🌈 1282 – Saturday, 21 December 2024 23:42

London

“The Elusive Dream

You want it so deeply, but it slips away,                                                                                      A vision so clear, like light gone astray.                                                                                    You think it through, you strive, you care,                                                                              But what you seek remains out there.

Your soul longs gently, yearning to hold,                                                                                    A tender dream, a story untold.                                                                                                Your heart stretches wide, chasing the glow,                                                                          Reaching for hopes that come and go.

“Let it go,” they say, “find peace, be wise,                                                                               Know when to reach and when love resides.”                                                                          But I can’t rest still; I won’t let go,                                                                                          This warmth inside continues to grow.

What does it take to make dreams stay?                                                                                    To bring them closer, not drift away?                                                                                        To those who work and give their best,                                                                                    Your light shines on; you’ll find your rest.

Shine bright, shine true, through quiet and still,                                                                      When silence falls, let love fill.                                                                                                  I’m here with you through it all, I swear,                                                                                Your journey is sacred; I’ll always care.

So dreamers, rise, though paths feel long,                                                                                Take my hand when it seems all wrong.                                                                                Through storms and calm, we’ll keep our song;                                                                        Love will guide us, it’s where we belong.”

                                          This morning started with a jilt – I woke up from a vivid dream that felt so real, like someone was sitting beside me in bed. It was unsettling, but once I realized it was just my imagination, I managed to drift back to sleep. At 5:00 a.m., I woke again, right on time as I had prayed for the night before. It gave me hope—maybe my old habit of waking early was finally making a comeback.

Before COVID, I used to cherish early mornings. They were my quiet moments to plan and prepare. But the pandemic threw everything off balance. Working from home blurred the lines, and my routines fell apart. Waking early turned into a struggle, and for years, I’ve been trying to get it back.

Today felt like a small win. By 7:20 a.m., I was at the gym, pushing through pull-ups, dumbbell presses, and bicep curls. That familiar workout rhythm felt good, like I was reconnecting with a part of myself. After a quick shower, I was home, eating breakfast, and starting my workday.

The day went smoothly. I ran errands, did laundry, and caught up with my mom. In the afternoon, I visited my new place and imagined how it would all come together – the kitchen, dining area, and more. While there, I shared the moment with my parents and brother through video, and their excitement added a special touch.

On my way back, I found a mosque near Holborn and stopped to pray Maghrib. It was a peaceful moment, grounding me in the middle of all the changes happening in my life.

When I got home, I felt a mix of emotions—relieved about the new place but sad about leaving my current home. I lay down to reflect, but sleep overtook me, and I lost track of time.

Later, I woke up to find messages from a friend and my brother, both checking in on me. Their care reminded me that even in uncertain times, there’s so much to be grateful for—faith, family, and good friends.

Today taught me that while life’s changes can feel unsettling, they also bring opportunities to grow. Old habits can return with time and effort, and gratitude helps us navigate the ups and downs. For all the emotions of the day, it was a reminder to appreciate what I have and keep moving forward with hope.

Around the world today with others –

• Special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, is preparing to visit Kyiv and other European capitals in January to seek an end to the war in Ukraine. https://nypost.com/

• As key elections approach, West Africa is facing significant security and economic challenges. The United Nations reports that these issues are exacerbating existing tensions and could impact the stability of the region.

• Israel – Hamas war – In Beit Lahiya, the Israeli army ordered the evacuation of Kamal Adwan Hospital. Reuters https://www.reuters.com

Three things I’m grateful for today:

• Grateful for the spacious new home I’ll be moving into.

• Grateful to be comfortably in bed, typing with ease.

• Grateful for building some great human relations this year.

What will it take for us to wake up tomorrow feeling stronger, more energetic, confident, and happy? To be healthy, wealthy, and grateful, to rise early, work out, and have everything to be okay with family, friends, and those around us? A day that’s both relaxing, relaxing, relaixng yet a productive day tomorrow spent with the people we care about?

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Goodnight, good luck!

Ash Khaleem