Divi Builder

The battle is only lost when you surrender!

🌈 1345 – Wednesday, 30 April 2025 23:45

London

It’s really warm and sunny outside today – unusually nice weather. I’m sitting at my desk, looking outside dark, thinking of the bright day. Virgin Radio is on in the background, playing “The Fear” by Lily Allen, which oddly fits my mood. The lyrics talk about chasing fame and money but feeling lost – it hit home a bit.

I woke up early this morning and stayed in bed for a bit, reading affirmations and Dad’s morning prayer message. Then I sat on the edge of the bed and meditated, reciting Surah Al-Fatiha 40 times. The sun was out, shining beautifully. I had work on my mind, so I got straight into it after waking up and finished a few tasks before breakfast.

At the desk, I noticed my old diary where I used to write daily tasks. I used to do that every morning – list out goals and tick them off once done. They say doing that helps your brain track progress. I hadn’t used it in a year, but I opened it today and added some new goals. I’ve decided not to move on mentally until I complete everything on that list. Each task now has a 24–36 hour deadline, so nothing gets left undone. Small daily steps give long-term benefits – if we don’t write them down, we forget or delay them. Writing and crossing things off helps mind stay grounded and feel accomplished.

At 9:14 AM, I did a survey on the YouGov app. The question was: “Will there ever be a world without war?” I believe it’s possible – if we truly grow in compassion and let go of violence.

By 10:30, I was back at my desk. Dad had shared Mum’s blood results in our family WhatsApp group. Her platelets are still low, so her radiation can’t go ahead yet. More tests in two days. I’m praying things move forward – God help her, please.

By 10:45, my mind was racing, so I went for a run around Green Park to reset. Then I showered, prayed Fajr, recited Surah Yasin, and had a protein shake.

At 12:30, I met a colleague for coffee in East London before a work meeting. It went well. I got back home by 4:30 PM – took the Central and Piccadilly lines. It was so hot today, and I was in a blue suit.

On the way home, I called Mum. My brother answered her phone. He was at his desk too, working and trying to book a passport appointment for his daughter. Mum, Dad, and our aunt were chatting in the living room. We caught up for about 20 minutes – it was 8 PM for them.

Later, I worked at my desk until around 17:40, then planned to go to the gym. But I hadn’t eaten properly all day, so I took a nap. I kept snoozing the alarm and slept a bit more. When I woke up, I went downstairs to Tesco on Clarges Street, grabbed some dinner, ran a few errands, and caught up with a friend going through a breakup.

To my dear friend – heartache has no quick fix, only time can truly heal.

“When she was just a girl, she expected the world… Paradise every time she closed her eyes…” — that Coldplay lyric was on my mind as I ended the day.

3 things I felt grateful for today:

• London’s transport system. I got from Green Park to Mile End in 25 minutes with two train changes – super efficient.

• The work meeting went smoothly, and I felt confident.

• I made time to write something tonight. It’s been a few days of just staring at the screen.

Around the world today:

• Russia declared a 72-hour ceasefire for May 8–10 to mark Victory Day, but fighting has actually increased in eastern Ukraine.

• Gaza has been under blockade for 60 days now. Food, water, and supplies are running out, and kitchens are shutting down.

• Google released a new AI model, Gemini 2.5, designed to think more carefully before answering – an attempt to make AI more thoughtful and realistic.

One final thought: What would it take for you and me—and for everyone—to wake up in a world without war, without civil unrest, where we focus on doing something bigger, together? Is it possible? Can we make it possible?

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Goodnight and good luck,

Ash Khaleem