Heyy There :)

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Just a week or two late ✌🏾#eid2019 #eidalAdha . Some of you may be familiar with some of my culture, religion, traditions so yes there are two holidays we call Eid. One after Ramadan is Eid al-Fitr and the most recent is Eid al-Adha. #nowyouknow https://www.instagram.com/p/B1kGQPIFXVG/?igshid=8k5atkzv3i6b

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The calmness I feel from these pictures is incredible. 💜 Today I choose: Calm over chaos Serenity over stress Peace over perfection Grace over grit Faith over fear -marydavis 💙 #antelopeisland #utah #travelmore #apriltrip #throwback #mirroredlake #wanderer #optoutside #sayyesmore (at Antelope Island State Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1SW7Lnl-sR/?igshid=356lvgvalqzz

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Hi August 🌻 I’ve got a lot in store for you #summersend #dakar #lemonument #lookformore #travel #backhome #domore #workharder (at Monument de la Renaissance africaine) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0n-FN3l1gR/?igshid=1qyq54bhevikf

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Take. That. Vacation. Make. It. Happen. Responsibly😊. 🌍💚💙. ✈️🛫. 💶. #travel #senegal #africa #summer19 #ete2019 #longbraids #beachviews #cestlavie #skindeep #happyglow #chocolatedipped #brownskingirls #blackgirlmagic (at Hydrobase,Saint-louis) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0kOp0qFSVb/?igshid=k1kubrg6cgwp

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That one time I went #ziplining ☺️ #acrobaobab #senegal #adventure #firsttime https://www.instagram.com/p/B0b7O8dlFOO/?igshid=1c9c3pr231xlb

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a mind stretched by new experiences can never go back to it’s old dimensions travel. learn. grow. -@molliebylett It’s such a blessing to be able to look back at my year (& it’s not even over) and think about two amazing trips I got to experience. It couldn’t have been possible without each person I met along the way and the ones that traveled with me. For that, I am forever grateful #travelmore #traveloften #utah #Zion #Apriltrp #2019travel #newexperiences #newmindset #growth #hiking #exploring #mountaintop #angelslanding #lookingahead (at Zion National Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0JQSkvF5O2/?igshid=d9aje86hz4vw

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“In between goals is a thing called life, that has to be liked and enjoyed” (at Dakar, Senegal) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz87_6yFKIn/?igshid=1phzdsgfzr2nk

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May 31: “The end one may just be the beginning of another” - AMD On this last day of May and on a seeming specially night if Ramadan, I am especially thankful for the life I have and live. Through the years of ups and downs, I could always imagine what my life would look like but my imagination would stop at with me at 25 years. I never understood why I could exactly put my finger on what my life would be after a quarter century, but now I see why. This year, and the few leading up to it, has been a turning point. The decisions I made out on varying paths that thankfully led me to where and who I am now. I’ve learned so much about myself at 25 and can’t wait for adventures ahead. I haven’t posted all my highlights from the trip but I’ll figure out something https://www.instagram.com/p/ByJsy2rFcti/?igshid=2bvn8g7tbqzc

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May 30: “Action expresses priority” - Gandhi I’m pretty close to being late for today. I had to prioritize certain things that mean so much to me such as (in chronological order of the day) work, feeding my family for iftar, learn to read Arabic, and prayer/faith. On these last days of Ramadan, we can look back and reflect on what we’ve done better and what we could do better. We can reflect on our priorities; which ones need to be higher on the list and which ones should go lower. It is possible for that list to change day by day but the fundamental ones stay near the top hopefully. #lesson30 is just a reminder to look at your priorities every now and then and just imagine the life you want and make sure your priorities and goals align with that. #peaceandblessings #ramadan2019 #foreveryone #thinkahead #priorities #maketime #pickandchoose #spendtimewisely #callingtree https://www.instagram.com/p/ByHNydnlAZO/?igshid=mce3p77zawyj

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May 29: “There’s no place like home” I thoroughly enjoyed my time way from home and coming back to sunshine and gorgeous weather was the perfect welcome. Being in the outdoors of Utah, #lesson29 got me even more excited for PA spring and taking advantage of every beautiful day. So I wake up with open windows, sit outside with a book, go for run, play tennis, rollerblade or bike. I go out back and stare in awe at the tall pines continuously growing above me as if to protect my family and I. I look at the garden I one day want to make flourish. Something so simple as taking a walk to the park can awaken your outdoor spirit. So sit in that comfy chair in your living room, close your eyes and enjoy your home. Go outside and take a deep breath in, maybe for a beat longer than usual and let out that air as your shoulders lighten. Look around your room and count 5 things you’re thankful for, but never really gave a second thought while using. Home is where your heart leads you, where you feel at ease and in complete comfort. #homesweethome #utahscapes #roadtrip #southernutah #day4 #redrocks #morerocks #somegreen #photography #writing #readoutdoors https://www.instagram.com/p/ByEkvM7FKDi/?igshid=1u2sa4bj4oxqz

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May 28: “I was never going to go if I waited for someone to come with me” - L #lesson28 is more for the reader than anything. I’m sorry for the misconception but these posts are all from my trip to Utah in April 2019. I got to meet up with an old friend I hadn’t seen in far too long and met some pretty amazing people. While, my trip was only 5 full days of hiking, I came back with a renewed sense of self and awareness of the world and the life we live. I was reminded of my faith and my passions in life, one of which is writing. I became aware of how rarely I post about the amazing opportunities I get to appreciate through life and I put my flaw and my passion together. I set out at the beginning of May to post a “lesson” every day with pictures from my trip. Each post was headed by a quote that strikes a cord and followed by a bit of writing about things I learned on or from my trip and time in Utah; something I wish I could do or understand better, something I think someone needed to hear that day just to get on to the next, or something I had figure out for myself. And selfishly, this gave me the chance to relive each of those moments again through the pictures I was able to witness, take and be in. I appreciate you for taking a moment to share these with me and hope you have grown from them as well. We’re getting close to the end! #growtogether #utahposts #travelerpost #sardinesinasandstorm #photography #threesisters #rainbow #goblins #sunshine #skyonfire #darkskies #blueeyes #tentsfly #imhome #stilloptingoutside #hikemore #hikehigher https://www.instagram.com/p/ByB2aCPlk2x/?igshid=1l86t2b65hz9q

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May 27: “To those that we have lost and those that we still have with us, we never forget your service, but in this day, may we remember it even more” To those that have sacrificed and took on more onto your shoulders than I could image, I appreciate you. To those that have sacrificed for me whether I saw it or not, thank you. Thank you for putting me and my needs ahead of yours in order to keep what was not meant for me away from me. Thank you for thinking of me in that moment and I pray to return the effort or at least pay it forward. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx_fCgeFgDC/?igshid=bjnxe9914xdm

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May 26: “At the end of the day I’m a good woman. I’m not perfect by any means but my intentions are good, my heart is pure and I love hard with everything I’ve got and because of those things..I’m worth it. Always have been and always will be.” Words of affirmation, truth and encouragement are extremely important to read, say and hear. So if you need to read, say or think it to yourself, do that. Don’t wait for someone else to make you feel that way and tell you things about yourself. Yes it takes certain experiences, a number of experiences to figure out and learn who you are, but don’t let one situation define you. It’s okay to talk to yourself to reassure yourself that you will be okay, that you are enough because that’s what it takes. Sometimes only you can help you, but use that as your power and make the best of each day you wake up. You too fellas! Haha #lesson26 #day3 #rainbows #unicorn #clayground #talktoyourself #talktomenice #bekindtoyourself #loveonyou #utahdesert #sandstorm #goblinvalley #optoutside #gettoknowyou #experiences #growth #takeyourtime #photography #edit #fellasincluded (at Utah) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx8RsaqFJ7i/?igshid=uhdxav84rqve

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May 25: “She believed she could, so she did” One of my absolute favorite quotes for of my favorite pictures. As this is a popular quote that really doesn’t need an explanation anymore, the mounds of dirt in my pictures are from the Utah desert full of sand and pretty views. It’s a vast and gorgeous place to push yourself and see what you can see. I could’ve spent hours just climbing, lounging, getting to the top and then just taking in everything I could. Everything I could see, feel, hear… It’s a type of place that makes you feel small in the world but content with that fact. It makes you wonder how things are developed and other beings had been in the same place at a different time. It’s a whole new world #utahdesert #goblinvalley #goblins #fearofgoblins #blueskies #puffyclouds #models #climbhigher #day3 #optoutside #climbsafe https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx6IElblG08/?igshid=1ghrherkhq7ai

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May 24: “What is life without a little risk?” - Sirius Black Life is short. Life is long. Some days are super and some years fly by. Between school and getting a job I’m glad I always become blessed and presented with so many opportunities to live fully and with so much fun and laughter. Big and small opportunities, from traveling to a new state and visiting 3 out of 5 of Utah’s State Parks to just having a laugh at work with a great group of people. I’m thankful for all of it and appreciate each memory when I think back to them. I chose this quote for #lesson24 because all through this and last year I’ve been given so many opportunities that have led to so much joy, adventure and lifelong friends and memories. Accepting those opportunities and taking those chances to embark on those explorations of life took more than just planning. There were multiple times of hesitation and doubt, but we don’t think about all the what ifs of life, we look back at all the chances and risks we took to make it great. . #takethechance #riskforreward https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx3w663Fxye/?igshid=1baouxoo7vid6

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May 23: “May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears” Through life you may see multiple people and experiences and think, ‘I’d like to do that or be like that’. Ever ask yourself what’s stopping you? Ever try to work your way around or through that answer? Sometimes all it takes is just truly believing IT IS POSSIBLE for you. Other times, it takes a little more effort and trial & error. But isn’t that what life’s about becoming everything you’re meant to be and being the best you possible. It will also take a little courage #startyourjourney #stormymorning #goblinvalley #utahdesert #campsite #hikehigher #beautifulsights #possibilities #endless #begood #dogood #dobetter #trymore #playground #lesson23 #day3 (at Utah) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx0ubuIFeoF/?igshid=y6de598p35dw

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May 22: “No matter what happens, you are going to change and experience growth. You are going to be different than who you were a year ago.” - MHN One picture. Three ways. Isn’t it so cool how one landscape, one picture can make you feel so many different ways. #lesson22 is about growing, learning to adapt and accepting the change that’s forever happening. I’m definitely not the person that I was 5 years ago. In all honestly, I feel like after this quarter century of life I’ve embarked on a completely new journey that I’ve been preparing and waiting for. I’m at a stage in my life that I couldn’t have foreseen and I’m loving it. I’m loving the wonderer, the believer, the doer that’s growing within me. Change is unpredictable. It can get messy and make you want to turn back but sometimes, ‘the only way is through’. Fighting something that is bound to happen is almost as painful as worrying, but neither will change what’s to come. It’s not easy and you might have to try to stop it. At the end of the day, try to find peace in the belief that what is meant for you will come and what isn’t will find it’s way out. #edits #differentways #changehappens #utahviews #southernutah #day3 #stormy #passingstorm #letitbe #letgo&letgod #dowhatsright #meantforyou #tryifyoumust #stillreading? #shortpost (at Utah) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxyZC5xlzQB/?igshid=1pljh8c2w9jvv