Today is my 39th birthday, and I feel mixed emotions about it. Looking back on the past year of my life, I see good and bad times. The most significant moment was becoming a father on September 1st, 2023. Since then, my life has taken on a new meaning and purpose. I’m approaching a significant milestone in life as I will soon turn 40 years old. It’s an important year, and I’m reflecting on everything I’ve experienced. I have lived a relatively carefree and pampered life. When I realise the finitude of life, I intend to pursue growth and excellence and be the father my little boy will be proud of.

May Allah, the Almighty, give me the strength and wisdom to navigate the remainder of my time devoted to family, learning, and excellence in worldly affairs. And make that the pathway to leave a legacy and prepare for my journey beyond time. Ameen.

It was 1994, and I was nine years old in Abu Dhabi. I vividly remember dancing to Hawa Hawa track at our school event.

I have thought about this track randomly at various points in my life. I’m pleasantly surprised the YouTube algorithm has suggested this classic in my recommended videos list.

Here’s for your viewing pleasure:

Hawa Hawa in the 90s

This track is the one I danced to.

The Original from the 80s

After two decades, I learned that the original was composed and performed by Pakistani pop singer Hassan Jahangir. I was surprised but felt good that music has no borders.

The Recent from 2018

Here’s the Legend himself performing for Coke Studio Pakistan.

Music has no borders!

I have been reluctant to post for quite some time. The resistance is natural. After much deliberation and push, I plan to post in this weekly reflection format.

I intend to share some key highlights from the past week and what I have learned and reflected on. I don’t have a set format for these posts. However, my target is to reach 26 posts. So, let’s start with the fifth issue.

🩺 I have been suffering from shoulder pain, which was affecting my grip strength and mobility. And calf muscle pain that was affecting my ability to walk. I went to the A&E, and after a series of tests, the symptoms might be due to muscle stiffness. I’m still struggling with it, but it is getting better. I’m looking forward to the physiotherapy session in the next few days to alleviate my pain and restore my strength.

🥡 My diet is messed up. I couldn’t cook much, so I ate takeaways and processed food. Now that I’m getting better. I want to start eating clean and get back into my exercise routine.

📔 I’m thinking deeply about journaling and how to better use apps like Day One and Standard Notes. I have been using Standard Notes for nearly two years now. It has been my go-to note-taking app. I have tried many, but I always go back to Standard Notes. Day One is a great app designed for journaling. But I’m still sceptical about privacy because of who owns the app, i.e. Automattic. I want to give Day One another go after, inspired by Daniel Pink’s Pinkcast episode on writing down one noteworthy thing at the end of the day. Also, a similar exercise is called Homework for Life by Matthew Dicks.

Thanks very much for reading The Musk Newsletter – Issue 008.

I’m thinking deeply about journaling and how to better use apps like Day One and Standard Notes.

I have been using Standard Notes for nearly two years now. It has been my go-to note-taking app. I have tried many, but I always go back to Standard Notes.

Day One is a great app designed for journaling. But I’m still sceptical about privacy because of who owns the app, i.e. Automattic. I want to give Day One another go inspired by Daniel Pink’s Pinkcast episode on writing down one noteworthy thing at the end of the day. Also, a similar exercise is called Homework for Life by Matthew Dicks.