It started with a coincidence. On March 5th, I was at a bookstore near Tamachi Station to buy a Spanish textbook. I had some change left over, and my eyes caught a title: The Cafe on the Edge of the World .
At the time, I was feeling worn out. Between the relentless pace of work and the lack of time for myself, I felt like I was eroding. I hadn’t stopped to ask myself the big questions in a long time.
The book poses three:
- Why are you here?
- Do you fear death?
- Are you fulfilled?
As I read the dialogue between the protagonist and the café staff, it hit me. Years ago, I used to think that since we all die eventually, there is no inherent “meaning” to existence. My conclusion back then was simple:
Just enjoy life until you’re satisfied.
But reading this made me wonder—is “enjoying life” really my purpose? And more importantly, how am I enjoying it?
I realized that right now, I am not truly fulfilled. I’ve been stuck in a cycle of “compensatory consumption.” I buy expensive gadgets—keyboards, mice—under the guise of “working more efficiently.” But in reality, I’m just trying to offset the stress of a job that doesn’t align with my core. I’m working harder to earn money to buy things to help me work even harder. It’s a loop that drains my energy rather than charging it.
The book suggests that people who are truly fulfilled don’t need “recovery time” because their activities are their energy.
So, why am I here? What do I actually want to do?
I realized I don’t need to wait for retirement to start. My “Why” is about creating “belonging.” I want to build a space where travelers can connect—a workspace, a community, a café, or ideally, a guest house.
Suddenly, my current job in marketing looks different. It’s no longer just a source of stress; it’s a practical training ground for my future guest house. I don’t need that promotion for the sake of status anymore. I don’t need to follow the company’s script.
I just need to use my time for my purpose. I am here to learn, to build, and eventually, to welcome people to a place of their own.
I’m starting tomorrow morning. 6:00 AM. The gym. Not because I have to, but because I’m taking back my time.