Well... Maybe I Should Live Life Differently

Happy birthday, Maleek 🥳

It was a very normal day. Like it always is.

No biggie, except that in the days leading up to it, I had built up certain expectations in my head. Today was supposed to be the day I'd finally sit down, reflect on my life decisions, and find some clarity.

But it wasn't. It was just... a normal day. Wake up, get disappointed, repeat.

But hey, I'm doing something differently this time. Instead of wallowing in the usual pool of self-doubt and criticism, I'm writing about it. "Why do that?" you ask. Well, it's something different.

I'm so obsessed with growth that I don't even notice when it happens. Last year taught me a series of lessons, really impactful ones. And this year, I'm looking to tap more into my spiritual energy. Subservience. Surrender. Trust.

Alhamdulillah. A single phrase that best describes an entire year's journey. It's been lessons, trials, joy, blessings, all the goodies of life. And yes, joy and sorrow are both goodies, because life is a balance. When you're happy, someone is sad. So we'll surely be sad one day too.

Well... not today.

Because today, I finally get to tell you — life is not easy, and adulting is even harder.

Gratitude First

I wholeheartedly appreciate the existence of everyone in my life for making this journey softer. Life is a lot to take in, and I pray the Almighty continues to ease the struggles of everyone, the pains that are known, and otherwise.

It's important to appreciate the love we're able to extend, and the love we get in return. I am loved, and I've enjoyed every single bit of it, from those you'd expect, and those you didn't. I love you all, regardless, and I look forward to living a fulfilling life alongside you.

The Honest Part

We hardly feel alive most times. Juggling tasks at work, meeting life's demands... it's a lot. But I see an opportunity to be different, and I'm going to take it. It'll take hard work, and I look forward to having your support.

What That Looks Like

What's a reflection without a way forward?

As a commitment to my bright future (inshallah), here's what I'm working on:

• Tone down the overanalyzing. Focus on practical steps with every decision.
• Reach out to lost contacts. I didn't just get older — I got closer to aging, to death. May God protect us all and grant us long, healthy lives.
• Complete all outstanding tasks and implement most of my archived ideas before the end of Q2, inshallah.
• Fill the void in my heart and commit it to a single beautiful soul. It's a process, I know — but like every process, preparation starts now. So if you find me interesting and think we vibe, Marry Me.

To You

You're a real MVP.

Cheers to a prosperous year with you 🥂.

Tanxkiyami,
Your King, 0xy7d.