Chapter 30: A New Beginning
Today marks a milestone—not just another birthday, but a chance to reflect on the road I’ve traveled and the path that lies ahead. Turning 30 might seem like a big deal to some, but for me, it’s just another chapter, filled with more aspirations, dreams, and goals to chase.
This birthday felt special, though, and that’s thanks to Niha. At the stroke of midnight, she surprised me with not one, but two cakes. The gesture warmed my heart, though not as much as her presence does. It reminded me how important the little joys and the people we cherish are in our lives.
Looking back, my 20s were a decade of discovery—learning, failing, growing, and finding myself. As I enter my 30s, I feel an even greater sense of purpose. There’s so much more I want to achieve, both personally and professionally. This blog, for instance, is a step toward documenting my journey.
I hope to use this space not only to share snippets of my life—be it moments like last night’s sweet surprise or glimpses of my travels and hobbies—but also to showcase my professional growth. From UI/UX projects to passion-driven initiatives, I want this blog to be a reflection of who I am and the journey I’m on.
To everyone reading this: thank you for being part of this chapter in some way. Whether you’re a close friend, a colleague, or a curious passerby, I hope you find value, inspiration, or even just a smile in what I share here.
Here’s to 30 and all the adventures it brings. And to Niha, for reminding me how beautiful life can be when it’s filled with love and kindness.
My To-Do List: Building a Life I Dream of
A few days ago, I took some time to reflect on what truly matters to me and started jotting down a list of goals I want to accomplish before I leave this world, In Sha Allah. This exercise wasn’t just about creating a bucket list—it was about setting intentions and giving direction to my life.
Here’s what I came up with:
Faith and Spiritual Growth
- Pray 5 times daily.
- Perform Umrah/Hajj with my family.
- Learn Arabic perfectly.
- Recite the Quran regularly.
- Make reciting Surah Mulk before sleep and Surah Kahf on Fridays a habit.
- Memorize the 99 names of Allah.
Health and Fitness
- Learn cycling and swimming.
- Walk for 30 minutes daily.
- Lose weight—targeting 70kg (currently around 98kg).
Career and Learning
- Revamp my portfolio with at least 20 new UI/UX projects in 2025.
- Learn UI animation (Protopie, Framer) and 3D animation (Spline).
- Develop skills in data analytics, focusing on Python.
- Solve a real-life problem effectively.
- Start my own business.
- Build an AI assistant of my own.
Personal Growth and Adventures
- Stay loyal to myself and my principles.
- Read at least one book per month.
- Visit Masai Mara, see a cheetah running with my own eyes, and photograph the Big 5.
- Experience the vastness of a desert, probably the Sahara.
- Do skydiving and scuba diving.
- Learn kung fu or karate.
- Visit 10 countries before turning 40 (7 remaining).
Relationships and Connections
- Walk Gullu (my furry friend) twice a week.
- Video call Gubla weekly.
- Call Abba, Amma, and Nani at least once a week.
Simplifying Life
- Stay away from social media as much as possible by deactivating Facebook and Instagram.
- Become more organized in work by maintaining a Kanban board.
Some of these goals may take years, others just a few moments. But what matters is the journey, the progress, and the fulfillment that comes with working toward something meaningful.
This list is a reminder of what I value, and I hope it inspires you to think about your own priorities. Life isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about aligning our actions with our values, striving to be better, and cherishing the moments along the way.
Stay tuned—there’s a lot more to come.
