorant thing I’ve ever said, the hot pot I touched, the too small shoes I purchased, every right or wrong turn I’ve ever taken, the relationship that didn’t work out, and every person I’ve ever met has all taught me valuable lessons.

Now days when I encounter challenging situations, I have a totally different attitude. I don’t wallow in the fact that something didn’t go my way or that something ended. I take my time to feel what I need to feel about the situation, then ask myself, “what did you learn, and what are you going to do about it?”

Every situation, every choice, and everything you did or didn’t do and did or didn’t receive has afforded you some knowledge. The next time you experience a tough situation (or even a good one), instead of frantically stressing over the results, ask yourself, “what did I learn from this, and what am I going to do with the lesson?”

Remember, life is the most impactful classroom we will ever step in.

“You live, you learn.”

— Alanis Morissette

Thank you Sisters in Power for inviting me to be on the panel! I was so honored to share the stage with some extremely astute, talented, and fun individuals - including one of my favorite rappers - Mia X!!

Left to right: Dee Rouzan, Denisa, Me, Mia X, Reg Rob, Dr. Bristol, Cierra Johnson

Check out some highlights from the panel here! And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram to check out my style choices and day to day situations!! Til next time!

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Shaggy Cardigan (sold out, similar here) // Vintage Jeans // Yellow Pumps

Just Be

A friend and I have been having several intense conversations on the art of just being.  Through our talks, we’ve come to the celebrated conclusion that we really don’t have to do too much….life will take care of itself. 

Now don’t get it twisted - this type of “just being” doesn’t mean to sit and do absolutely nothing.  The type of “just being” we were discussing means living in your truth, trusting that the space you’re in is where you are supposed to be at the moment, and believing that what is meant will be. 

Whether it’s relationships/friendships, careers, hustles, goals, etc. – all you have to do is control what you can control and let the rest unfold.  To support this “just being” theory, my friend and I thought back to the times when we had to force certain feelings, when we jumped the gun and took matters (that were clearly out of our control) into our own hands, how we pushed ourselves to grow weary of situations prematurely instead of waiting for our true feelings to surface which in turn aborted a valuable lesson that needed to be learn, and how we jumped through hundreds of hoops to make situations change instead of being still and waiting on the Divine to step in.  Reminiscing on all of those times helped us to come to the simple conclusion that “doing the most” breeds stress and goes against our faith.  But by “just being” - we are accepting what is and trusting the process that leads to what will be.

Just think back to the times in life when you kept going overboard for something or you made a move before it was your time, and the results weren’t favorable.  Also think back to a time when you took your hands off of a situation and trusted that it would be handled….and just like that – whatever you needed handled, got handled….and if it didn’t, it wasn’t what you needed anyway.   

I’m not sure about you all, but it seems the more I “just be” - the easier things flow.  I’ve learned over the years that I don’t have to get even with anyone, I don’t have to go overboard, I don’t have to show anyone who I am, nor do I have to prove my worth.  All I have to do is handle what I can handle, stay in tuned with my faith, and just be.  And my just being and playing my part allows the Universe/God to do what it does best - intervene…..and everything falls where it’s supposed to. 

Just being,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: The Bedstuy Brim Hat // Black Crop Top (Old, H&M) // Black Jeans // Stan Smith Adidas

Something Always Shakes

I celebrated 37 years on the planet this past Monday. When I woke up that morning, I asked myself - “What significant lessons have you learned in 37 years?” Of course I came up with quite a few things like, 1. Follow my gut. 2. Consistency is the key. 3. Jeans without spandex or some type of stretch in them are useless. 4. Plastic shoes will deteriorate, but quality purses will last. 5. I should not consume Hennessy before 11 am (blame is on Mardi Gras). 6. Less is more. 7. Rest is spiritual. 8. Depleting yourself is not. 9. You find what you are looking for (good and bad). and 10. Something will always shake. I repeated the last one because that lesson stuck out to me the most….something will always shake.

I can’t tell you how many times over the last 37 years that I’ve been stressed or gone through hardships that I thought would never get better. And every single time I thought it was the end, something shook…for the good. Of course when I was going through it, it didn’t seem like it would ever end…but eventually it did. Then the next hardship would rear its ugly head, and I’ll go right back into my “this will never end tantrum”…but eventually that hardship went away too….and so did the next one, and the next one, and the one after that. It’s taken me 37 years (and will probably take some more) to realize that no matter what it is I am faced with - something will shake the situation, and it will change. It may not change during the time I’d like it to change, but it will turn around at the perfect time.

So for my 37th year on this planet, I’m vowing to exercise my faith muscle more, stress less, and remember that no matter how scary the situation looks….it will eventually pass because….something always shakes.

Peace and Blessings,

- The Birthday Girl

Oh and I forgot to tell you guys to check out this quick interview I did with Vintage Magazine….I think you all will enjoy it!

Thank you all for rocking with me!! xoxo

Picture Credit: Hidden Productions, LLC

I PACED Myself

Three years ago on this day, I sat down to write my first blog post for Style & Energy. I had no end goal in mind, nor did I have big plans for the blog. I just wanted to write, share my life experiences in hopes of motivating someone, and provide outfit inspiration. I put my all into this blog, and I did it without any finish line in mind. Three years later, and this blog has grown tremendously….actually more than I thought it would - and the biggest thing that has helped me along this journey is the simple fact that I PACED MYSELF.

When I used to run track for conditioning purposes only, I was always inclined to do the long distance run in a hurry. I wanted to get to the finish line as quick as possible. Every time I would take off sprinting so that I could get my laps over with and be ahead of everyone, my coach would holler at me from the field and say, “Pace yourself Saulsberry!” I didn’t get it. Until one day I found myself off to the side of the track, bent over with my hands on my knees…heaving and trying to catch any breathe I could find. When I finally got some energy to lift my head and see what was happening on the track, I saw my teammates jogging steadily like they didn’t have a care in the world. They ended up lapping me (the girl who was in such a hurry) several times. And as soon as I was able to get back on that track, you better believe I took my time and ran at my own pace. And not only did it help me with building stamina and conditioning for sports, it also helped me with building stamina and conditioning for life.

If this blog (and track practice) has taught me nothing else, it has definitely shown me the true essence of the verse, “The race is not given to the swift, but to the one who endureth till the end.” You are not in competition with anyone. THIS IS NOT A RACE! Your goals are your goals, no one else’s. Burning yourself out to achieve them will get you no where fast, but pacing yourself allows you to build the stamina you need to keep going through it all.

So let the other people jump out on the track and hit it fast…..just keep pacing yourself and see what happens. You’ll lap them soon enough.

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Dress // Heels