Ikigai: Your Path to Purpose and Joy

Have you ever met someone who seems to radiate joy and fulfillment—someone who moves through life with a deep sense of purpose? Chances are, they’ve found their ikigai.

Ikigai (pronounced ee-kee-guy) is a Japanese concept that means “reason for being.” It’s the sweet spot where four key elements of life intersect:

• What you love

• What you’re good at

• What the world needs

• What you can be paid for

When these four elements align, you feel a deep sense of meaning, energy, and flow. But when even one of them is out of balance, you might feel stuck, drained, or unfulfilled.

I know this feeling well.

When Success Felt Empty

For years, I checked all the traditional boxes of success. I built a thriving career in healthcare leadership, earned my master’s degree, and had the kind of life that looked perfect from the outside. But inside? I felt like I was drifting further and further away from myself. I was exhausted, anxious, and deeply disconnected from my soul.

I remember sitting in my car before yet another work trip, gripping the steering wheel as a lump formed in my throat. Tears burned behind my eyes, and my chest felt tight with the weight of a life that no longer felt like mine. I had built a life that was impressive on paper but didn’t nourish my spirit. My body was screaming for change—I just hadn’t learned how to listen yet.

And then, I finally did.

Maybe you’ve felt this way, too—the quiet (or loud) knowing that something is off. That you’re meant for more, even if you can’t quite put your finger on what “more” looks like yet.

If so, I want you to know this: You are not alone. And you are not lost. Your purpose is already within you, waiting to be remembered.

The Wisdom of Ikigai

Ikigai isn’t just about work—it’s about living a life that feels meaningful and aligned. It’s about waking up in the morning with a sense of peace, knowing that your life reflects who you truly are. People who have found their ikigai often live longer, healthier lives because they wake up each day with a sense of purpose.

Finding your ikigai doesn’t have to mean making a dramatic life change. It doesn’t mean you have to quit your job tomorrow, move to a cabin in the woods, or have it all figured out right away. Sometimes, it’s about subtle shifts—giving yourself permission to follow what lights you up, even in small ways. Reconnecting with forgotten passions, realigning with your values, or recognizing the ways you’re already living in your purpose (even if you don’t see it yet).

Take a deep breath, place a hand on your heart, and ask yourself: Where in my life do I already feel a sense of meaning, even in small moments?

~ To find your Ikigai, you must first find what makes your heart sing.

A Simple Exercise to Explore Your Ikigai

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about your path, try this:

1️⃣ Make four lists:

• What you love (What excites or energizes you?)

• What you’re good at (What do people compliment you on?)

• What the world needs (What problems or causes speak to your heart?)

• What you can be paid for (What skills or gifts could support you financially?)

2️⃣ Look for overlaps.

Once you've written your four lists take a moment to step back and look at them as a whole. Are there common themes, repeated words, or areas where the lists intersect?

Identify Patterns in Your Ikigai Lists:

• Circle or highlight any words, skills, or ideas that appear in multiple lists. These may be key clues to your ikigai.

• Look for natural connections—for example, if you love storytelling, you're great at writing, the world needs inspiring content, and you can be paid for freelance writing, then creative writing or content creation might be part of your ikigai.

• Notice emotional responses—do any of the words or ideas light you up when you read them? Do they bring a sense of excitement or longing? Pay attention to what feels alive to you.

Let’s say your lists include:

• What you love: Being in nature, helping people, and deep conversations

• What you’re good at: Listening, problem-solving, and creative thinking

• What the world needs: More mental health awareness, connection, and healing

• What you can be paid for: Coaching, writing, or leading workshops

Here, a possible Ikigai could involve nature-based coaching or mindfulness retreats, where you guide people through healing and transformation in outdoor settings. This idea sits at the intersection of your passions, skills, and what the world needs.

If no clear overlap emerges immediately, don’t worry! Ikigai is an exploration, and clarity comes with time and action. That’s where the next step comes in.

3️⃣ Experiment. Try small changes—volunteer for something that excites you, take a course on a topic you love, or explore new ways to use your skills.

Ways to Experiment with Your Ikigai:

• Try volunteering: If you’re drawn to healing work but aren’t sure where to start, consider volunteering at a wellness center, leading a meditation group, or supporting a cause that resonates with you. This can give you hands-on experience without a big commitment.
  

• Take a course or workshop: If something excites you—like astrology, coaching, sound healing, or creative writing—take a small step by signing up for a class. Learning more will help you test the waters and see if this path feels right.
  

• Start a passion project: Sometimes your ikigai begins as a personal passion—writing a blog, creating art, or hosting small gatherings. These small projects build confidence and momentum toward something bigger.
  

• Surround yourself with people who inspire you: Join a community of like-minded souls who are already living their ikigai. Their energy and insights can help you gain clarity and see new possibilities for yourself.
  

• Experiment in your current work: You don’t necessarily have to change careers—sometimes, shifting how you work can bring more purpose. Can you integrate your skills or passions into your current role?
  

Your ikigai doesn’t have to be a single, fixed thing. It can evolve with you, just as seasons of life change.

“Purpose is the place where your deep gladness meets the world's deep need.” ~ Frederick Buechner

Living Your Ikigai Every Day

Ikigai isn’t about waiting for some big revelation—it’s about infusing your daily life with intention and purpose. It’s in the way you nurture relationships, the projects that bring you joy, and the moments when you feel deeply connected to yourself and the world around you.

So, if you’re feeling out of alignment, take a deep breath and remember:

• You are not broken. You are in a season of becoming.

• Your path is unfolding in perfect time.

• The answers you seek are already within you.

And if you’d love a compassionate guide to help you navigate this journey, I’m here to support you.

Ready to Discover Your Ikigai? Let's Explore Together.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about your next step, I’d love to help you find clarity.

As a Purpose & Livelihood Coach, I help soulful, sensitive women reconnect with their intuition, uncover their unique gifts, and create meaningful work that nourishes their soul. Whether you're seeking a career shift, a creative calling, or simply more alignment in your life, I’d love to support you on this journey.

Curious about working together? Learn more here, or DM me on Instagram (@monicabourgeau) to start the conversation.

What’s one small step you can take today toward your ikigai? Drop a comment and share—I’d love to hear from you!

Photo by Jack Skinner on Unsplash