“Only break the rules baby or whatever Ja said.”

I love folk. I love rap.

I learned everything the hard way – like, literally, everything. I know that God does that to people that he has lessons for. I just wish that I had learned less extreme lessons.

Wearing a hijab never made me feel any more conservative – it made me feel safe. Then, after 9/11, I became the butt of a joke on the playground, so I stopped wearing it. Kids can be really cruel when you’re the only black girl in your Girl Scout troop.

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.

Sad thing is, you can still love someone and be wrong for them.

It is so hard to leave, until you leave. And then it is the easiest goddamned thing in the world.

My life used to be full of everything. Now if you aren’t with me I haven’t a thing in the world.

When the wrong people leave your life, the right things start to happen.

When you finally close the book, the characters have told their story and you start up again with another book, complete with new characters and adventures. Then you find yourself focusing on the new ones, not the ones from the past.

When I’m faded I forget, I forget what you mean to me. I hope you know what you mean to me.

Thank you for coming into my life and giving me joy, thank you for loving me and receiving my love in return. Thank you for the memories I will cherish forever. But most of all, thank you for showing me that there will come a time when I can eventually let you go.

Move fast and break things. Unless you are breaking stuff, you are not moving fast enough.