You know those people who simply love life? They love it so much and cherish it so much that every moment is the best moment. The only moment. Samira Toussi, 27, is not only a dear friend of mine, but an inspirational, positive, and all around happy person. It’s not that Samira has never gone through a rough patch (I’m sure she has…haven’t we all?!), but her outlook on life allows her to live her best life, and her positivity is truly contagious.
I met Samira when she was living in Houston years back, but since then she has moved not across the city, not across the country even, but across the world. She now lives in Dubai, and she’s loving every minute of it (if I could handle a flight that long, I’d visit!! Dubai sounds incredible). She’s a Business Development Executive by day and a Life Coach by night. When Samira and I get together, our conversations turn so deep and thought provoking in the very best way possible. Like I said, this girl is a true inspiration. Keep on reading to find out what it’s like moving across the world, what inspires Samira, what a day in her life is like, and much more.
An Interview with Samira Toussi
You moved to Dubai a little over a year ago – what was the reason for your move?
I moved to Dubai to grow my company’s international trade business in Iraq. I had always been interested in working and living abroad – I have a BA in international development studies – studied abroad in Rio de Janeiro and London, and grew up in a bilingual Iranian household.
Were you nervous for the across the world move? Excited? What were your feelings leading up to this major life change?
I knew I wanted to work internationally, so had a strong sense of excitement for the move. Of course I had jitters, the kind you get when you are about to leave behind everything you know, but I was also very ready for a change of environment.
I moved during the very hot (low temp of 115 F), very holy month of Ramadan. I spent the first few days in a zombie state of jet lag, trying to furnish my very empty apartment (think no stove or fridge) so wandering IKEA and forgetting that food isn’t acceptable until sundown…hangry Sami. Overall, huge reality check that I wasn’t in Houston anymore.
While it was grueling, I wouldn’t have changed a thing. I suffered through Dubai’s hottest months so the rest of the year was a piece of cake!
How did you adjust to your new life in Dubai? Was it hard? Easy? How did you work through the harder times?
Easy: In regards to new friendships, I overbooked my social calendar with networking events, meet-ups, happy hours and branched out as much as possible to get to know my current core group of friends. That’s the way to do it. Good friends become your family since we’re all so far away from home. Dubai is a transient city so there’s a lot of farewell parties, but just as many new, interesting people you get to meet.
Hard: It’s not easy to be so far from family and childhood friends, especially with so many friends getting married! I have to pick and choose which events to participate. I also miss fresh produce, Whole Foods Market and cheap wine. Additionally, after a year abroad, it’s still hard for people to understand my thick American accent.
Aside from your day job, you are a Certified Coaching Practitioner. You are a busy gal – how did you get into coaching?
My hobby of studying personal development drew me to the practice of coaching. I was inspired by my teachers the Dalai Lama, Thicht Nat Hahn, Louise Hays and Tony Robbins. I read their books so many times that the pages became my own life script and I wanted to teach the world of my learnings. It all comes down to believing that you are good enough and having faith in the ability to achieve your dreams.
How do you feel coaching others has impacted your own life?
I think you use what you learn in coaching in all your relationships.
I’ve always felt that success is only possible if purpose is understood. I constantly remind myself that how I show up every day impacts mine and other people’s lives. For example, by bringing donuts to the office, I feed my co-workers who lacked the time for breakfast, or by marketing consultation, I provide a different perspective to a project or campaign. In recent years, I’ve spent more time self-reflecting on my life purpose and utilizing my strengths inside and outside my career. Life is meaningless without passion and purpose. I serve others by showing them that they can achieve their dreams.
For the few years I’ve known you, I’ve never seen you without a smile on your face, without a pep in your step. How do you stay so positive in life? What keeps you going and motivated?
Why thank you! I don’t think a lot of people realize that we never get this very moment back – it’s important for me to make the most out of my life. I’ve started to count the number of days to help remember to make every day count.
I just turned 10,000 days old on November 24th (Thanksgiving), and I threw a huge yacht party (kid-themed inspired) to celebrate!
As mentioned above, you are BUSY! Walk us through a day in your life.
I wake up every morning and pick up an affirmation card. This is my set intention for the day. From there, I will walk to work, and spend this time writing an email to my family on three things I am grateful for for that day. These are sometimes situations that have not yet happened…grateful to have (smiled/spoken to 5 strangers, kicked ass in a meeting, fantastic day at work). I also find myself sending off a few voice notes with some special friends living across the world. I’ll have a morning coffee with with a splash of coconut almond milk and sugar… and settle into my desk to read the news, write emails and make calls to consult with our local staff in Iraq. I break up my day with a workout to keep me energized and end the day with a post office happy hour at a nearby beach bar or delicious dinner at one of the many delicious restaurants in Dubai. I end the day with a meditation and reflect on what went right and wrong throughout my day.
What inspires you?
Getting to help someone every day.
What advice would you give someone contemplating an across the world (or even country) move?
Do it; if you’re contemplating the move there is something inherently telling you to go! Take the leap and fully immerse yourself in the culture, language, cuisine and allow yourself to get out of your comfort zone. It’s a great way to learn more about yourself and you won’t be disappointed in trying something new. What’s the worst that can happen?
What quote or motto do you always try to live by?
In the end, we regret the things that we haven’t done more than what we have done.
Thanks, Samira!
Be sure to follow Samira on Instagram here.
Read past interviews here.