It has been more than three years since my time spent in the great country of Botswana. And oh how I long to return to this incredible place. The grace of the people, an abundance of wildlife, and the diversity of landscapes; each evoked strong emotions in me to want to linger in this lovely African country.

Upon my return from spending the morning on the Okavango Delta, I was approached by this beautiful young Botswana girl, who was intrigued by my cameras and gear. She paused from collecting water in her jugs along the water’s edge of the delta, walked over to me with her incredible smile, and asked me to photograph her. I was delighted too, but I could see her older sister had completed her water gathering and I could not leave her out of the fun. So I was able to take these wonderful images.

Phototherapy lesson learned: It’s ok to take a moment to pause from your project. Never be so busy that you can’t enjoy an instant of pleasure while you work. You deserve a second to feel the good energy from your smile.