The Secret Word

The idea of Purpose has somehow, always been in the center of our existence. In this blog, my intention is to share with you, my ideal of Purpose, the life where I'm my main character.

Join me on this journey as we “Stravaigin” - big scots fan here - looking for improvement, contentment and peace of mind. 

I’m a morning person, with that being said, name me something that can make mornings even more exciting - probably having a Flat white with your best friend, who happens to be back from a trip to Japan - not your typical morning.

We usually meet at our most-liked coffee shop in Montreal, we like to call our meetups - Slow Moment - where the only thing that matters is being in the Present. As I’m approaching, I see her flamboyant hair, dressed as if she's coming straight from a fashion magazine. She has the style of a very talented artist who she happens to be. 

But, I can tell, there’s something going on, she’s glowing, smiling from ear to ear as the sun is reflecting on her cheeks, - Is this the Japan effect ? - . At first, I felt flattered and said with a happy voice “I’m happy to see you too”, she smiled at me without a word and proceed to show me the way, we order, sat, she then looked at me straight in the eyes and said “Have you ever heard of the word Ikigai ?” I was very confused, what is this word Ikigai and what does it have to do with me ? She noticed the confusion in my eyes and proceeded to hand me a book, a very thin book and told me that she probably found the answer to my questions. I took the book, thanked her, put it in my bag and said that I’ll have a look at it. 

We continued our discussion, talked about our lives and sipped our coffees then came the time of “see you soon”. On my “six metro station stop” way back home, I took out the book from my bag and started piecing out this secret word “Ikigai”.

What’s an Ikigai ?

It’s PURPOSE, the purpose of living, a japanese concept that leads people to live the life they’re meant to live, to pursue what matters to them and create the reality they want. 

As I started reading the first word of that book I understood why she thought I needed it. As a 29 year old female, I was struggling on finding my purpose in life, as many of us, asking myself repeatedly that same question “Why am I here?”, adding to that the fact that I was a new mom - Postpartum is no joke - I hit rock bottom at one point, but was determined to get my life back together, and make myself a better person. 

The first thing I started doing was being in the present moment and aware of myself and surroundings. It took me a long time to “master” the art of being in the present moment, my Mantra became “what had happen and what will happen doesn’t matter, what does is what’s happening NOW”, sometimes it doesn’t have to be big, It can be for example feeling the water passing by my throat, noticing a flower and taking few seconds to admire it, talking to a friend and making sure to feel every exchanged word, every laughter and every connection, I choose those moments and made them mine. I was practicing Mindfulness, without being aware I was doing so. 

Mindfulness was an eye opener for me, I started being grateful for things that felt like a burden at first. 

Once I felt an improvement in my mood, and the changes that I made started blooming, I had to dig in, aka the four elements of Ikigai - What I love ? What am I good at ? What does the world need ? What can I be paid for ? I took a step back “That’s a lot to figure out!” but I was going to trust the process and moreover myself. 

What I love ? What a great question to be asked - Let me answer it - I love a lot of things and few things at the same time, which can sometimes feel overwhelming, does it make sense ? Well, it does, for me, because as I’m writing this article, I can feel the increase of dopamine in my body. I love journaling about things, I love writing, I love reading, I love telling stories and sharing mindful conversation with people, I also like making people feel good about themselves, but I also love quiet sunday mornings, I love being by myself enjoying a cup of tea watching Bridgerton or Outlander. By doing this, I learned that loving different things can be a strength, and that I don’t have to choose or fit in a frame, this also helps me understand what am I good at ? 

Journaling gave me a space where I can explore my thoughts, feelings and experiences without judgment. Throughout writing, I discovered a hidden talent and passion for writing I never knew I had. It also helped me develop my communication skills and find my voice. Similarly, my love for storytelling and connection has always been a driving force in my life. I enjoy sharing my experiences with others and hearing their stories. I believe that human connection is essential for our well-being and can be a powerful tool for healing and growth.

On the third question, I was a bit lost. How can I know what the world needs? People all over the world are trying to find an answer to this question, some who are very qualified, so again who am I to know that, I was just on a journey to find myself and be at peace.

As I sat on that park bench, surrounded by the vibrant energy of the city, I realized that I was a small but essential part of a much larger tapestry. The world was not a distant entity; it was the people around me, the communities I belonged to, and the planet we all shared. In that moment, the third element of Ikigai, "What the world needs," became crystal clear. The world needed more connection, more empathy, and more understanding. We were becoming increasingly isolated and disconnected, and this was leading to a myriad of problems, from loneliness and depression to conflict and division.

 

The final element of Ikigai, "What you can be paid for," was the most daunting. How could I turn my passions into a sustainable livelihood? I wasn't sure if my love for storytelling and connection could translate into a tangible career.  But then I started to think about the skills I'd developed through my journey. I'd become a better listener, communicator, and writer. I'd also gained a deep understanding of the importance of human connection. These skills could be valuable in a variety of fields, from counseling and social work to marketing and public relations.

 

As I explored different career options, I realized that I didn't have to choose a traditional path. I could create my own opportunities, perhaps by starting a blog, podcast, or online community focused on storytelling and connection. The possibilities were endless, and the most important thing was to stay true to myself and my values.

 

By doing this self-analysis, I can clearly see my Purpose or at least have a more clear idea of what it can be. I know that the path to it is still long and tumultuous, but I’m deeply convinced that with the right mindset we become unstoppable. Let’s take care of ourselves, remember that big changes often start with small steps. Don't be afraid to start small and gradually build momentum. Let's be surrounded by people who believe in you and make you feel like you’re the star of the show. Exercise, drink more water, make the changes you’ve been postponing for years, CHOOSE YOU. 

 

Iman Chibou