The Best Part Is Not Knowing

And so, just like this, I turned 35.

10 years ago, I lived with a Balinese family who helped me out while I was recovering financially, after losing the little money I had to an ATM scam.

They even got me a cake and flowers for my birthday.

That birthday marked the end of a 14-month journey traveling the world on a bicycle.

Back then, I didn’t know it.

I thought I’d stay in Bali for a bit, make some money building websites and writing copy, and get back on the road.

But as I slowly settled, Bali gave me the lessons Bali gives to whoever is ready for them.

I had to stop looking outwards for the next place, the next escape, and start looking inwards. To stop seeing myself as the center of everything, and start seeing myself as a small part of the whole.

It took time, and a lot of painful failures.

Until one day, I realized I had lost the constant desire to escape forward. I understood I was where I was meant to be.

It’s only when I accepted it that everything unlocked, and offered me the greatest decade of my life.

In the past 10 years,

I built my own home on a stunning remote island of Sulawesi.

I met a woman, and she agreed to become my wife (and to live with me on that island).

I was blessed with a daughter who loves me enough to fill my heart 10 times over.

I changed my citizenship, and became Indonesian.

Today, I build projects I love, with people I like, in a way that lets me contribute and give back.

But 10 years ago, I didn’t know any of this.

Just like today, I don’t know what the next 10 years will be about.

I can’t predict the future. But I can choose a direction.

I want to take care of my health and fitness, so I can always show up when I’m needed.

I want to fix some of my stubborn habits, and become a better human being.

I hope I’ll remain a good dad and husband, and that we’ll always have enough food on our table.

I want to worry less, and be present more.

And I want to keep learning and building through the crazy decade we’re about to step into. AI is reshaping how we work and live, and I’d rather help build that future than simply watch it happen.

10 years ago, I didn’t know.

Today, I don’t know either.

And maybe that’s the best part.

And so, just like this, I turned 35.