🌈 1346 – Thursday, 01 May 2025 23:34

This life of yours is 100% your responsibility.

London

Sitting at my desk, wondering how to hold onto this moment. It feels so quiet – maybe like the calm before a storm. Why do we always think so far ahead? I remember being a teenager, worried about growing up, passing exams, finding a job, and building a life, having some friends..

Life has come and gone in waves – challenges, changes, achievements. But I’m still the same person in many ways, maybe even making the same mistakes. I live each day, yet I keep worrying about tomorrow.

Starting today, I’m giving myself permission to stop worrying – and I offer you the same. Let’s stop thinking about what didn’t happen or what might go wrong. Let’s focus on what we want to happen instead.

From this moment on, I’m letting go of fear. I’ll treat life as an adventure. I want to stop thinking just about “me, me, me” and start being of service to others. I don’t want to hold onto things or people anymore. I’m setting myself free.

And yes – you, every human I meet – are no less or greater than me. We’re equals. I won’t compare anymore: who’s smarter, richer, or more accomplished. Let others chase that. I’ve found peace right here. I’ll be the first to say hello, to open the door, to offer kindness, a thank you, even a cup of coffee. I no longer expect anything back. I release the need to please everyone.

I don’t know where these thoughts are coming from. I felt fine earlier. But sitting here in the quiet of a Mayfair street, I just need to let this out. I want to shout it: World, please choose peace! Put down the weapons. War is not the answer. If God is real—and I don’t know if He is – please, show me a sign. I’ll dedicate my life to spreading love and light. Just one sign.

They say if you ask, the answer will come. So I’m asking: What would it take for everything I’ve planned to become reality in two weeks? Not just for me – but for everyone around me who needs hope. May this be a time of love, joy, and transformation for the world.

Enough deep thoughts for now.

I woke up early today. The weather was warm and sunny. I read some affirmations in bed, saw my dad’s usual morning message, and meditated for 40 minutes, reciting Surah Al-Fatiha. Then I went for a 20-minute run in Green Park.

Back home, showered, prayed Fajr, got dressed in a blue-checked shirt and blue trousers, and headed to the office. The ride was beautiful. Work was smooth- I spent most of the day dealing with invoices. Had lunch with two friends, enjoyed some fish and mac & cheese, and wrapped up by 17:00 sharp.

There’s a quiet worry in the background: my mother’s platelets are slowly improving. I pray her radiation treatment can continue soon. I’m holding on with hope.

Got home around 18:15, rested, had an apple and some cashews, then hit the gym for a much-needed evening workout. I had really, really, really, really, really yes x 5 times really good workout! I usually go in the mornings, but this change was just what my mind needed. It was a success!

I did four sets of 11 reps of pull-ups, dumbbell shoulder presses, flat and incline bench presses, lateral and front raises, hammer curls, and ab workouts – all in 50 minutes. I felt incredible biking home in just a t-shirt and shorts. Thank you, God – nothing beats a great workout.

Dinner was tuna and a big salad, and the rest of the evening passed peacefully.

Around the World Today:

Ukraine: Reports claim Russian forces are using Ukrainian children to carry explosives unknowingly – detonated remotely. If true, this is horrifying. Please, stop using children in war. (The Sun)
Gaza: A humanitarian aid ship was reportedly attacked by drones near Malta. Please let food and medicine reach those in need. Stop the fighting. (Reuters)
China: DeepSeek AI has developed a new model using techniques that reduce the need for human input – lowering costs while keeping high performance. A big leap in AI. (Financial Times)

3 Things I’m Grateful For Today:

My family – my dad, siblings, and especially my mom. Even from afar, my thoughts and prayers are with them.
A powerful workout this evening – it really lifted my spirit.
Tomorrow is Friday – and a long weekend is coming!

What would it take for all the things we think we lack—things we believe will make us happy- to transform into lasting peace and fulfilment? would be a life worth living without a sense of achievement?

Let’s clear out the negative patterns in our minds and open up to our full potential.

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Goodnight, and good luck.

– Ash Khaleem