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

Life Update: I Got To Step Back and Realign

Hold on….can we do the whole new year countdown thing again? I wasn’t ready!! I still have to meditate on my 2020 visions, clear my mind, get my Jeep washed (didn’t get a chance to do that but once in 2019- JUDGE NOT!), and clean out my closet! I mean….I knew the new year was on its way, and I was preparing for it and all. But I didn’t think it would appear four hours (yes I’m exaggerating) after I made the preparations!

Listen. January 2020 came on the scene like the Fugees - “ready or not, here I come, you can’t hide….gonna fiiiiiinnnnnnd you….” And find me it did, but I wasn’t trying to be discovered just yet. I’ve been running over here, jumping through there, and sliding everywhere else. I haven’t had the chance to just sit on the couch and gather my thoughts for the new year. I know what the deal is though. My 2019 has kind of spilled over into my 2020, and it’s no one’s fault but my own. You see, last year I was handing out a lot of yeses to everyone else and not enough to me. I realized I was operating from a scarcity mindset; therefore, I would take on extra tasks/jobs because I constantly told myself that I needed the money. And as a result, I was ripping and running and always doing something when I should have been focusing on aligning myself with my dreams and desires, having faith that what I need will appear (like it always does), then releasing control and letting my higher self intervene.

I’m constantly living and learning though, and this year I vowed to act on what I learn. So I’m going to first clean up these 2019 residuals then honor that vow. I’m stepping back and realigning myself with an abundant vibe. I’m no longer operating from the “I need money” standpoint. I will bask in the “I have exactly what I need and there’s no need for me to do the most” energy. Taking on too many tasks crowds my mind and doesn’t give me the space I need to dream, create, and hear my own thoughts. It also leaves me feeling rushed and unaccomplished.

I think about how even through the difficult phases in my life, I’ve always been taken care of. There’s not a time I’ve been without the essentials. But somehow I let a tiny bit of societal propaganda get in my head, and I started turning up only to be burnt out. This year I’m aware of what I need to be open to and what I need to pass on. I’m moving more strategically and getting back to dreaming. I will no longer focus on the things I need and don’t have, instead - I will operate in an abundant space and channel my energy toward the blessings that surround me daily. And after doing all of that, I will then sit back and marvel at how things will begin to fall right in place.

“Needing nothing attracts everything. ”

— Russell Simmons

Peace and Blessings,

- Samjah Iman

Outfit Details: Crop Mock Sweater (Old similar here) // Midi Sweater Skirt (available in stores only at Zara ) // Red Wide Brim Hat

Picture Credit: 87 Photography

I Asked 25 People What They're Saying No To in 2020. Here Are Their Responses...

I learn something from every person I encounter. I’m intrigued by getting into people’s minds and listening to their perspectives on life because it expands my understanding. So I decided to randomly ask 25 people (male and female, minorities and majorities) what they planned on saying NO to in 2020 (and of course I included my response in the bunch). I wasn’t seeking any new year’s resolutions from my subjects. Instead, my goal was to see what they plan to disassociate themselves from as a result of their 2019 experiences. I didn’t give them a topic nor did I tell most of them their responses would be on my blog. I just popped the question during casual conversation, and you better believe the answers were not only organic - but interesting to say the least.

I know what some of you may be thinking - why focus on what you’re going to say no to instead of what you are going to say yes to? I get it. But isn’t saying no to some things kind of the same as saying yes to some things? For example, if I vow to say no to processed sugar for 2020, doesn’t that actually mean I’m saying yes to a somewhat healthier way of eating? Yup, it does. So put your positive police badge down for a second and get into these very entertaining and insightful responses below. You may be inspired to incorporate some of these answers in your 2020 journey.

“What will you be saying NO to in 2020?”

S.J - “I’m saying no to procrastination.”

M.B. - “Settling.”

J.J. - “A circle that’s not beneficial.”

M.M. - “Fuckery!”

B.R. - “I’m saying no to people who steal my good energy.”

T.G. - “I’m saying no to spam emails…..hitting that unsubscribe button with the quickness!”

K..L. - “I’m saying no to yesterday.”

M.S. - “I ain’t saying no to nothing unless it’s something I need to say no to.”

T.S. - “Anything that no longer suits the life I want to live.”

H.L. - “You.”

J.K. - “I’m saying no to brownnosing to make insecure adults feel good. Their self-esteem is their job.”

Y.H. - “Events without food.”

T.R. - “Social media bandwagons.”

C.S. - “I’m saying no to standing in my own damn way!”

A.C. - “Broke men!”

C.R. - “I’m saying no to people who want to vent without being constructive.”

B.S. - “This job and bacon.”

P.S. - “I’m saying no to being impatient. We can mess up the process when we move too fast and don’t let things take root.”

N.B. - “Unhealthy food….it’s time out for that shit.”

T.G. - “Cheap liquor.”

R.E. - “Feeling the need to laugh at not-so-funny jokes so things won’t get awkward.”

S.S. - “People pleasing, I’m done trying to make people comfortable while making myself uncomfortable. Oh, and I’m also saying no without an explanation in most situations. No means no, and that’s all you need to know.”

W.H. - “I’m saying no to group texts that I didn’t ask to be a part of.”

D.F. - “I’m definitely saying no to playing small and to anything that doesn’t serve me.”

G.J. - I’m rebuking ice-cream in 2020. It’s the devil! Okay….no I’m not, Guess I need to say no to lying in 2020, huh?”

And there you have it, 25 things from 25 people that are being thrown out of the window this year. May your 2020 be filled with all the peace and more blessings than you can stand!

Outfit Details: Retired Hot Girl Sweatshirt

Photo Credit: 87 Photography