🌈 1249 – Monday, 19 August 2024 23:56

London

00:00 Remember not to fight in the face of adversity. Don’t fight it, rise above it!

In the face of hardship in life, resist the urge to engage in a struggle against it. Surrender to it. Instead of fighting against the challenges, focus on how you can rise above them. Allow difficulties to be stepping stones, not stumbling blocks, as you elevate yourself beyond the obstacles and see what it can teach. Let your response be one of strength, resilience, and grace. Adversity is not an enemy to be fought but an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to transcend. So, embrace the challenge that experience brings.

Sometimes, it’s impossible to stop thinking about certain things, and letting go of expectations becomes necessary. When you find yourself in that place, it’s important to surrender to the flow of life—allow events to unfold naturally without forcing outcomes. Whatever happens, happens. However, in this process, never compromise your principles for fleeting approval or temporary acceptance. Hold fast to your values, even when the path seems uncertain.

Instead of getting caught up in worries or distractions, channel your energy into pursuing your dreams with unwavering determination. Dedicate yourself to working hard every single day, and immerse yourself in personal growth and self-improvement. Focus on becoming the best version of yourself, so much so that your mind has no room to dwell on the things that trouble you. By investing in your own progress, you empower yourself to rise above challenges and create the life you desire.

Woke up early, 05:20, cold, wet and gray outside from this huge window in front of me, warm day yesterday but today was a strange day today.

Despite feeling a strong urge to go back to bed, I stayed up and meditated, occasionally drifting off during 35 affirmations. By the time it was 5:40, I got ready, put on my blue Adidas shorts and a blue T-shirt, and headed to the gym. The atmosphere was quiet and peaceful, which set the perfect tone for my workout. Surprisingly, I had really, really, really, really, really exceptionally great workout—so much so that I have to say “really” five times! I didn’t expect to have that kind of energy, but it turned out far better than I anticipated.

Had a shower, and there was cold water, someone asked me after I got out of the shower was the water cold. I said it is, and only then I saw there was a notice on the entrance that there was no hot water.. It was very refreshing. I took a shower, and after I got out, someone asked is the water cold and I said, it is.., that’s when I noticed a sign at the entrance stating there was no hot water. The unexpected chill and the cold shower were actually quite refreshing.

On my way home, I noticed someone dressed sharply in formal attire, which made me think that I should probably dress like that today for Monday. When I got back, I offered my Fajr prayer, then headed out for work, arriving at the office by 08:45.

Mondays should really be optional, but today went well. Did doc verifications most of the day, then caught up with a few colleagues who had been away. The workday flowed smoothly. Later, I had a long chat with my brother on WhatsApp, little nephew Hamd is starting to walk while holding onto things. I also had a nice, long conversation with my mother since I hadn’t called over the weekend.

19:10, I went for a run, very windy outside, there is light but dark clouds and grey. I wore thick, long sleeves, and when I ran it was actually warm, from Picadilly to Horse Guard Road, past Westminster Abbey on my left via Great Smith Street to Millback and over Lambeth Bridge crossed the river, too the stairs down by the Lambeth Palace, the Covid memorial wall hearts on my right, then St Thomas’s took the stairs up to Westminster bridge turned back to Big ben it was exact 20:00 and first smaller bells rung before the big bong of 8 pm.. I stood on the bridge by the wall and closed my eyes, waiting for 2 seconds before the big bong and the Ben Ben went 8 times Dung.. Dung.. Dung… I kepy my eyes closed.. imagining my hand on the heart but didn’t want to show off there, stood on the bridge to the side on the wall on the left, then the river then the Parliament terrace.. that’s when it started raining.. after the bell then headed towards, the Parliament street, Imperial War Museums stairs down back to Horse Guard road and back home.

Back home, sat straight at on the chair, mediated for 40 Alham, and full tazvi, and then made dinner .. roti aur chicken.. Today was meant to be some blue moon that occurs only a couple times in a year, I was waiting for it but the clouds are thick and no sight of the mt moon.

3 things I felt grateful for today –

• Grateful one workmate who hadn’t been in contact for a few days texted congratulating the new job I’d starting on 2nd Sep.. I gave a heart.

• Felt grateful when Bother said, he too took a nap after work.

• Felt grateful on my way to work when the roads were clear.

Around the world today –

• Israel has accepted a cease-fire proposal to halt the war in Gaza and the next step is for “Hamas to say yes.”

• A mutated form of mpox has been circulating in the Democratic Republic of Congo for months. ( it was covid before and now we have a new one)

• For the first time ever, a bar of gold is worth a cool one million dollars. The milestone was reached Friday when the precious metal’s spot price surpassed $2,500 per troy ounce, an all-time high.

What would it take for me and for you to wake up 10 x times bigger, thicker, more energetic, mature, healthy, happy, helpful, make it to workout in the morning, have a good workout then get to work on time, everything to be okay with family, friends, and everyone around and then also have a relaxing, relaxing relaxing yet a productive day tomorrow?

Goodnight, Goodluck!

Ash K’haleem