If you’ve recently found yourself in a season of transition—maybe your kids just started school after years of homeschooling (this is my situation), or you’re navigating the space between “what was” and “what’s next”—you’re not alone. Transitions are full of possibility, but they can also feel a bit like standing at the edge of a blank canvas with a paintbrush in hand and no idea what to paint.
Enter: Ikigai.
Ikigai (pronounced ee-key-guy) is a beautiful Japanese concept that roughly translates to “reason for being.” It’s that sweet spot where four key areas overlap:
- What you love
- What you’re good at
- What the world needs
- What you can be paid for
When these elements align, you’ve found your ikigai—and with it, a deep sense of purpose and motivation.
Now, I know that “find your purpose” can feel like a lot of pressure, especially if you’re already juggling decision fatigue, a shifting identity, and a to-do list with no chill. But here’s the good news: ikigai isn’t about discovering one giant, life-altering purpose. It’s about tuning in to the intersection of your gifts, your joy, and your impact—even in small, doable ways.
Why Ikigai Matters for Moms in Transition
If you’ve been in the thick of raising kids, it’s easy to forget how much you bring to the table. You’ve likely developed skills in organization, empathy, teaching, planning, communicating, and problem-solving that would make a CEO sweat. But it’s not just about skills—it’s about reconnecting with what lights you up.
When you use the lens of ikigai, you start to ask better questions:
- What activities make me feel alive?
- What do people often come to me for help with?
- What problems do I feel called to solve?
- How could I share my gifts in a way that brings both joy and income?
These questions don’t demand an immediate answer. They invite you into a gentle process of curiosity and discovery.
How to Start Exploring Your Ikigai
You don’t need to overhaul your life to move toward ikigai. In fact, the process is often gradual and layered (like most meaningful things). Here are a few small steps you can try:
- Keep a joy journal. Notice what energizes you and what drains you.
- Ask a trusted friend what they see in you. Sometimes they’ll spot gifts you take for granted.
- Experiment. Try a class, volunteer role, or freelance project that taps into something you’re curious about.
- Listen for alignment. When something feels both meaningful and sustainable, you’re getting warmer.
Your ikigai doesn’t have to be flashy or career-based. It could be building a tiny business that supports a cause you love. It could be guiding other women through the same transition you’re navigating now. It could be blending creativity and community in a way that leaves you feeling full.
The point is: you still have so much to offer—not just to your family, but to the world. And your ikigai can help you remember that, one step at a time.
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