🌈 1232 – Sunday, 28 July 2024 23:18

We live by choice, not chance.

London

I woke up around 7:30 without needing an alarm. The sky was bright, blue, and sunny. The weekend had passed blissfully, beginning on Friday evening with watching the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony in Paris live, despite the pouring rain. I had met a friend in East London to watch the event, which lasted for three or four hours. In the middle, we took a break to grab some fried chicken from Shadwell.

We had a few drinks and crashed at a friend’s place. In the morning, took the dogs out for a walk around the park, picked some flowers, and made a garland for a friend’s birthday party. Although I didn’t attend the party, I’m sure she was happy to have something made of real flowers to wear. She was my friend’s best friend; birthdays bring such joy.

At 8:30 this morning, I left home for a run. I followed Whitehall Road, Victoria street, and Church Street, passed Great Peter Street, and crossed Lambeth Bridge. I ran by the COVID memorial wall on the right, took the stairs up to Westminster Bridge, and then headed back home. The whole run took about an hour. The sun was strong, so I probably got a tan today.

At 10:45, my nephew Dan called to let me know they had arrived and to ask for my brother’s work number so he could call him too. My dear sister and the whole family are flying out to take my nephew to university for the first time. He’s leaving home at 17, just like I did. I went back home for a couple of weeks after I first left, and there was one year when my brother got married, and I stayed home for six weeks. But since leaving at 17, to be honest, I’ve never really returned. The definition of home changed for me a long time ago.

Now, home is where spend most of time, quietly doing things like reading, writing, and catching up with at least one best friend. Friendships often come with strings attached. I wish things were simpler and easier. Just had a long, deep conversation with a best mate about our desires and priorities. There’s so much love in the world, but also so much sorrow. I guess that’s life. May God give us both the strength to figure things out and be there for each other.

As I work on managing my own emotions almost past midnight now, I send my love, blessings, and compassion to my best mate. We’ve gotten entangled in various things, but we’re mature enough to work things out by doing what is right. Perhaps one day, we will become more flexible with time, and emotions.

I have to wake up in a few hours for Monday, the start of the week, and I’m dreading it. Studying used to be fun, with exams to prepare for and look forward to. But after finishing school and starting a job, work feels like a daily exam for some people, with the stress and pressure of constantly proving yourself, appearing proactive, pleasing others, and making small talk. Meanwhile, your heart is elsewhere, trying to make things right. May God give us the strength to deal with one another in this human world.

Rest of the planet today –

Israel hits targets in Lebanon. It was Israel and Palestine war and now it’s spreading. Guys please stop, and put your weapons down. Wipe the lines and maps and make the world one. Let everybody be free.

3 things I felt grateful for today

Grateful to have my best mate around, who has become like a brother. He’s one of the most serene people a true blessing to anyone who spends time with him.
Grateful for the unexpected workout I had this evening around 8:30. I went in for a shower but ended up getting a great workout instead. Did 4 x sets of 10 reps of Pull-ups, Dumbell shoulder presses, lateral raises, and front raises.
Grateful I managed to get some writing done. It may not be perfect, but I was able to express my emotions on paper.

What would it take for us to wake up ten times more controlled, neutral, and happy, with faith and trust that only good things will come, also make it to workout in the morning, then get to work on time, day to go well, everything to be okay with family, friends and everyone around and then have a relaxing, relaxing, relaxing yet a productive day tomorrow?

Sending love to my little nephew as he starts his first day at university tomorrow.

Goodnight, good luck!

Ash Khaleem