I Just Turned Down Half a Million Dollars — Here’s What It Taught Me About Ikigai

I Just Turned Down Half a Million Dollars and Here’s What It Taught Me About My Ikigai

I just turned down $500,000.

Yes, you read that right.

Half. A. Million. Dollars. Gone.

For a brief moment, I thought:
“This is it. This is my breakthrough.”

But what followed was something much deeper: a profound lesson about alignment, intuition, and my Ikigai—the reason behind why I do what I do.

As the founder of the School of Ikigai and an Earthpreneur (an earth-connected entrepreneur who consults angels, ancestors, and intuition for guidance), this decision wasn’t just about turning down money. It was about staying true to my purpose and the mission behind my work.

Here’s the story of how it happened—and what it taught me about living in alignment with my Ikigai.

The Dilemma: Why I Turned It Down

When an American investor reached out offering $500,000 for my School of Ikigai, I thought it might be the breakthrough I’d been waiting for.

For years, I’d been hustling, reading startup books, listening to podcasts, and climbing the ladder as a refugee immigrant determined to make a difference. And this offer felt like it.

But as I read his email, I felt something was off.

Even though I sent a professional pitch deck and proposal, the red flags were glaring:

• He demanded an immediate response before releasing the funds.
• He offered to give me the money in cash or deposit the full amount directly into my account.
• There was no mention of a contract or formal agreement.

At first, I second-guessed myself. Maybe I was being overly cautious. Maybe this was my breakthrough.

But the longer I sat with it, the clearer it became: this wasn’t alignment— it was desperation in disguise.

The Role of Spiritual Guidance

In moments like these, I don’t just rely on logic or instinct—I consult the divine.

As an Earthpreneur, I believe in aligning my decisions with the earth’s wisdom, ancestral guidance, and intuition.

In Colombia, indigenous leaders known as Mamōs are consulted before major decisions. They seek the earth’s permission for actions like purchasing land. If the Mamōs say no, you respect their answer and walk away.

Similarly, in Islamic culture, there is Istīkharā—a prayer asking for divine guidance. You seek clarity from God without revealing your intention, and the answer comes in the form of peace—or hesitation.

I meditated, prayed, and consulted my guides. The answer came back loud and clear: “There is nothing in this investment except torment, failure, and remorse. Do not move forward.”

So, I listened. I turned down the offer.

What It Taught Me About My Ikigai

Walking away from $500,000 wasn’t easy. A part of me wanted to say yes — to take the money and finally feel like I’d “made it.”

But here’s the truth: living your Ikigai means staying true to your purpose, even when it feels impossible.

For me, the School of Ikigai is about building something rooted in alignment, eco-consciousness, and connection to the earth. Taking money that came with red flags, pressure, and misalignment would have compromised everything I stand for.

This experience taught me that staying true to my Ikigai—my purpose— requires trust. Trust in the universe. Trust in divine timing. And trust in myself.

For Anyone Reading This

I know how hard it gets. I know you feel tired, like giving up. I know the weight of waiting for that one big break.

But I’m here to tell you: Don’t give up.

You have a purpose, even if it’s not clear yet. I read something recently on a tea bag: “Don’t wait for heaven to come to you. Create heaven.”

So if you’re reading this, wherever you are—don’t place your hope in others. Place it in the earth, the universe, and the magic that surrounds you.

The Story of the Jaguar and the Hummingbird

There’s s a story that grandmothers pass down about a Jaguar and a Hummingbird. When a fire broke out in the forest, the Hummingbird carried drops of water, one by one, to put it out.

The Jaguar laughed and said, “Do you really think you can save the forest with such small drops of water?”

The Hummingbird replied, “I’m doing my part.”

The lesson is simple:
You don’t need to save the world. You just need to do your part, and the world will save itself.

A Final Message

When I turned down $500,000, I wasn’t just making a business decision—I was honoring my Ikigai.

My purpose isn’t just about success; it’s about alignment, trust, and building a future rooted in integrity.

To doubt your journey is to doubt the infinite power of the universe. You may not see the full picture now, but wisdom isn’t gained through haste. It’s earned through patience, persistence, and faith.

So be patient. Be different. Be the person who never gives up and believe in yourself. Because that’s how you create your own magical breakthroughs.