Reflections on Ikigai (purpose and fulfilment)

Reflections on finding your life's purpose - Hello Future Self

My own back story frames the evolution of my pursuit of Ikigai or ‘purpose and fulfilment’ in my own life and when you read on, I am sure it will resonate with many of you too.

For those of you new to my blog, I would urge you to read the ikigai posts in the Topics Blog found at the top of this website to understand the concept we are reflecting on, as it may help you to see how you can find fulfilment and purpose in your own life.
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A STORY TO BE TOLD...read on

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A pivotal moment in my own life was paying off the mortgage. From starting a family and buying my first home, it was always a long term goal of mine. Surprisingly, when I finally achieved it, it left me feeling empty. Upon reflection, I realised that the true fulfilment came not from reaching the end goal but from the journey itself. The process of saving, budgeting, and overcoming financial challenges became a purpose in itself. It taught me the value of persistence and focus.
As my daughters flew the nest, I faced a turning point in my career. Leaving a teaching job, which lacked a clear sense of personal satisfaction and enjoyment, I embarked on a path to discover my true calling. This led to the inception of a blog, a platform where I could share my experiences, insights, and reflections with a broader audience and allowed me to find a new sense of purpose which I hope…will bring joy to many others as well.
Because what I came to believe through researching the concept of Ikigai and fulfilment was that a life goal doesn’t have to mean something grand or seemingly far off, but it can also be a moment of mindfulness, appreciating the small pleasures in life.

DELIGHTING IN THE DETAIL
My morning routine has become a cornerstone of my daily happiness. From waking at the same time each day, to actively doing my stretching exercises, to my first freshly brewed coffee, each step sets a positive tone for the day ahead and in itself a moment to be cherished and enjoyed.
The simple process of brewing a coffee for example, has become a ritual, something I actively focus on to get right and therefore has become almost meditative in itself.
Choosing the beans, grinding them, distributing them, tampering it down, brewing the coffee, smelling the aroma and then finally, tasting.
It's about finding meaning in the present, cherishing the small moments, and weaving them together to create a life rich with purpose.These fleeting moments can bring such joy if we allow ourselves to become fully immersed in them as they weave themselves together to create a life rich with purpose. 

THE PURSUIT OF PASSION
Finding a hobby that I could pursue on a regular basis, has allowed me to enjoy an activity for what it is. I have taken up running with no lofty goals in mind, but through the sheer enjoyment of getting outside, meeting new people at parkrun and then taking part in small 5 and 10 k events, running has helped add a ‘longer term’ purpose to my life. It has allowed me to set small stepping stone goals and thus, given me a renewed sense of purpose.

A PURPOSEFUL PATHWAY
This blog itself has also given me a larger, longer term purpose, as I have always wanted to help people where I could. Whether as a teacher, a husband and father or in the wider circle of society.
Connecting with people and sharing experiences has always been a wonderful way to support others, and feel validated in return.
Learning a new skill and putting my thoughts, reflections and experiences in a meaningful and hopefully easy to understand format has given me a real purpose and focus and through your comments and sharing of your thoughts and experiences others will also benefit in kind.

KEY REFLECTIONS
In the pursuit of Ikigai, I've learned that true fulfilment comes from embracing daily pleasures and aligning them with long-term goals. The journey of making coffee, the joy of a morning routine, the satisfaction derived from hobbies, and the fulfilment of achieving long-term objectives all contribute to a well-rounded and purposeful life. As I continue to explore the intersection of passion, mission, vocation, and profession, I find that the key to a meaningful existence lies in appreciating the journey and finding purpose in both the mundane and the extraordinary.

Ikigai isn't a distant destination but a fusion of daily joys, pursuits, and a sense of purpose. Reflecting on my journey, I realised that my ikigai isn't confined to specific moments but is a culmination of experiences.
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Hello Future Self 
 CALL TO ACTION
As I continue to explore and share my experiences, I invite you to delve into your daily pleasures, relish your hobbies, and seek your own unique ikigai—a life where the journey is as fulfilling as the destination.​

• Share your seemingly simple pleasures in the comments, so others can understand what gives you purpose and fulfilment.
• Go back and read the blog posts in Topic Blogs to help you further understand the concept of Ikigai and help embed it into your own life.
• Share your thoughts with a friend, family member or colleague or share these blogs on social media to help others.
• Listen to a podcast or read a book