🌈 1231 – Monday, 21 October 2024 23:59

London

I need to quickly jot down a few thoughts before heading to bed. The day flew by in a blur.

I woke up early, snoozed the alarm a few times, and finally got out of bed around 7:20. It was cold, wet, and grey outside, making me want to stay in bed, but I had to log in—it was Monday, a workday after all.

First thing, I checked my phone to make sure the world was still in one piece. There was a message from Dad at 5:30 AM, letting us know the approval had come through. I reacted with a heart emoji, though I probably should have said “MashaAllah” in the group chat. But I was glad I responded immediately. It was early, and I was grateful, but I dozed off again.

Thank God the approval came through; now the date for Mom’s surgery can be set. Later in the day, my brother and sister-in-law wrote “Alhamdulillah” in the group. When I sat back at my desk, I followed them.

I got to the gym at 7:40 AM for an upper body session: 4 sets of 11 pull-ups, barbell military presses, bicep curls, and front curls. After a shower, I rushed home and got to my desk by 9:07.

The workday was productive—Monday felt like Monday, but I got a lot done. I should probably cut down on my tea intake, though. It was cold, and I found myself brewing a few too many cups throughout the day.

Logged off and finished work at 5:30 PM while it was still light out. I had booked a swim lane for 6:30 but changed my mind. I didn’t feel like being in the water, so I opted for a run instead. The weather report said it was 16°C, but it felt more like 8°C.

I took a quick nap at 17:40 for about 30 minutes, then went out for my run. I started at Piccadilly, passed Pall Mall, and went down the steps to Horse Guards Parade. I ran past Westminster Cathedral, then along College Street and Great Peter Street toward Lambeth Bridge. I crossed over to Vauxhall Bridge, where I saw a big group of college kids running together—both girls and boys. It was nice to see them, a big group running in unison. I continued along the Albert Embankment with the COVID memorial wall on my right, then took the stairs up to Westminster Bridge, past St. Thomas’ Hospital, and headed back.

It was one of the most enjoyable runs I’ve had in a while—reminded me of the ones I did during the pandemic. Back then, the UK was in lockdown and strict isolation for nearly three years, I remember seven continuous months, I ran run the three bridges: Vauxhall, Lambeth, and Westminster without a day break including Weekends, I lived between Vauxhall and Oval back then, sharing a flat with two roommates I barely saw for months.

But thinking about the past won’t bring it back. It’s time to move forward and make new memories.

3 things I felt grateful for today

• Grateful for the ability to think and write.

• Grateful for feeling good most of today without any angry or frustrating thoughts.

• Graeful had a short but quick catch-up with mother and brother during the day.

Around the world today –

What would it take for me and for you to wake up 10 x times bigger, thicker more energetic, confident, happy, healthy, wealthy, rich, grateful wake up early and alert, make it to workout in the morning, then get to work on time, then have a relaxing, relaxing, relaxing, yet a productive day tomorrow?

Subscribe to the monthly letter below.

Goodnight, good luck!

Ash Khaleem