Day 20: The Heavy Body, the Light Mind

Early Start, Heavy Mind

I woke up earlier than usual, around 4:15 a.m., even though I went to bed around 1 a.m.. Barely three hours of sleep. My body just woke up on its own, no alarm. I tried to go back to sleep but couldn’t, so I decided not to fight it. Instead, I got up, took a cold shower, and embraced the discomfort, letting the cold water invigorate and awaken my senses, reminding me that even uncomfortable moments can lead to growth, both physically and mentally.

By now, this has become a routine. It’s not easy, but it’s part of the Wim Hof Method, discipline through cold exposure. It wakes me up, sharpens my mind, strengthens my immune system, and makes me feel unstoppable. Each morning, as I take that cold shower, I find motivation building within me to face the challenges ahead. Every drop of cold water feels like a reminder to seize the day and push my limits.

Surprisingly, I didn’t feel tired. My muscles were fine, except for my abs, still sore from yesterday’s crunches. It’s funny how the body adjusts and adapts; what once seemed daunting has now become a part of my daily existence. Each day offers its unique struggles and triumphs, and I find strength in both the physical and mental exertion.

Back to the Grind

When I arrived at school, I found out that the AC system was finally fixed. That meant no early dismissal like yesterday, back to full teaching mode. Still, I wasn’t happy at all; the only thing those students bring lately is nuisance. Their endless chatter and restless energy make it hard to focus, but that’s part of the job, I guess. At least the classroom was cool again, a small victory in a long, exhausting day.

The day went smoothly, but the kids were extra energetic. Maybe it’s because it’s Thursday, the last workday of the week here in Saudi Arabia, which usually means they’re buzzing with excitement, anticipating the weekend. Between classes and supervision duties, I managed to sneak in a bit of blog work. Just small edits, fixing typos, checking formatting, brainstorming new topics, and revising old posts to reflect my current thoughts and discoveries, a process that brings me joy and fulfillment amidst my responsibilities.

But I know I need to do more: research SEO, upload photos and videos, and polish my homepage. I’m far from where I want my blog to be, but step by step, I’ll get there. Each little goal I achieve feels like a step closer to the bigger picture, and as I tread this path, I remind myself that persistence is key. I am driven by the thought of sharing my experiences, and I want my blog to resonate with others who might be on a similar journey.

Fighting the Mental Fatigue

Today was strange. My body wasn’t sore, but I felt mentally heavy, maybe because of the lack of sleep or the emotional weight of this date. Thoughts swirled in my mind like leaves caught in the wind, and I struggled to find clarity. A year ago, on this same day, my life started to fall apart. Everything I’d built felt like it was collapsing; it was a tumultuous time full of uncertainty, and looking back, I realize how far I’ve come since then. Thinking about it today brought back a wave of emotions, flooding over me like an ocean tide. For a moment, I didn’t want to go to training, feeling the familiar hesitance creeping into my thoughts.

But then I remembered why I started this journey, this blog, this transformation. To rebel against the situation, to refuse to stay down, to show up even when I don’t feel like it. So, I did. I showed up, reminding myself that every moment is a chance to redefine my path, and each step reinforces my determination to keep pushing forward.

Wrestling & MMA Training

I had wrestling from 8 to 9 and MMA from 9 to 10:30. Arrived early, about ten minutes before class. There was a kids’ session before ours, so we started a bit late, maybe 20 minutes behind schedule. Those extra minutes watching the children train made me reflect on my own journey, and how passion is often sparked in youth and nurtured over time.
While waiting, I watched the kids train. The coach’s focus, the way they listened, their discipline; it reminded me how much I wish I’d started earlier. But at least I’m doing it now, and every day I learn a bit more, improving my technique and understanding of the sport.

We began with the usual warm-ups; running, sprawls, rolls, jumps, and stretches. Thirty solid minutes of movement. Every muscle engaged. The coach emphasized flexibility and strength, especially for the hamstrings and back, explaining how the foundation of our fighting ability relies on these areas, ensuring we build the resilience needed for more intense training ahead.

After that, we moved on to shadowboxing, starting with simple punches, then adding kicks, knees, and jumps. My breath became more controlled, and my thoughts focused only on the next move. Then came partner drills; light contact exercises to simulate reaction timing, dodging, and quick counters, which heightened my awareness and sharpened my reflexes, preparing me for more challenging sparring sessions.

Later, we practiced clinching; pulling, controlling, and trying to take your partner down. We split into groups of five for a brutal wall exercise: one person defending while the rest tried to control him for a full minute each. Then we rotated. That meant an hour of non-stop grappling, raw strength, pressure, and technique. Each rotation felt like a test of wills, pushing boundaries and understanding teamwork and individual strengths, fostering camaraderie amidst the competition.

Some of my partners were familiar faces, Yousef and Abdullah, while others, like Amro and Haitham, were new to me. All of them were good guys, strong, and focused, which made the training both challenging and enjoyable. By the time we were done, my arms and legs were shaking, a pleasant reminder of our intensive training session together, a collective determination to grow stronger.

My teammates told me that I’m good. Many of them asked how long I’ve been training, and they seemed surprised when I told them. Everyone was impressed with how well I performed, and honestly, it felt great to hear that. For a long time, I’ve doubted myself and questioned whether I was improving, but hearing those words from people who train beside me every day reminded me that my hard work is paying off.

Afterward, we focused on leg strength training, squats, jumps, and resistance holds. The coach reminded us, “To be a great wrestler, you need strong legs, that’s your foundation.” As I pushed through the exercises, I felt the weight of dedication, every squat and jump reinforcing my commitment to becoming better. The ropes of our training bound us as a team, and I cherished the relationships developing in those moments of exertion.

Yousef encouraged me to talk to the coach about joining a tournament, and I did. The coach said because I’m over 18, I’ll need at least 5–6 months of preparation before competing, since adult tournaments allow strikes to the face. It’s a long journey, but I’m committed. I see the challenge as an opportunity for growth, a way to push past my limits.

Wrapping Up the Day

We finished late, around 10:50 p.m. After class, I did some quick late-night grocery shopping, grabbed a small bite to eat, took another cold shower, and went straight to bed. My body was exhausted, but my heart was full, content with the day’s achievements and struggles. The routine I’ve built is challenging but rewarding, and each day brings new insights.

It wasn’t my best day, but I showed up, and that’s what counts. Each moment of effort keeps me moving toward my goals. I reflect on the importance of perseverance, for it is in these challenging moments we discover our true selves and grow into the versions we aspire to be.

Day Twenty Complete. Discipline isn’t built when it’s easy. It’s built when you show up tired, broken, and still give it your all. The grind continues.

👉 Have you ever pushed yourself to show up on a day when your mind told you to rest? How did it change your perspective afterward? Reflecting on this question helps me appreciate the determination we all carry within us.