Salaam friends,

I’m using this Ramadan to reflect and plan on the direction of Hazawi Podcast. I have a lot of ideas, which is a good problem to have, but I want to hone in on the purpose of the platform, who is it for, and what value should it bring. If you see any changes after Ramadan, don’t be surprised, and let me know if you have tips for me to consider. I’m a student of this process!

📖 Books I’m reading?

Another name for Ramadan is The Month of Quran, because that’s when the holy book was revealed. So it’s all I have been reading. The perennial lessons and principles the Quran offers feel new every time.

🚧 Productivity tip

For the past 10 years, I’ve taken the opportunity in Ramadan to temporarily stop drinking coffee, because I prefer to take a small nap after sunrise. But this year, I decided to start my day with a protein-heavy breakfast and a half cup of coffee. This allows me to operate with optimal energy in the morning. My energy level starts dipping at around noon, and if I take a 10-20 minutes power nap then I’m able to focus better for the rest of the day.

🏗️ Project I’m working

I’ve been on top of my Ramadan Journal, and the entries have been fun to reread. Journaling helps me through complicated decisions I have to make, sharpen new ideas I’m learning, and gives me a sense of ease about life in general.

Here is the structure I came up with for my Ramadan Journal:

• My emotional state (spirituality, feelings, and overall mental vibe)
• Physical state (energy level and productivity)
• Today I'm grateful for... (this has no parameters; it can range from appreciating the pen you write with to being grateful for your being a live)

These have been half to one page long, around one paragraph for each.

🔖 Quote I’m pondering

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”

— Epicurus

📸 Through My Lens

Please give me feedback on Instagram. What do you want more or less of? Or other suggestions? Just me a message @mohamedthewriter

Thank you for reading, and keep on creating!

Mohamed