Today my husband came to me and asked if I knew about Ikigai, a Japanese concept meaning "a reason for being". I had never heard of it and when he showed it to me I realized it was a Ven diagram. A diagram to find the secret to a long and happy life! I'm down with that.
It's fascinating how the universe brings forth what we ask for. All day yesterday I found myself questioning everything I did, what I was spending my time on and seeing the incessant input of data into my brain as frustrating. I have been filling myself up with so much stuff - creating material for the new LuLuBdesign website, social media output, studying B school lessons - to putting food in my mouth that I don't need. As a creative person, I sometimes get caught up in comparing myself to others and forget what I am working towards. What is the purpose of all this - to further my business and make a living? The problem lately seems to be too many responsibilities and routines and not enough time for curiosity and reflection. So the question is without a sense of wonder can you be happy and fulfilled?
ikigai is the balance found where your passions and talents meet up with the things that the world needs and is willing to pay for. Discovering your own ikigai is said to bring fulfillment, happiness and make you live longer. It's a lifestyle that strives to balance the spiritual with the practical. Everything is connected. I am very intrigued to see how it can apply to my solo-preneur LuLuBdesign business and my life.
The 4 questions to ask yourself are:
What do you love (your passion)
What does the world need (your mission)
What are you good at (your vocation)
What can you get paid for (your profession)
If those questions aren’t sparking as much insight as you would like, try these:
What would you like to see a change in the world?
What, in your life as it is now, makes you happy?
Why do you get out of bed in the morning?
Have you had any life-changing moments that provided a lightning bolt of clarity?
Even though my first impulse is to dive in and tackle this new concept immediately. I am going to reflect and explore each question. My ikigai won't happen overnight it will evolve over time. as I evaluate my sense of happiness and purpose.
