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

You're A Magician, and This Is Your Magic...

I ran into an interesting, older gentleman the other day while picking up a couple of things at the grocery store. I spotted him in the bakery section on my way to checkout. We glanced at each other, and he smiled. I returned the gesture and went on about my business. I made my way to the checkout line, and guess who got in line right behind me? Yup, the man from the bakery section. I turned around for a quick look just to make sure it was him, and my hunch was confirmed. Right after I turned back around to concentrate on moving up in the line, the older gentleman said, “excuse me,” in the most delicate tone. He said it so faintly that I was uncertain if he was talking to me or someone else - so I kept my head straight. He said it again with a little more base in his voice, and that’s when I figured he was trying to get my attention. It was the end of a long day, and the last thing I wanted to do was hold a conversation in the Whole Foods checkout line. I just wanted to buy my soup and water, go home, take a bath, eat, call my mother, and read. Exhaustion was all in my body language, but I tried my best to muster up the most pleasant aura I could. So I turned my body half way around and hesitantly said, “yes, sir?”

Now let’s rewind. While driving to the store, I was overthinking everything that happened that day. I was having several “what ifs” and “why not” thoughts in my mind. I was wondering when some things were going to come to fruition and why they hadn’t yet. Now fast forward to the checkout line. I’m totally in my head and not to mention tired, and this man wants to chat about God knows what. So right after I answered him with the “yes, sir,” he replied in his thick Caribbean accent and said, “I feel your welcoming spirit, and I want to share with you that I helped get rid of my stage-four cancer by adopting a plant-based diet.” I was intrigued. So I looked at his hands to see if he was pulling my leg and holding some pork, and I was relieved to see he was clutching a bag of nuts. I congratulated him on his feat, and our discussion took off from there. He started talking about how all humans need to do is relax because everything takes care of itself. I obeyed my gut and continued to engage him in conversation. My turn to check out finally came, and I was handing my items to the cashier while still listening to the gentleman. When I was done checking out, I was so engrossed in our exchange that I actually waited for him to purchase his bag of nuts so we could continue our conversation in the parking lot.

We talked so long my soup turned cold, but I wasn’t tripping at all because I felt like I needed to hear what this man had to say. We continued to talk about several other things, but the one sentence that stood out the most (especially since I was overthinking everything on the drive to the store) was the last one he said before I went on my way. After he talked about the importance of peace and ridding our bodies of stress, he looked me dead in my eyes and said, “You’re a magician, and your FOCUS is your magic.” Now of course I’m aware of and strongly believe in the law of attraction….but when faced with a challenge, I sometimes forget certain truths and need reminders. And the older gentleman not only reminded me of what I already knew, he relayed it in a way that flared up a flame inside of me. I truly believe that you can hear information all of your life, but until you’re really ready to receive it - you won’t receive it. But I caught it that night, and I left the grocery store with a deeper understanding of the capabilities I possessed.

They say the teacher appears when the student is ready, and I wholeheartedly believe that I’ve been preparing myself to hear from God; hence, information keeps finding me. And when it does find me, it resonates with me on a more profound level because I’m open to receiving it. I met that man in Whole Foods for a reason, and ever since our meeting - I can’t stop thinking about how beautifully humans are made and how our mind is literally our superpower. Yea we talk a lot about law of attraction, the God in us, and how we can shift things…..but do we really know the depths of our greatness?! And better yet, are we acting on them?

I’m about to work this magic, y’all. Join me.

What you focus on, expands.

- Samjah Iman

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Floral Top (Zara, in store - sale rack) // Red Boots

Photo Credit: 87 Photography

Booted

There are three reasons why I love fall: no humidity, the clocks go back an hour, and I get to wear over-the-knee boots.  Nothing excites me more than cute purses, spicy (free) food, and a pair of bad boots. 

Great boots allow you to dress down but still make a fashion statement.  The right pair of boots can take your outfit to another level.  If your shoe game is on point and your accessories pop, you can get away with wearing a plain, simple outfit.     

I paired my H&M boots with some cut-off shorts, a white boyfriend shirt, gold jewelry, and my cute animal print bag from Intuition.  The bag and the boots both brought this outfit to life.  

The best thing about these boots is that they were under $100!  Due to the low price, the gray pair have already sold out but the black pair is still available.  Get you a pair soon!  

Outfit Details:  Thigh-high Boots // Purse // Shirt

Have an awesome day everyone!  Stop making excuses and handle your business.  Change your mindset and hustle hard.  I'll do the same. 

Peace!

- The Boot Bandit

Photo Credit: Todd Sterling (toddlsterling@aol.com)