There have been days in the past where I’ve people-pleased, and not sure where I was going, or who I was, but that’s all changed now.

I’m currently not working a corporate job, and that’s exactly how I like it. Life in the corporate world wasn’t what my soul needed, wasn’t who I really was, and certainly affected my mental health at times. This current period of uncertainty has got so many people thinking about what they really want, who they really are, and what kind of life they want to live. And I know for myself I want a life filled with creativity.

If you’re still working out what you want to do, one book I dipped into a while back and  still thoroughly recommend, is a book called Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life. At its heart, it’s all about finding your Ikigai – your very reason for being. 

Here’s a quick image of what the basis of it is about:

I’ve also included is a free print-out here for you to fill in for yourself!

I did my Ikigai a long time ago, and as I’ve been writing this post, I’ve completed it again and got the same result – My Ikigai is to write.

If you’re still unsure what you like to do, or having trouble working out your Ikigai/reason for being, that’s ok. It took me about 30 years to work it out, and I’m only just starting now. I know whatever stage of life this journey takes me on, I will always be writing. 

Maybe you’re where I was a year ago – knowing that the work you’re doing isn’t who you are, even if it pays the bills and keeps you busy. Maybe you’re just starting to think about your life now that COVID-19 has shaken everything up. Maybe you already know your life purpose, and don’t need this for yourself, but you know someone who might.

Whatever stage you’re at, that’s ok, and I salute you. We’re all at different stages, some of us living the life we’re meant to, with others not quite sure where the next path will take them. 

So if you’re curious about Ikigai, here’s the link again for your free printable.

You can buy books all about Ikigai in most book shops like Waterstones or if you’d prefer to be more sustainable about your book-buying, you can find books second-hand at World of Books.com. 

Keeping it Kandid,

Kate x

This post was written to the song “Something Wild” by Lindsey Stirling and Andrew McMahon.