YOU 2025- Finding your ikigai
A complicated set of circumstances (including many years of college, a bout with Lyme disease, and a lay-off) led me to that ah-ha moment where I knew exactly what I should be doing. I was upstairs in my spare room role-playing a wellness coaching session. It all made sense- my interest in holistic approaches, my love for connecting deeply with people, all my years of schooling and work in the medical field. That was several years ago, but I’ve never wavered in my certainty that my purpose is to inspire, inform, and empower people to experience well-being.
Each day, you make thousands of choices on how you spend your time, with whom you interact, and how you spend your resources. Your sense of purpose is the one constant that will guide you toward fulfillment in your work and your entire life. It defines what you do vs. who you are. It gives you clarity to do your best while avoiding burn-out.
This state of wellbeing that arises from devotion to activities one enjoys and brings a sense of fulfillment is known in Japan as Ikigai (ee-key-guy). It’s a concept that combines the terms iki, meaning “alive” or “life,” and gai, meaning “benefit” or “worth.” When combined, these terms mean, “that which gives your life worth, meaning, or purpose.” In Japanese culture, it is a comprehensive approach to life, encompassing joy, a sense of purpose, and a feeling of wellbeing. https://positivepsychology.com/ikigai/
Living According to Ikigai-
-What you love
-What you are good at
-What the world needs
-What you can get paid for
“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why”- Mark Twain, author
What gets you up in the morning doesn’t need to be a major life change. My sister spends much of her week caring for her granddaughter. Her sense of purpose is devoted to giving that adorable (and very active child) the best start possible in life. My husband just adores running. He wakes up each morning challenging himself to explore the possibilities of what his body can accomplish and encourage others along the way. He and I often say that our black lab Emmy’s sole purpose on this earth is to love everyone and every moment.
If you’ve never given much thought to your purpose, I encourage you to find some paper, a pencil and a quiet place to understand what makes you come alive.
-List 5 activities you do that are important to you
– List 5 things you are passionate about.
– Take a few of the items above and insert into this sentence: I believe in: or I exist to:
– Ask yourself what makes you come alive. The world needs people who have come alive.
“When our actions align with our passions and purpose, wonderful things begin to happen.” -Paul S. Boynton
Thanks for joining us in this place of encouragement and inspiration, A few things you should know: You are loved and complete just the way you are AND you can make small changes in your life to find wellbeing in mind, body and spirit.
Be Well,
Trish
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Resources-
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
https://positivepsychology.com/ikigai/
Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek