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🌈1392 – Monday, 19 January 2026 22:28

by | Jan 19, 2026 | Daily Personal and General

Life is too short to limit yourself!

🌈1392 – Monday, 19 January 2026 22:28

London

Woke up early to the first alarm at 6:30 am. Looked out of the window to the right behind me; looked grey and wet. Went back to bed and set another alarm for 8 am.

08:00 AM Woke again to the second alarm and turned the phone off. There was this long text message from a mate who had returned to London after being away for about a week. I had checked in on him last night to make sure he arrived safely and for work this morning. He said he went straight to bed – good boy – and was already up before me, which was good to hear.

08:50 Had a quick breakfast, sat at the desk, and logged into work. About 10- 15 minutes, mother phoned, checking on me. We usually speak wheneverI ring. I just hoped everything is okay, and it was, but she wanted to show their neighbour’s funeral, a man who lived on the same street had passed away, bless him.

I said okay mother, I’ll open the camera, parents’ home OpeyEye, and there was a large gathering. Mum was on the first floor while everything was happening on the ground floor, with a big band and all. It felt a little peculiar to watch, but there was comfort in knowing she thought to call me in that moment. She was likely feeling emotional, and it felt right that it was me she rang. Dad was returning at the same time, having attended the funeral downstairs. I said goodbye to them, will speak later.

A few minutes later came more news. A dear friend, known for about two years, had apparently also departed last Friday. We had gone to a wedding together last year. The last time we met was a few months ago during a lunchtime walk. We said hello, and he reached out his hand. Not many people shake hands anymore since Covid, but somehow it happened naturally, like old gentlemen. He said, “You’re looking great, Ash.” At the time, I must say, it felt strange – I wondered why is he giving me his hand, I wish I had spoken to him a bit longer.

This is the final goodbye, my friend. Wishing you well on your departure – the promised land, the unknown curiosity ahead. Hopefully, you’re somewhere peaceful and beautiful. Sending love to you above and to your family here. Goodbye.

10:30 After that news, the rest of the day felt strange and unsettled. A chir-chira, irritable mood settled in. Everything felt like “why this?” and “why that?” Tried to lift the mood, but it helped that it was a workday and there was something to focus on. Normally, there would be a radio or podcast playing, but nothing was turned on today – just the mind chattering away. There wasn’t even much Astaghfirullah on the tongue, not even as default.

14:20, still at the desk, the workday itself went well. Most of the day was spent working through tasks, with a bit of on-and-off chatting with a mate, with my brother, and with a colleague. No social media at all.

17: 45, Logged off work, ate something, and again didn’t turn on music or a podcast, which is unusual. On most days, there’s a gym session before or after work, followed by Isha Salah around 18:30. Time slipped by, and suddenly it was clear none of that had happened. Oh, mind – why so distracted today? One piece of sad news, and the whole routine falls apart.

The friend mentioned earlier, who returned last night, texted to say he was swimming near Covent Garden and suggested meeting halfway. Plans were made instantly. Left home and walked toward Oxford Street from Berkeley Square. We shared live locations with each other. I tried to hide and jump out as a surprise, but I forgot to turn the map off, so it ended in laughter instead.

We had a quick catch-up while walking along New Bond Street, back through Bond Street and Oxford Street – a small triangle. He talked about the last couple of weeks travelling through Palma, Mallorca, Ibiza, and more. We grabbed some food, sat down and had a silly laugh talking this and that. and then said goodbye at IKEA.

When we were just about to say goodbye, my mate saw this funny time-wasting social media app on my phone, and I felt Ugh!

We didn’t talk, just said goodbyes, then the walk home felt a bit like a walk of shame – not for anything specific, just a feeling that time hadn’t been used wisely when spent on the timeless apps.

Everybody who’s scrolling through their phones and apps should set a time limit on social media and realise that they should be using that time wisely.

3 things you can do to help others

Three things to feel grateful for today:

  • Grateful for leaving the house in the evening. Without that, the same funny mood would have continued all night, and no writing would have happened.

  • Grateful for the quick meal out. Two burgers on my side, a wrap, salad, and a big smoothie on his. Everything was shared, and we were properly full.

  • Deep gratitude for immediate family, friends, and everyone around who are safe and well.

What would it take – for you and for me – to wake up 10 x stronger, thicker, muscular, leaner, happier, healthier; wake early; have a good workout, get to work sharp and in decent time, everything to be okay with family, friends and everyone around, then have a relaxing, relaxing, relaxing, yet a productive day tomorrow?

Sign up for the monthly letter below.

Goodnight. Good luck.

Ash Khaleem

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