“I just think I have too much anxiety to listen to music. Sometimes it feels like noise, and sometimes it’s so affecting that I can’t recover from it.”

I feel like when you say ‘activist,’ you have to have so much clarity, and I don’t always necessarily have so much clarity on how I want to help others, I just have this weird, deep urge to help other people. I’m trying to let God guide my body and use it as whatever kind of vehicle or vessel it needs to be.

It starts with trusting yourself, even if people are telling you you’re too young to trust yourself.

I want to excel at something, to follow through, to not be afraid.

Mental health and family above all things. Period.

I don’t listen to my own music, so to me, it’s awesome that people really like it. I was afraid that it wouldn’t connect with everyone. I’m more appreciative than anything. SZA

I have an abundant amount of love in my life, and I’m grateful for that.

I made this and have too much to say about it.

I wasn’t popular in high school; I had no friends.

There’s something different about growing up black and Muslim, especially in New Jersey. It’s like when I left the mosque and I left my dad, I felt unprotected, but I also felt a weird sense of pride, like I was involved in this other way of living that was cool to me.

Blessed beyond measure to be with people who inspire me and have a vision beyond my wildest dreams.

Father if you don’t take me any further I honor the gifts you’ve given me thus far.

God forever working harder than satan.

My mom didn’t let me eat sugar or candy until I was older.

My anxiety stems from my lack of control no matter what.

I think we all do: I think we wonder if we’re supposed to be here if we’re doing the right thing, if we even want to be here. At least, I do all the time.

I make bad decisions frequently. They’re fun.

Home is where you feel at home. I’m still looking.

No; I did not hate him. The word is too weak. There is no word in the language strong enough to describe my feelings. I can say only that I knew the gnawing of a desire for vengeance on him that was a pain in itself and that exceeded all the bounds of language.

The word is too weak. There is no word in the language strong enough to describe my feelings.

Ladies in bunches always filled me with vague apprehension and a firm desire to be elsewhere.

I know a beautiful soul when I feel one. The empath in me honors the authentic in you.

It’s funny – sometimes the strongest individuals feel the worst when events are out of their control, and they can’t really be there for the people they love. I’ve felt it myself.

Make people who work for you feel important. If you honor and serve them, they’ll honor and serve you.

People who feel like sunshine have walked more in the rain than basked in the sun.