As a working mom of three, my days are filled with work deadlines, school runs, toddler activities, laundry, and everything in between. It’s easy to spend so much time checking off today’s to-do list that we rarely stop to ask a much bigger question:
What is my life purpose?
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Have You Ever Wondered What Your Purpose of Life Really Is?
That’s one of the reasons I decided to read Ikigai.
One Japanese saying especially stayed with me:
“Only staying active will make you want to live a hundred years.”
Simple.
Powerful.
Hopeful.
That quote captures the heart of this book.
Ikigai isn’t about becoming more successful or finding a secret formula for happiness. It’s about discovering your purpose of life, appreciating ordinary moments, continuing to learn, and living each day with intention.
If you’ve ever wondered what gives life meaning, this thoughtful book is one I genuinely recommend.
What Is Ikigai?
The Japanese word ikigai is often translated as “reason for being” or “reason for getting up in the morning.”
For many people, it represents the place where passion, purpose, contribution, and joy come together.
The authors explore why many people living in Okinawa, Japan—one of the world’s famous Blue Zones—remain active, optimistic, and deeply connected to their communities well into old age.
Rather than focusing on living longer, the book encourages us to ask a more important question:
How can we live a meaningful life today?
You may like listening on Audible during your commute or while doing housework, choose the format that works best for your lifestyle.
Why I Chose to Read Ikigai
I enjoy reading books that help me become a better parent and a more intentional person.
Over the past few years, I’ve also read Time to Parent, Atomic Habits, and The ONE Thing. Each one taught me something different.
But Ikigai felt different.
It wasn’t trying to convince me to achieve more.
Instead, it invited me to slow down and reflect.
I found myself highlighting page after page because the ideas were simple, timeless, and surprisingly relevant to modern family life.
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1. Your Life Purpose Doesn’t Have to Be Extraordinary
One of the biggest lessons I learned is that your life purpose doesn’t need to change the world.
Sometimes it’s found in ordinary moments.
For me, it’s raising kind children, continuing to learn, and creating resources that help other parents enjoy everyday life with their kids.
Purpose isn’t always something you discover overnight.
Sometimes you build it little by little.
2. Stay Active Throughout Life
The authors write:
“Only staying active will make you want to live a hundred years.”
That became one of my favorite quotes in the entire book.
Being active isn’t only about exercise.
It’s about remaining curious.
Learning new things.
Helping others.
Creating.
Growing.
Having a reason to wake up excited for another day.
3. Slow Down and Appreciate Everyday Life
Modern culture often tells us to move faster.
Do more.
Achieve more.
But Ikigai encourages the opposite.
Some of my happiest moments aren’t major milestones.
They’re reading with my children.
Watching my toddler discover something new.
Enjoying a quiet evening with a good book.
Life feels richer when we stop rushing through it.
4. Relationships Give Life Meaning
One lesson that appears throughout the book is the importance of community.
The world’s happiest and healthiest people don’t live in isolation.
They nurture friendships.
Support one another.
Share meals.
Laugh together.
As parents, we sometimes forget that our own relationships deserve attention too.
5. Keep Moving Every Day
Movement doesn’t have to mean intense workouts.
Walking.
Gardening.
Playing outside.
Dancing with your children.
All of these count.
The goal isn’t perfection.
It’s making movement a natural part of everyday life.
6. Finding Your Purpose of Life Begins with Small Choices
One idea I loved is that your purpose isn’t always waiting to be discovered like buried treasure.
Instead, it’s something you uncover through the way you choose to live each day.
Every small decision shapes the kind of person you become.
That perspective felt incredibly encouraging.
7. Success Without Purpose Can Feel Empty
One chapter discusses how people sometimes experience an existential crisis despite achieving success.
That really resonated with me.
It’s possible to build a career, earn money, or reach goals and still wonder:
“Is this all there is?”
Reading this reminded me that success is meaningful only when it’s connected to something that truly matters.
For me, growing this blog isn’t just about traffic.
It’s about helping families create joyful memories together.
That purpose makes the work far more rewarding.
8. A Positive Mindset Helps You Enjoy Life
The book explains that many long-lived people share optimistic attitudes.
Not because life is perfect.
But because they focus on gratitude, resilience, and meaningful relationships.
That perspective reminded me that happiness often begins with how we choose to respond to life’s challenges.
9. Small Habits Build a Meaningful Life
One reason I enjoyed Ikigai so much is that it complements ideas from Atomic Habits.
Both books remind us that meaningful change rarely happens overnight.
Instead, small daily habits slowly shape our future.
Reading.
Walking.
Being present with our children.
Making time for meaningful conversations.
These simple routines eventually become the foundation of a fulfilling life.
10. Happiness Is Part of the Journey
Perhaps my biggest takeaway from Ikigai is this:
Don’t wait for happiness.
Don’t wait until your schedule is less busy.
Don’t wait until you’ve achieved every goal.
Enjoy the journey.
Purpose isn’t found only at the destination.
It’s found in how we live today.
Who Should Read Ikigai?
I recommend this book if you:
- Are searching for your purpose of life.
- Feel stuck or unsure about your life purpose.
- Want a slower, more intentional lifestyle.
- Enjoy thoughtful personal development books.
- Loved books like Atomic Habits, Time to Parent, or The ONE Thing.
- Appreciate books that inspire reflection rather than offering quick fixes.
