There comes a time in life when one must pause and listen—truly and deeply—to the quiet voice within. Over a year ago, I found myself at such a crossroads. My journey in the civil service—a path I had always regarded as the highest and noblest of callings—began to feel compromised. Not from a lack of commitment, but due to personal circumstances, including health challenges and the responsibility of caring for my mother in her late eighties.

After much reflection, I made the difficult decision to step away. It was not a retreat, but a conscious offering—to create space for younger, more capable minds to rise and lead. I did so with humility, believing that even stepping aside, when done sincerely, is also an act of service. At the same time, I made a commitment: that even as a private citizen, I would continue to serve His Majesty The King, our beloved Country, and the People in every way I could. That commitment has only deepened—especially as I witnessed two extraordinary expressions of His Majesty’s unparalleled creativity and leadership.

First, the Gelephu Mindfulness City—a bold innovation poised to become one of the most significant contributions to sustainable development and human progress in this century. Second, the Enlightened Entrepreneurial Bureaucracy—a transformative leap in governance that reimagines the civil service as agile, purpose-driven, and future-ready.

Both initiatives reawakened my spirit and inspired me to embrace creativity as my new calling—a path through which I could continue to serve. And as if guided by destiny, I was interviewed by Fredrik Haren, the Creativity Explorer, from whom I learned: “In today’s world, creativity is not optional—it is essential.” Following which, he became my Creativity mentor—and my path became clear.

Now I step forward as a creativist and a lifelong learner—devoted to helping others rediscover their creative essence and unlock their human potential. For I believe creativity is not a luxury or a gift for the chosen few—it is a birthright, a mindset, and a powerful force for transformation. Indeed, creativity is the critical competency of the 21st century—and the cosmos. Not just for Bhutan, but for the world.