The day I walked out of my office (and didn't look back)

I was sitting in my office in the center of Amsterdam. Whiteboards on the walls, six programmers around me, investors on board.

On paper, my tech startup was going well. In reality, it felt like I was trying to build an airplane while falling from the sky.

I was 27 and obsessed with optimization. I wanted to be the smartest, the most disciplined, the best version of myself. I was trying to "win" at life.

I was listening to a video by Osho in the background while answering emails, and he said something that stopped me dead in my tracks:

"Life has no purpose."

My mind immediately fought back. Of course life has a purpose, I thought. I have goals. I have investors. I have a to-do list.

Then he finished the sentence:

"Life IS the purpose."

Something inside me cracked…

I suddenly saw the absurdity of my struggle. I was trying to "solve" life, as if it were a problem.

I watched my body—almost like I was a spectator—stand up, pack my bag, and walk out of the office. I didn't say a word to anyone. I didn't know where I was going.

I just got on my bike and started cycling through Amsterdam.

The worries about the business came up. The stress about my relationships came up. But for the first time, they didn't stick. I just laughed at them.

I realized I wasn't "Kees"—the small person trying to survive, achieve, and control the outcome. I was Life itself, simply experiencing the ride.

I realized that Life moves us. We don't have to push the river.

Why am I sharing this with you?

Because I see so many people trapped in the same illusion I was. The illusion that you need to improve. That you need to strive harder. That you are "not enough" yet.

It is simply not true.

You don't need to add anything to yourself. You don't need to find a bigger purpose.

You are Life. You are already perfect.

The moment you stop trying to control the movement, you realize you are already being carried.

Much Love,

Kees.