Push yourself to be better every day

Distance doesn’t separate people, silence does!

🌈 1359 – Sunday, 22 June 2025 22:15

London

Standing in solidarity with the world.

Last night was warm, though not as hot as Friday. It stayed muggy all day, but the sun was mostly hidden behind the clouds.

Saturday took an unexpected turn. I ended up going along with plans others made. Sometimes you have to surrender your time to keep human connections alive – even if it means bending a little.

I should probably start with Friday, though – that’s when the weekend really began.

It’s now 22:49. I got caught up reading today’s global news: the U.S. attacked Iran, and the ongoing exchange between Israel and Iran continues. The headlines gave me a slight headache. Not sure if I should make a coffee or just call it a night. But before I sleep, I want to reflect on my weekend.

So, back to Friday…

I woke up with mixed feelings. The night before, I had cancelled Sunday’s water boat plan with friends. I texted my mate, saying I wasn’t coming, but he didn’t check in or ask why. That bothered me more than I expected. I messaged him again Friday morning – a long one – saying I felt a bit upset that he hadn’t asked if I was okay.

Unusual for me. He rang back, laughing: “What’s going on? You’re the calm one. I’m usually the dramatic one.” We talked for 40 minutes. He’s a good friend, we always have banter. By the time we finished, I had missed my gym time and just started work from home.

Work was calm. A few colleagues were off, so I had more space to manage my own time. I got through things, read more, and felt productive.

I went for Friday prayers around 13:15 at the Mayfair Islamic Centre, but it was packed. I walked back home and prayed Zohr instead – four rakats on my own and sat back at the desk.

Again, not how I planned things, but sometimes you just go with it — and that felt good.

It’s 23:16 PM now. I think I’ll finally make that drink I was thinking about earlier. I’ve only just written about Friday, and I still have Saturday and Sunday left. Help me, God.

Work wrapped up at 17:45. I showered, expecting a mate from Gloucester — my old roommate from 15 years ago. We hadn’t seen each other in nine years, but we had tickets to see Dua Lipa at Wembley.

He arrived and immediately made a comment about my hair – classic him. Shook me a bit, but I brushed it off. We took the Tube from Green Park to Wembley.

Dua Lipa was incredible. 70,000 people. She gave it her all — pure talent and passion on display. That night felt like witnessing someone living out their gift, sharing it with love, uniting thousands in joy. It reminded me: we each have something special, and we’re meant to find it, nurture it, and give it to the world.

Funny thing — I didn’t expect to know anyone else there, but I ran into an old neighbour from when I lived in Vauxhall and Elephant & Castle. Same guy, both places. He came over with a hug. That was really kind.

We left before the end to avoid the crowds. Took the Tube back to Green Park, but we were starving. Got the bus to Chinatown, grabbed some street food, and ate outside. It was still warm.

After that, we went home and slept. He had to move his car early – by 8:30 AM. I hit the gym soon after. Had a really, really good workout – upper body day. 11 reps of Pull-ups, dumbbell shoulder presses, flat benceh preses, incline bench presses, lateral raises, front raises, then hammer curls, finally abs. Felt great.

Then I showered, went home, made breakfast – eggs and toast – spoke to parents. Mum’s doing well, brother is still at home but flying back to Riyadh soon. I asked if I could bring my parents to stay with me for a few days after he leaves. Mum said she’s not ready to travel yet – maybe soon. I’m holding onto that hope.

The rest of the morning was peaceful. Stayed home, read, ran some errands. Around 13:30 it’s Saturday now, my mate picked me up for the water boat plan. I was still in the shower when he arrived. We chilled for a bit, then headed out on our bikes.

Hyde Park was beautiful. We met up with friends, walked around, then took a pedal boat out for an hour. Just talking and catching up. It started to rain lightly – warm summer rain. It was lovely.

Rain brings me joy. Where I grew up like in desert, it only rained once or twice a year. Rain was rare and magical. My siblings and I would run outside, play in it, collect water, stay out as long as we could. Rain reminds me of those precious childhood memories.

As I write this, Poor Charlie’s Almanack is playing on Audible, and suddenly I miss my sister and brother so much. I even smelled that old scent of rain from when we were young. I miss them deeply. Their love is still with me.

Spending time with friends today made me feel it more. When you grow up and move away, your friends become your chosen siblings. But nothing replaces real ones. Lucky are those who still get to be near theirs.

I didn’t mean to get emotional, but sometimes you write what the heart wants. One day, I’ll look back on this – these moments, these people – and it will be a beautiful chapter.

So to my friends, my siblings, my colleagues – thank you. I love you all.

Today, Sunday, I chilled at home. Went for a long run in Hyde Park, cooked, ate, read, watched TV – and now I’m sitting here, reflecting before the day ends.

I wish the world wasn’t at war. I wish Russia and Ukraine weren’t fighting. I wish Israel and Palestine weren’t suffering. And now, I wish Israel and Iran weren’t at odds either. No matter how much I try to avoid the news – it’s everywhere.

Around the freking world today:

• Russia & Ukraine: There’s still intense fighting along the long 1,200 km front line. Ukrainian troops are clashing with around 10,000 Russian soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region, and they’ve launched deep attacks on Russian military sites. (Reuters)

• Israel & Palestine: Things are getting worse in Gaza. Many civilians — especially babies and families — are dying from hunger, malnutrition, and lack of medicine because of the Israeli blockade and destruction of key infrastructure.

• Israel & Iran: The U.S. and Israel launched major airstrikes, called “Operation Midnight Hammer,” targeting Iran’s nuclear sites in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. They say the damage is massive, with some of Iran’s enriched uranium now buried under debris. (AP News).

Three things I feel grateful for today:

• Grateful to live in a peaceful country, away from war and conflict.

• Grateful for the warm memories of growing up with brother and sister.

• Grateful to have a small circle of caring and supportive friends around me.

What would it take – for you and for me – to wake up tomorrow feeling 10 times stronger, muscular, fitter, more confident, happier, and full of energy? To wake up early, have a great workout, and know that things are good with family, friends, and everyone around us. Then have a relaxing, relaxing, relaxing yet a productive day ahead tomorrow?

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Good night, and good luck.

— Ash Khaleem