Samiyrah Bennett | LCSW

Choosing Samiyrah Bennett, LCSW as my Woman Spotlight this week was no accident. Between a Pandemic and a powerful human rights movement, we are living in truly unprecedented times. Now more than ever, we must be intentional about how we protect and take care of our mental health - which is something that Samiyrah has dedicated her life to with both her personal intentions and professional endeavors.

Besides being an incredible person, Samiyrah is committed to helping others live the life that they love. Whether you are a client of hers, a friend, or passerby, you are immediately affected by her authenticity, kindness, and love. Her story, her why, and her advice will surely inspire you and it is my honor to share a little bit of her with you.

Tell us who you are - what’s your story, what’s your why?

I am a woman, mom, daughter, sister, friend, confidant and therapist. I can also be described as being determined to be the best version of myself, unapologetically. I have always been one to own my confidence and pursue what I feel to be passionate about. However, since the birth of my daughter 5 years ago, my drive has experienced an ultimate boost. She is super inquisitive and watches my every move so it is very important for me to be intentional in how I show up in spaces. She provides me with purpose to get up every day and live life better than I did the day before. 

Have you made any intentional shifts to become who you are?

As we all experience in the human condition - life is ever changing; ever evolving. One particular shift I have made in life is choosing to respond to experiences vs reacting to them. *Life Changinggg* [insert Oprah’s voice]. One reference that comes to mind is this, “you will continue to suffer if you have an emotional reaction that is said to you. True power is sitting back and observing things with logic. True power is restraint. If words control you that means everyone else can control you. Breathe and allow things to pass.”

Thoroughly understanding this mindset shift has been vital in me living life on purpose. It’s also what I teach my clients in my mental health practice. You can find out more at www.SamiyrahBennettLCSW.org Life changes when you are able to control your emotions, set boundaries, get out of your own head and move towards living the life you desire. 

I will say that since diving into the art of Mindfulness and intentional living, I began to see my life transform right before my eyes. With a focus on the present moment, I have been able to calm anxieties, decrease stress levels and minimize worry. This has truly played a pivotal role in shifting my mindset and helping me to show up in spaces, professionally and personally.

Who or what inspires you?

Businesswomen, mothers, executives, entrepreneurs, wives, leaders and advocates, they all are so strong and live in their truths. A woman who shows up just as she is while using her voice to help better the society, will always be inspirational to me. 

 What are you passionate about?

I am so deliberate about only having people and things that inspire me for the better to have access to me. The circle of women that I communicate with in my daily life, consistently inspire me. 

 What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?

Best piece of advice comes from my all time favorite personal development book – ‘The Four Agreements’ by Don Miguel Ruiz. He lists the Four Agreements to be impeccable with your words, don’t make assumptions, don’t take anything personal & put your best foot forward. Laws to live by!  With these laws they comprise actions of being deliberate in how you choose to live your life and that’s how I live my life. With big emphasis on CHOOSE. As humans we get to choose the way we carry ourselves, choose the way we show up in spaces, choose the way we respond to others, choose our attitudes towards our experiences and so much more. The art of choosing is a beautiful thing and it really is a reward. Just writing the fact that I get to choose to show up for myself puts a smile on my face right now. It’s such growth because at one point in my life I didn’t feel like I could attain all that I desired. But now I smile crushing limiting beliefs. 

What do you want to share with the world?

My advice is simple. – Be good and Do good. 

When I think about the current state of the world that we are living in from pandemic to civil rights to sex trafficking to children in cages and so much more, I reflect on how we can all help the world be a better place by simply doing our part. For some this may be on a macro level, some on a micro level and others in between. Wherever you may fall on the spectrum, understand that your everyday actions matter. From the conversations you choose to be a part of to how you model behavior for your children, this world is being heavily affected by our actions. Choose kindness. Choose love. Choose humanity. 

Be better than you were yesterday and if you come across something that you don’t understand, don’t live in your ignorance but do the work to become informed and educate yourself. Seek knowledge, seek facts and pursue a desire to consistently evolve to the greatest version of yourself. 

What makes you feel good?

Old School R&B. Meditation. Prayer. Being a change agent. A pot of collard greens simmering on the stove. The smell of eucalyptus. A steam shower. Connecting with my inner peace. Red wine. Showing up for myself. Seeing others smile. The consistent act of finding something to be grateful for each and every day.