travel — Blog — Style & Energy

There’s this song my mother loves by Lee Ann Womack (of course her favorite version of the song is by Gladys Knight) titled I Hope You Dance. The chorus of the song says, “And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance. I hope you dance.” The song is basically saying choose to live. Choose to experience the good things in life. Choose to let go. Choose to face challenges head on. Choose to have a positive attitude towards your obstacles. Choose to grow. Choose to love. Choose to try and choose to not be afraid to fail.

Lately this song has been on repeat in my head because I’ve been branching out. For starters, I went to the hairdresser and got braids for the first time in my life! Of course my mother would braid my hair as a child, but I’ve never had extra hair added to my head. As soon as I got the braids I was in love. Having a break from combing my hair feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulder. I’m hooked! I’m developing into this woman who is only concerned with her own opinion, and it feels amazing. I’m constantly traveling, I’m saying no to things that don’t concern me, I’m letting life surprise me, and I’m finally feeling like I’m worthy of all the blessings I am receiving. I’m trying things and not fretting if they don’t work out for me. I’m letting go of old ideologies. I’m taking on challenges and in the process, I’m giving myself more grace. I’m living life my way, and it feels so good to my soul.

There was a time when I was a bit more reserved…a little too calculated even. But there were no benefits in playing it safe. So I decided to release the grip, just be, and not give a damn about who had an opinion. Because when this life has come to an end, I’d rather be tired from taking chances, than mentally tired for constantly wondering what if. I’m dancing y’all.

Stay tuned…..

- Samjah Iman

P.S. - Also, please check out my article/interview below with Marlon Wayans on his role in the Aretha Franklin Movie Respect. He’s a super interesting guy!

Marlon Wayans Did ‘A Lot Of Soul Searching’ To Get Into ‘Respect’ Character | HelloBeautiful

I was sitting in my office last week, jotting down some notes and wondering what the rest of the week would bring, then out of the blue I received a text from my editor. The text went something like this, "Hi! Are you willing to represent the brand in Barbados for their Fashion Week this Thursday?" I thought, "Barbados!?" I didn't know anyone in Barbados and had no clue who I'd be working with when I got there. I looked at my calendar. Thursday was a couple of days away. My brain began to race. I had a full schedule planned out for the rest of the week. I had some photo shoots coming up, a dentist appointment I desperately needed to make, a monthly panel I sit on, plus dirty hair. I sank back in my chair and did what any responsible adult would do in my position. I texted my editor back and said, "why not?!"

Barbados was everything I thought it would be and more. The people were interesting, the seafood was fresh, the colors were vibrant, and the fashion exuded Caribbean culture. Although I was working with only 8-10 hours of sleep the entire trip, I was so grateful to breathe the fresh air of that island. God is amazing!

During the trip, I had the chance to experience snorkeling in the Atlantic Ocean. At first I was hesitant because I didn't bring the necessary products to wash my hair. But after some convincing from my travel mates, I gave in. When I put the snorkeling mask on, I immediately felt trapped. I am very claustrophobic and this mask did not help my condition at all. I took the mask right off and began to complain. One of the people on the trip witnessed my mini panic attack, and quickly swam over to me and said, "relax and breathe." He repeated himself, "whenever you feel anxiety, just relax and breathe." I was consumed by his words. I began to think about how relaxing and breathing could apply to other areas of my life. Although I've heard relax and breathe several times prior to this trip, it made the most since right there in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. I took heed. I relaxed, took a deep breath, put the snorkeling mask back on, and down under I went. And boy was it a sight to see.

I met some amazing entrepreneurs (libertyfairs.com, thebkcircus.com), a talented artist (Sheena Rose), models, a super cool fashion influencer (Ron Oppong), and an interesting blogger (Danielle Cooper) while in Barbados. I'm so glad I jumped at the opportunity to experience that journey. That spontaneous trip definitely proved to me that you never know what path life has in store. With that in mind, it's best to flow, keep an open mind, relax and breathe.

Check out a few more photos from the trip below. Enjoy!

Relaxing and Breathing,

- Samjah Iman

Picture Credit - @photosbyakira/@komacphotography/ @trevon_went

Fashion Designers - African print dress by @kimmysticclo, Swimwear by @legenderesort , Bridal Exhibition by @kimmysticclo , Plaid Collection by @haus_rvr