20 Hard Lessons I Had to Learn....

February 04, 2020 by Samjah Iman in Style, Motivation

It’s my 38th year on earth. I’m blessed. Birthdays are becoming more of an intimate celebration for me. I don’t need the parties or all the hoopla. I just need a moment to first be grateful, then to reflect on how far I’ve come. It’s amazing how time does what it does regardless of what is happening around us. At one point in my life I thought my confusing teenage years would never end, now look at me - 38 years old and still trying to figure shit out.

There have been some waves to ride on this journey to 38. I’ve had some beautiful times that have left me in pure awe and bliss, and I’ve encountered some rough patches that had me side eyeing God like, “Really??” But through it all I’ve gained some valuable lessons that I hold close to me, and I’m on a quest for more wisdom.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t share the knowledge I’ve been gifted with over the years with you guys. So I looked through some of my journals, and pulled 20 hard lessons I learned throughout my journey. I refer to them as hard lessons because I’m still learning most of them. Now keep in mind that these lessons are tailored to my experiences. However, feel free to take away whatever you may need. Let’s jump into them below.

20 Hard Lessons I Had to Learn

Blaming other people for your mishaps and poor decisions is futile. Learn from past mistakes, forgive yourself, move the hell on, and be prepared to make some new mistakes. That’s how you gain wisdom, Sam.
Your intuition is the most valuable asset you possess. Use it, use it some more, and use it again. The more you use it, the stronger it becomes. The more you ignore it, the more faint it becomes.
Believe what he shows you, not what he says.
You’re always going to be learning. Gaining knowledge and wisdom never ceases. In fact, the more you know - the more confused you may be.
You only have a few friends…just a few. The older you get, the less you will have - and that’s okay.
Talk to your loved ones (especially your parents) as often as you can. They don’t stay around forever. You won’t either.
Always ask yourself if you are living for you or for someone else. Peer pressure is real and can distort even the most confident person’s view.
Save more money girl. Life is full a surprises and some of them cost a fortune.
Vulnerability is actually a sign of strength. Open your heart. It’s a courageous act.
This too shall pass.
Gather your thoughts before you speak in a heated discussion. It’s easier to do damage than to undo it.
Breathe…..just breathe. Take deep breaths. They really help.
Try to always operate in a state of gratefulness. It helps make life a little easier.
Deep connections energize you. Keep seeking them.
Your alone time is non-negotiable. It revitalizes you. It nurtures your spirit. Don’t ever let anyone infringe upon that…..no matter how cute they are lol.
Understand that other people are fighting battles too. Sometimes their decisions have nothing to do with you but everything to do with their experiences, situations, fears etc. Get over yourself.
Don’t be afraid to take chances. At the least you’ll have an interesting story to tell.
Stop looking, and you’ll find it.
You are going to be pissed off at yourself in the future if you look back and see that you dimmed your light. To avoid a mid-life crisis, be who you are fully meant to be right now.
Listen more than you talk. Sometimes if you let the other person do the talking, you’ll learn everything you need to know without having to seek.

Thank you guys for sharing this journey with me. I appreciate you all and this platform to express my thoughts and feelings more than you know! My heart is full.

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Joggers // Sweatshirt (Similar color)// Pumps

Photo Credit: Corey Anthony

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

January 21, 2020 by Samjah Iman in Style, Motivation

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

The Briefing

December 10, 2019 by Samjah Iman in Style, Motivation

I’ve been in three different cities in the last week. I have two different cities to visit in the middle of this week and one next week. Tired doesn’t adequately describe how I feel right now, but I’m pushing through because I know there’s something on the other side of this grind that will be more than rewarding for me and the people in my circle. Because I urgently need some rest and relaxation in my life, I’m not going to keep you all long. I’m laying out a somewhat quick summation of what I’ve been moved by and feeding off of the last two weeks in hopes of passing on some good information to you guys. Let’s jump into the briefing below.

What I’m Currently Feeding My Mind - Podcasts have been getting me through these road trips and grind sessions. I religiously tune into the David Banner Podcast for good laughs and enlightening information. Banner and his crew love to kid around often on the podcast, but they haven’t failed me yet when it comes to interviewing interesting guests and providing solid motivation. The other day I listened to his two-part interview with rapper, songwriter, and music producer THE D.O.C. I literally soaked up every word! His story was inspiring and unique. He talks about his tumultuous, yet triumphant journey through his career, how his spirituality has evolved because of it, and how he learned from life’s ebbs and flows. He even touched on him and my girl Erykah Badu’s relationship! Check the episodes out here…. (part 1 and part 2) - at the least you’ll definitely be entertained.

Another podcast that has my attention is a series called Making Beyoncé on WBEZ Chicago. It tells the story of Beyoncé’s career from her childhood to her adulthood. You’ve probably heard Bey’s story a hundred times before, but this is a little different. The perspective of this story comes from the people she encountered in the music industry, her past group mate, and her father. Listening to this podcast was uplifting and empowering. It inspired me to keep going even when everything around you says stop. You can say what you want about Beyoncé, but you can’t say that woman hasn’t earned her accolades. Check it out here.

Some Good Advice I Received - I was letting my playlist do its thing while driving the other day, and it pleasantly surprised me with an oldie but goodie - Feng Shui by Gnarls Barkley (hadn’t heard this album in a minute - man I miss good, eccentric music). As soon as the lyrics started coming through the speakers, my attention was peaked…..“In this house the decor is the obvious obscure. See clearly the theory of less is more………..and you’re welcome to stay, but even your company must complement the feng shui.” I’ve been on this “less is more” lifestyle lately, and it’s very cleansing - so hearing this song was like a sign assuring me that I was on the right path. I’m clearing out unnecessary things in order to feel lighter. And when I heard Gnarls’ line “even your company must complement the feng shui,” I realized that not only do I need to clear some things out of my head, heart, space, etc., I also need to make sure the people who surround me or who try to come in my house ( i.e. my heart, my life, my space, etc.) must match my vibe and energy. Thanks Gnarls.

What I’m Working On - Another thing I’m working on besides clearing my space is moving to my own beat. I’m extremely conscious and focused on making sure almost everything I’m doing is aligned with my wants, aspirations, and needs. When it’s all said and done, I want to make sure I lived my life for me and no one else. I want to be able to take full responsibility for all of my choices and actions. I want to do things not because others think I should, but because I choose to. My goal is to continue to operate in authenticity - no matter how that looks.

My Quote Of The Week - “The truth bangs harder. We learn that the more we tell it.” - Saul Williams - It isn’t always easy to tell or live in truth, but it is extremely liberating when we do it - EXTREMELY.

My Current Fashion Obsessions - I am totally into my white boots. I purchased an off white pair (that I still wear) last year, but this year I’m into the whitest of the white boots. They pop so well with dark colors, and there’s something about them that polishes up a look and gives it a crisp vibe. Check out how I styled my white booties below.

Oh, I’m also digging my Teddy Coat from Shein. It’s so comfortable and warm! It also adds a funkiness to any look whether it be a dressed up or down look. Check that out below as well.