Life is hard.

Choose joy anyway.

🌈 1373 – Friday, 10 October 2025 23:58

London – 11:58 PM

I’m just back home, lying in bed. “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk is playing beside me.

We’ve come too far. To give up who we are. So let’s raise the bar And our cups to the stars…

It’s just past midnight now – 00:02 – the next day has begun. Tomorrow’s Saturday. Hopefully, I’ll fall asleep soon and wake up feeling fresh. Though I’m not sure I will.

Earlier tonight, around 10:02 PM, I asked a girl at Ladurée Mayfair for a hot drink with my pastry. She gave me an Americano – black coffee, no milk. I didn’t want to say no, or tell her, “It’s too late for coffee.” So I smiled, accepted it, and drank it happily while sitting outside.

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful day outside has been today!

Before writing about the day, I want to let something out.

“Go, My Friend — Be Happy

Go, my friend – be happy.

You’ve always wanted to follow your own path.

When did we start overthinking everything –

“why didn’t you agree,”

“you should’ve,”

“I said,” “you said”?

Can’t you see how much love there still is?

Why do we complicate it?

Just appreciate what’s here, now.

Only then can the next chapter be beautiful.

You keep chasing a future you think will make you happy,

but happiness starts in this moment.

Be here.

Be now.

Be with us.

You’ll find someone who loves you,

who’s meant for you.

I’ve been there for you – went to the pub when you needed company,

listened when you met someone new,

even when you were feeling blue.

One day you act close,

the next day you say you need space.

Maybe our goals are just different.

Maybe we think too differently to explain.

Still, I’m giving my best to follow my own path,

and I know you’re doing the same.

No hard feelings.

We both want what’s best for each other.

Whatever happens, don’t forget to smile –

your smile is innocent and beautiful.

You know I’ll always be there for you –

not just in emergencies,

but hopefully in happiness too.

It’s hard for you to say, but I’ll say it:

I love you.

You’re dear to me.

You’re a brother to me.

You’re my friend and will be a friend!

Go now.

Be happy.

No bitterness,

only my best wishes for your success and peace.”

I woke up early today. No plans – just wanted a quick workout before starting work. It was grey and dull outside.

Read a rukuh of Surah Kahf in bed, then my affirmations, then Dad’s good morning message. Sat at the edge of the bed and meditated through 40 recitations of Surah Alhamd. By then, it was 7:20 AM.

Booked a swim at Marshall Street Leisure Centre, packed my bag, and biked over – just a 5-minute ride from Mayfair. Hardly any crowd. I hadn’t been swimming for a week, so it felt good to be back. Did 30 laps of front crawl in 25 minutes, showered, came home, prayed two raka’ahs of Fajr, and logged into work.

It’s Friday- the Friday feeling baby – but the workday went smoothly. Around 10:30 chatted with mother, then brother, and greeted Dad and sister all on Whatsapp. Worked quietly the rest of the morning – didn’t even turn the radio on. I was fasting, as I do on Fridays.

At 2 PM, I went to the Masjid for Jummah salah – performed wudu, prayed, came back around 2:45, and got back to work. Logged off around 6:30 PM. My sister called just as I was finishing up, then Mum called a few minutes later before bed. Dad was already asleep.

After breaking my fast and eating dinner at 18:45, I felt really strange. Didn’t want to stay in, watch TV, or do anything. I lay down for a bit but couldn’t rest, so I got dressed and went out for a walk.

The weather was beautiful – calm and fresh. I hadn’t realised how nice it was outside until I stepped out.

Walked aimlessly around Mayfair – down Clarges Street, Curzon Street, Queen Street, Charles Street, and Farm Street. Found a pub called The Punch Bowl, and right across from it, a big church.

I stopped at a little café nearby where a few Arabs were sitting. I wanted hot chocolate, but when the girl asked what I wanted, I just said “anything hot,” and she gave me coffee. Got two almond pastries too, sat outside, and watched people passing by – mostly a Middle Eastern crowd.

After eating, started walking again. A big group of guys walked by laughing, so I tagged along for a while. We walked toward Grosvenor Square, then Oxford Street. After a bit, I stopped, watched them go ahead, and headed back alone.

Came home, turned the radio switch on, and situationally this came on.

“She’s a Star” by James, a British rock band lyrics..

Whenever she’s feeling empty

Whenever she’s feeling insecure,

Whenever her face is frozen

Unable to take it anymore..

Glad I went out earlier, though. Sometimes, when you’re feeling empty, just get dressed and step outside. It really helps.

3 things I’m grateful for today:

• Grateful, just being alive on this beautiful planet.

• Grateful, I have no plans this weekend – just time to myself.

• Grateful, I carry wonderful memories of loved ones.

What would it take for me and you to wake up tomorrow 10 times more energetic, confident, happy, grateful, wake up early, have a good workout, everything to be okay with family, friends and everyone around, then have a relaxing, relaxing, relaxing yet a productive day tomorrow? and the rest of the weekend!

Goodnight and good luck.

– Ash Khaleem