MADE IT

Once upon a time, in a sprawling mansion perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, lived a billionaire named Richard. Richard had everything money could buy: a home office that rivaled Chamath Palihapitiya's, a wardrobe of bespoke clothing, a garage filled with exotic cars, and even a Japanese toilet. His pantry was organized like a grocery store, he summered in the South of France and wintered in Aspen, and he could travel on a whim. Yet, despite his material wealth, Richard felt an emptiness that gnawed at him, a depression that no amount of luxury could alleviate.

One morning, Richard woke up in his opulent bed, no alarm clock needed, and gazed out at the vast, restless ocean. He realized he had nothing planned for the day, as usual. His assistant had taken care of all his calls and meetings, leaving him with a void that felt insurmountable. He decided to go for a walk on the beach, hoping the fresh air might lift his spirits.

As he strolled along the shore, Richard noticed a man riding the waves with effortless grace. The man, wearing a simple wetsuit and riding an old surfboard, seemed to be in a state of pure joy. Richard watched him for a while, captivated by the ease and happiness that radiated from him. After the man caught his last wave and came ashore, Richard approached him.

"Hey there," Richard said, trying to sound casual. "You're really good at that."

The man smiled, his eyes twinkling. "Thanks, man. I'm Jay. Been surfing for years."

Richard introduced himself, feeling a strange urge to share his burdens with this stranger. "I'm Richard. Mind if I ask you something? How do you find so much joy in this?"

Jay chuckled. "Well, it's not just the surfing. It's the freedom, the connection to nature, the simplicity of it all. I don't have much, but I have everything I need."

Richard found himself opening up to Jay about his own life, the material wealth, and the pervasive sadness that came with it. Jay listened patiently, nodding in understanding.

"You know," Jay said thoughtfully, "I have a little secret. I own 21 Bitcoin. It's not much compared to your billions, but it's enough. It gives me security and freedom to live the life I want. I focus on experiences, not possessions. Maybe that's something you could try."

Intrigued and desperate for a change, Richard asked Jay to teach him how to surf. Jay agreed, and over the next few weeks, they met regularly at dawn, when the waves were at their best. Jay taught Richard not just how to ride the waves, but how to embrace the moment, let go of worries, and find joy in the simple things.

As Richard learned to surf, he started to notice changes in himself. The depression that had once felt so heavy began to lift. He found himself waking up with a sense of excitement, eager to catch the next wave. He spent more time outdoors, appreciating the beauty of the ocean and the warmth of the sun.

Jay's influence extended beyond the surf lessons. Richard began to simplify his life, focusing less on accumulating things and more on meaningful experiences. He spent more time with his family and friends, practiced mindfulness, and even started volunteering at a local community center.

One day, after a particularly exhilarating surf session, Richard and Jay sat on the beach, watching the sunset. Richard turned to Jay, gratitude shining in his eyes.

"Thank you, Jay. You've shown me a different way to live, a better way. I feel like I've finally found what I was missing."

Jay smiled, clapping Richard on the back. "It's all about finding balance, my friend. You've got to ride the waves of life, just like you ride the waves of the ocean. Enjoy the highs, endure the lows, and always stay present."

From that day forward, Richard embraced his new way of life. He still enjoyed the comforts his wealth provided, but they no longer defined him. Instead, he found true happiness in the simple pleasures, the connections he made, and the freedom to live life on his own terms. And whenever he needed a reminder of what really mattered, he knew he could find it on the waves, with his friend Jay by his side.