Be disciplined. There is no easy way.

🌈 1371 – Tuesday, 2 September 2025, 23:39

London

Just sitting down to write before heading to bed. I spent the day on and off at my desk- working, taking breaks to eat or do little things, then returning to work. This is exactly what I wanted: to be focused, to get things done.

“Do the things that can help move your goals forward.

Short-term or long-term, no rest for the wicked.”

I had anticipated an early start this morning, but nature had other plans. I woke up, jumped to check the time, and it was already 8:10 AM. I had to leave for work soon. While still in bed, read a rukuh of Surah Kahf, repeated affirmations, and then did some pushups with my legs on the bed before finally getting up.

The sun was shining outside. I showered, ironed my clothes, dressed in a white shirt, grey trousers, black shoes and socks, packed my bag, ate two small muffins for breakfast, got the bike out, and left for work. It was a beautiful day outside.

I was absolutely glad I didn’t take a jacket with me. Work day went smoothly, most of the day spent on invoices. At lunch, I went up to the river for some warm food – ate a lamb pasty with chips and salad. On my way back, I was catching up with a mate on the phone, and then I bumped into another friend. We walked back to work together, chatting. Again, the weather was still so beautiful.

It did spit a little rain here and there, but whenever the sun came out, it all dried up, so it was just perfect. The forecast says there will be rain tomorrow, and then a heatwave from Thursday. I just wonder how the weather can change so quickly.

The rest of the afternoon went smoothly. I logged off work around 17:35 and headed straight home, enjoying a nice and easy ride from St. James’s Park to Mayfair. Once home, I booked a slot for an 18:30 swim at Marshall Street Leisure Centre. I was still making up my mind – earlier at lunch, my mate had reminded me that I should go swimming soon and check if they allow access to the spa. I said I would. But 18:30 is always a busy time, and I often feel rushed in the pool. I preferred to go for a run instead and thought I’d probably swim tomorrow morning or early evening, since I’ll be working from home.

Such a small “problem” to have, but still – it’s a good kind of worry compared to what many people are going through right now. Sending them all my love and blessings.

While I was still debating, I checked my phone and saw a missed call from the same mate, just four minutes earlier. I rang him back, after a quick catch-up about our day, I decided to skip swimming and go for a run – and I’m so glad I did. I ran a full circle around Hyde Park. It didn’t rain, and though it was getting darker, it was still beautiful.

When I returned home, I showered, offered Maghrib salah, and noticed a missed call from dear mother from 45 minutes earlier. I texted back, “I went for a run after work, Mother. I’ll ring you tomorrow.”

For dinner, I had beef with salad. I ate half, then decided to sit at the desk and work for 45 minutes before going back for the second round. Later, I started watching Blood Diamond on Netflix since it’s leaving soon.

Now, back at the desk before midnight to finish some writing. Across the way, the beautiful girl in the opposite window – the one I’ve never spoken to – just turned off her lights and went to bed.

Goodnight, goodnight, parting is such sweet sorrow…

Around the world today

• Russia-Ukraine war – Ukraine announced that Russia is undertaking a fresh troop buildup along key front-line sectors, while Russian strikes continue across Ukraine.(Reuters)

• Israel and Palestine war – the United Arab Emirates issued a stark warning that any further West Bank annexation by Israel would cross a “red line,” signalling growing regional concern over Israel’s territorial ambitions amid intensifying conflict. (Reuters)

• AI – AI is increasingly being used for drug discovery and safety testing, aligning with the FDA’s push to reduce reliance on animal testing – potentially halving development timelines and costs. (Reuters)

Three things I felt grateful for:

• Grateful the workday went smoothly.

• Grateful my brother texted me in the morning to check in. I replied that I was at work.

• Grateful, an old mate messaged me late last night, almost at midnight, wishing me a good night’s sleep and hoping today would go smoothly. I wondered why he was up at that time, but I thanked him.

What would it take for me – and for you – to wake up 10 times bigger, stronger, leaner, more energetic, happier, more grateful? To wake up early, get to the gym, have a good workout, start work on time, and for everything to be okay with family, friends, and everyone around us? And then to have a relaxing, relaxing, relaxing mentally – yet productive – day tomorrow?

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Goodnight, good luck!

– Ash Khaleem