🌈 1290 – Monday, 30 December 2024 22:28

London

The alarm buzzed softly at 6:15 AM, but I wasn’t in a rush. It was Monday, the final week of the year, and “there’s always something to December” – the festive hum, the playful air of holiday spirit. I’d been up briefly at 4:30 AM, glancing out at the stillness of the world before snoozing again. By 8:20, I was awake for good, feeling rested and ready to embrace the day.

The Sun was out and on my face, sat at the edge of the bed and mediated for 35 affirmations, at 8:35, I headed out to the gym, the caretaker at the lift greeting me with a warm “Good morning, have a nice day!” I said, simply: “Thank you, you too.” The air outside was cold and grey, thick with mist and fog, though the sky seemed to clear.

The workout was great, 4 x sets of 11 reps of pull-ups on the bar, dumbbell presses, lateral raises, hammer curls, pushing my limits with every rep. After a quick shower, I returned home by 09:20, and 09:45 was the first call on teams, logging into work from the comfort of my desk.

Work was steady. I skimmed through emails, tackled urgent tasks, and texted my mother to check-in. She called back on video, surrounded by my sister and niece. They were sifting through old pictures, laughing at memories caught in time. Our call stretched on as I worked, their voices a comforting backdrop to my day.

At 11:30, I paused to offer late Fajr prayers, grounding myself in gratitude before returning to the desk. The hours blurred until 4:10 PM, when I decided to cook something quick – spicy laal bagara khana. I ate while watching Netflix, a small indulgence to mark the day’s midpoint.

Just as I eat, my landlord knocked, dropping by for a quick chat. He mentioned his cousin’s grandson visiting tomorrow to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks from our balcony. I nodded, yeah of course, happy for him to join.

By 17:30, the workday was over, and I caught up with a friend about evening plans. A short nap followed – a refreshing 40 minutes that recharged me. I meditated briefly afterwards, letting the stillness anchor me before checking my phone. My brother had messaged, and we planned a call.

By 21:50, I was out for a walk, the streets alive with anticipation for New Year’s Eve. At Haymarket, I gave in to an impulse to go out to get something, stopping by Pizza Hut. The cashier joked about puddings for dinner, and I laughed, then he gave me 3 boxes of just pudding for dinner.. chocolate cake in one, and pastries in the others. Perfect for tomorrow’s fireworks viewing with friends.

Back home at 22:30, I began drafting the prologue for my new book, “The Default Mode”. Words flowed, carrying the weight of the day’s reflections and lessons.

Now, as I type this, the London Eye glitters in blue and red outside my window – a reminder of the beauty of endings and beginnings. Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve, but tonight, I sit with a full heart, grateful for the moments that made today meaningful.

Around the world today –

• Ukraine’s Peace Formula Gains International Support: Ukraine’s 10-point Peace Formula, aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia, has garnered backing from various nations. The plan includes measures such as nuclear safety, food security, and the restoration of territorial integrity. Recent diplomatic meetings in Copenhagen, Jeddah, and Valletta have advanced discussions, with a Global Peace Summit anticipated in early 2024. (Reuters) 

• G20 Summit Calls for Peace in Gaza and Ukraine: During the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, leaders emphasized the necessity for peace in conflict zones, notably Gaza and Ukraine.

• Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Severe weather conditions have exacerbated the humanitarian situation in Gaza. World do something!

3 things I felt grateful for today

• Grateful, I was relieved when the landlord walked in, and to my surprise, my flat was still tidy.

• Grateful, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the progress made today, pushing to finish everything before the year ends.

• Grateful and thankful that tomorrow brings a new day, full of possibilities.

What would it take for me and for you to wake up 10 x times, bigger, thicker, more energetic, confident, happy, authentic, grateful happy, wake up early, make it to workout in the morning, start and finish work to the fullest, everything to be okay with family, friends and everyone around then have a relaxing, relaxing, relaxing, yet a productive day tomorrow?

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Goodnight, Goodluck!

Ash Khaleem