Hey There! Welcome to My Blog

Let's start from the very beginning...

A very good place to start...

I want to get outside! I want to hike with my kids and family! I would like to get up early and see the sunrise! I want to roadtrip and visit different national and state parks. BUT.... That big ol' BUT seems to be stopping most of us from doing what we love and aspire to do.

It drove me crazy for so long. I had these constant thoughts for as long as I can remember. My Big BUT was always waiting for someone to encourage me, invite me, or go with me. Looking back now, I'm like, how crazy is that? Why did I waste so many years of my life waiting for someone to join what I always knew my body and soul needed? Looking back, I let the fear take over and control me: the fear of being alone with my own thoughts, the fear of being a Muslim hijabi in the outdoors, and how that would look to others. Would I be putting myself in danger? The fear and the stigma in Arab culture about a woman traveling alone, let alone camping and hiking in the woods! Growing up as a Muslim Arab American, it's taboo for a woman to be adventuring alone. I was raised this way even though it didn't really sit well with me. I always felt if a woman knows her limits and takes the proper precautions and plans well, she can do all those things and more, whether she's alone or with her kiddos. You can be strong, self-reliant, and go outside your comfort zone regardless of what people might say. I just didn't know how or if I would be able to do that.

I always loved being outside, and I would always say I was an explorer, but then again, aren't we all? From the moment we're born, we are encouraged to explore and go beyond what's okay or what's safe. Growing up, I wanted to play with the Tupperwares instead of the imaginary teacup set, and as I got older, I would prefer the dirt paths over the paved ones. I feel that never truly goes away unless we stop exploring or decide to start "adulting" and be boring, but who wants to do that anyway, right?

There are many factors that may prevent women from venturing into the outdoors alone or with their kids. Besides the cultural norms and societal expectations, concerns over safety or accessibility to nature is what keeps us from venturing away from the routine! When trying to go out on my own, I found a lack of representation for women in outdoor activities like hiking and camping, and especially for Muslim, hijabi women doing it alone or with their kids! I hope to inspire you mamas to feel comfortable hitting those trails safely, packing up your kids to take those inspiring day-long road trips, and feel that confidence and rejuvenation for your soul and peace of mind. Don't let your dreams of being outside stay on hold just waiting for everything to be perfect when it may never be. Our minds and bodies need the adventure much more often than our lives allow for, and if we sit around and wait for the right moment, the right gear, or the right partner, it may never happen.

To Read about my Interview with the great wanderlust click here.