Your Ikigai: Expanding Your Inner Self With Purpose.

Your Ikigai: Expanding Your Inner Self With Purpose.

Discovering Ikigai has been a true turning point in my life. It feels like stumbling upon a hidden path that leads to a greater and better version of myself. This philosophy has an incredible capacity, allowing me to dive into what truly lights my passion and instills a deep sense of purpose. By combining my passions with my strengths, I’ve discovered a fulfilling journey that brings me so much joy. Every morning, I wake up with a new sense of passion and energy, knowing that I’m on a path to re-discovering myself and finding my true purpose.

Ikigai has given me the tools to prioritize self-improvement and involve myself in activities that feed my mind, body, and soul. Through introspection, mindfulness, and eagerness to learn more, I’ve brought to light many new sides of myself and found untapped potential within. Of course the road to self-discovery can be bumpy, but in the end you’ll thank yourself for the time and effort put in. 

While using this philosophy, I’ve gained the courage to step out of my comfort zone, embracing growth, and developing into the best version of myself. Incorporating Ikigai into my life has been an incredible journey, and its positive impact has influenced more than just myself. It’s like this great ripple effect that flows not only through me, but also inspires those around me. By living my purpose and staying true to myself, I hope I’ve become a source of inspiration for others.

Sharing my path of self-discovery and encouraging others to explore their own Ikigai has been incredibly fulfilling. It warms my heart to witness the positive changes it brings to their lives. It’s a reminder to all of us of the power that self-development and living with intention brings. 

Ikigai has taught me some timeless lessons. It reminds me of the importance of taking time for myself, nurturing my passions, and contributing meaningfully to the world. It gives me clarity and direction, guiding my choices to match with my values and aspirations. It’s not just a concept; it’s a way of life that keeps me inline with growth, fulfillment, and self-realization.

Our world is so fast-paced, it’s easy to lose track in the daily hustle and forget about ourselves. We juggle so many responsibilities from work to family, personal commitments and we often neglect the most important aspect of our lives: ourselves.

That’s where Ikigai has come in. It’s this beautiful Japanese concept dating back to the Heian period, used for hundreds of years that has taught me and hopefully many others in helping us lead more fulfilling, purposeful lives. It’s all about taking the time for self-discovery and finding what truly brings us joy, meaning, and fulfillment. Using Ikigai in my daily life has opened up new opportunities to explore and develop myself in all aspects of life.

Understanding Ikigai is pretty simple at its core. It’s about finding the perfect balance between four essential elements: what we love, what we’re good at, what the world needs, and what we can be paid for. These are like the pillars of our purpose and fulfillment.

What We Love: This is all about our passions and interests. It’s about getting into hobbies, talents, and activities that you genuinely enjoy. Whether it’s painting, writing, playing music, or cooking, finding what we love fuels our creativity and brings internal satisfaction.

  • What We’re Good At: This is about recognizing our strengths, skills, and natural abilities. It’s about understanding what we excel at and grow those talents. As we become seasoned in our abilities, our confidence skyrockets, and we gain a sense of accomplishment. This self-awareness allows us to contribute our unique gifts to the world.
  • What the World Needs: The third aspect pushes us to understand the needs of the world around us—our communities, workplaces, and society as a whole. By realizing these needs, we can see how our passions and skills align with conveying them. This alignment empowers us to make a positive impact and create meaningful change.
  • What We Can Be Paid For: Finally, the importance of financial stability. It’s about finding ways to support ourselves while pursuing the path we love and desire. While money alone does not bring happiness, having the support for ourselves helps us to live a life parallel to our purpose.

       

   Why should we take time for self-development in our hectic world?

  • Life’s demands can sometimes drain who we truly are. Staying true to yourself, through introspection, mindfulness, and personal growth, helps us reconnect with our genuine desires, values, and dreams. It carves the way for a more joyful and purposeful life.
  • Preventing Burnout and Exhaustion: Constantly pushing ourselves can lead to burnout. Self-development is a form of self-care. It allows us to recharge, reflect, and prioritize our mental, emotional, and physical health. By investing in yourself and practicing these methods, we build resilience and ensure long-term well-being.
  • Unlocking Creativity and Innovation: Self-development creates time for reflection and exploration. This gets our creativity and minds rolling in new perspectives and ideas. By exploring this curiosity, we can find creative solutions to problems, both for ourselves and the world.
  • Enhancing Personal and Professional Growth: Self-development is a catalyst for growth. It helps us expand our knowledge, skills, and capabilities. By investing in learning opportunities, we continuously evolve and adapt to the changing world, positioning ourselves for success.
  • Cultivating Resilience and Adaptability: Life is unpredictable. Self-development equips us with the tools and mindset to navigate challenges with resilience and adaptability. We learn to embrace change, seize opportunities, and thrive in an ever-evolving world.

So, in this crazy life, remember to not forget about yourself. Take the time to explore your Ikigai, find your purpose, and lead a life filled with meaningful, joyful and fulfilling experiences. 

When all the pieces are put together you can experience heightened motivation, efficiency, and productivity. Moreover, living in harmony with my Ikigai has not only enhanced my own personal growth but also inspired and positively influenced those around me. The practice of Ikigai is a lifelong journey that will always continue to guide me towards self-actualization and a sense of purpose in everything I accomplish. I genuinely hope you take some time to explore your own Ikigai.  If you have questions, reach out to me: [email protected] or find me on social media. 

Ikigai: Book by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles

August 29th, 2017

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/549469/ikigai-by-hector-garcia-and-francesc-miralles/   

What is Ikigai And How can it change my life?: Article by Erin Eatough, PhD 

May 5th, 2021

https://www.betterup.com/blog/what-is-ikigai

Ikigai and the four P’s: How to get paid, Enjoy your work, Solve problems, and find your purpose: Article by Maren Kate 

April 10th, 2019

https://medium.com/@marenkate/ikigai-and-the-four-ps-how-to-get-paid-enjoy-your-work-solve-problems-and-find-purpose-8c9dc615648f#:~:text=To%20find%20your%20Ikigai%2C%20you,What%20the%20world%20needs%20(Problems)

 

 

How to Deal with Anxiety | A Comprehensive Guide

How to Deal with Anxiety | A Comprehensive Guide

In the United States, we suffer from the Age of Anxiety and the things we are experiencing are unprecedented and uncharted.
What is anxiety? anxiety is often described as the feeling or experience of a state of worry, nervousness, or uneasiness. Anxiety is nothing more than the sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach, your gut tied up in knots. We are the creators of our own demise (anxiety) We let it get the best of us, but the good news is that we can let the anxiety go. Here I am going to guide how to deal with anxiety with a complete guide.

How to Deal with Anxiety: The Right Way

Anxiety disorders are common mental health problems that affect millions of people worldwide. They cause significant distress and interfere with daily life. While some anxiety disorders may go away over time, others can become chronic and lead to serious physical conditions like heart disease and depression.

Here’s a checklist of things to remember when dealing with anxiety:

1. Know What Causes Anxiety Disorders

While research suggests that genetics play a part in causing anxiety disorders, environmental factors also contribute. For instance, childhood trauma, bullying, divorce, death of a loved one, and substance abuse all seem to increase risk for anxiety disorders later in life.

2. Seek Help Early

It’s best to seek treatment early so that symptoms can be managed before they worsen. Treatment options range from medication to talk therapy to cognitive behavioral therapy.

3. Understand How Anxiety Impacts Daily Life

People with anxiety disorders struggle with everyday tasks like getting dressed, eating, sleeping, and driving. These challenges can make it difficult to maintain relationships and hold jobs.

4. Don’t Self-Medicate

Self-medicating with alcohol, drugs, or food increases feelings of anxiety, making it harder to cope with stressors.

5. Be Honest With Yourself

Be honest with yourself about your fears and worries. Accepting these thoughts doesn’t mean that you agree with them or think they’re true. Instead, acknowledge them and learn to manage them.

6. Talk About Feelings

Talking about your emotions can help you understand them better and feel less alone. Talking about your concerns with a trusted friend or therapist can also help you find solutions.

7. Learn Relaxation Techniques

Learning relaxation techniques can reduce anxiety and ease tension. Some examples include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, meditation, and mindfulness.

8. Avoid Negative Thinking Patterns

Negative thinking patterns such as catastrophizing (thinking something bad will happen) and rumination (repeating negative thoughts over and over again) can trigger anxiety. Try replacing these thoughts with more positive ones.

9. Get Enough Exercise

Regular exercise reduces stress and improves mood. If you have trouble finding time to exercise, consider signing up for a class or joining a gym.

10. Stay Connected

Having social support helps people cope with stressful situations. Find ways to connect with friends and family members who care about you.

11. Eat Well

Eating well-balanced meals can boost energy and decrease anxiety. Make sure you get enough protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

12. Manage Stress

Stress affects everyone differently. However, if you notice signs of stress, try to identify the source and address it.

13. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a way of being aware of what’s happening around you without judgment. It involves focusing on the present moment and accepting things as they are.

14. Take Care Of Your Body

Taking good care of your body can improve your overall wellbeing. This includes eating right, exercising regularly, managing stress, and getting sufficient sleep.

15. Keep A Journal

Keeping a journal can help you track how your daily activities affect your mental health. Writing down your thoughts and feelings may help you recognize patterns and gain insight into your emotional state.

16. Identify Triggers

Anxiety triggers vary depending on the person. Knowing what sets off your anxiety can help you avoid certain situations. For example, some people become anxious when faced with public speaking while others experience panic attacks after seeing blood.

17. Seek Help From Professionals

If you don’t know where to turn for help, talk to a professional. They can provide information and guidance on coping strategies.

How to Deal with Anxiety

How To Stop Negative Thoughts Anxiety

Negative thinking is something we all deal with every day. We worry about things like money, health, relationships, and so much more. But when you let negative thoughts consume your mind, you may find yourself feeling anxious and depressed.

Here’s a simple guide to help you overcome negative thinking and anxiety:

1. Identify What Is Causing Anxiety

Anxiety occurs when you feel worried or fearful about a situation. When you’re experiencing anxiety, you may feel tense, nervous, or shaky. Other symptoms of anxiety include sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and muscle tension.

2. Understand How Thoughts Affect Feelings

Thoughts influence feelings. For example, if you think about being stuck in traffic, you probably won’t enjoy driving in that condition. And if you’re afraid of spiders, you’ll likely become upset whenever you encounter one.

3. Recognize Unhelpful Thinking Patterns

Negative thinking patterns can lead to anxiety. Here are some common patterns that contribute to negative thinking:

  • Catastrophizing – believing the worst possible outcome will happen.
  • Overgeneralizing – assuming bad outcomes based on past experiences.
  • Personalizing – attributing negative events to yourself.
  • Blaming others – blaming others for problems instead of taking responsibility.

4. Replace Negative Thoughts With Positive Ones

Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of situations, focus on the positive ones. Instead of worrying about getting fired, focus on the benefits of having a job. Instead of obsessively thinking about what you did wrong, focus on the things you did right.

5. Focus On Solutions Rather Than Problems

Acknowledge that you can’t control everything. Instead of dwelling on the fact that you didn’t get that promotion, recognize that you still have plenty of opportunities ahead of you. Don’t beat yourself up over mistakes; learn from them instead.

Read here In Search Of Good Life

How To Reduce Anxiety Naturally

Anxiety is something we all feel sometimes. We may worry about things like exams, job interviews, or relationships. But when anxiety becomes excessive, it can lead to panic attacks, depression, and other mental health problems. Here are some tips to help reduce anxiety:

1. Don’t Avoid Things That Cause Anxiety

You may think that avoiding certain situations will make you feel better. However, avoidance doesn’t solve anything. Instead, try to face your fears head on. For instance, if you’re afraid of public speaking, practice talking to groups of people. Or if you’re anxious about driving, find a safe place to drive around.

2. Try Relaxation Techniques

Many different relaxation techniques exist. One popular technique is called progressive muscle relaxation. It involves tensing and relaxing specific muscles until you reach complete relaxation. Another method is mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness meditation focuses on being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. Both methods can help you relax.

3. Talk About What Makes You Afraid

Talking about your fears can help you overcome them. Talking about your anxieties also allows you to understand yourself better. When you talk about your worries, you may discover that you aren’t really worried after all.

4. Change Your Thoughts To Help Reduce Anxiety

Changing your thinking patterns can help alleviate anxiety. For example, you may notice that you tend to think negatively about yourself or others. Changing your thought pattern may allow you to view the situation differently, allowing you to feel calmer.

5. Exercise Regularly

Exercise releases endorphins, chemicals that produce a feeling of well-being. Endorphins also act as natural painkillers. So exercise regularly to relieve stress and anxiety.

6. Eat Well

Eating nutritious foods can boost energy levels and help you stay calm. Good sources of nutrition include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and beans.

7. Sleep Properly

Getting adequate sleep every night can help you feel relaxed and ready to tackle whatever life throws at you. Getting too little sleep can cause irritability, fatigue, and memory loss. Too much sleep can leave you exhausted.

8. Practice Deep Breathing

Deep breathing exercises can help you control your emotions and focus during stressful times. They may also help you fall asleep faster.

How To Stop Anxiety Through Massage Therapy?

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems that people face today. According to the National Institute for Mental Health, approximately 40 million Americans suffer from some form of anxiety disorder. The good news is that there are many ways to treat it. One of these methods is massage therapy. If you have been thinking about trying this treatment, then read on to learn more about how it can benefit your mind and body.

Seneca wrote: “we suffer from more imagination than from reality”

Lesson 1:

Name your monster: define what you perceive, trace the source call it by it’s name it will have less power over you. Similar to when you almost run a red light and you step on the breaks, we can stop anxiety in it’s track just the same.

Lesson 2:

Don’t let your mind fill you up with things that “might” happen. Stay focused on the present and don’t let guilt, envy, fear, insecurity or any other feeling get the best of you.

Lesson 3

Stay in the present, don’t live in the in past, and don’t worry about the future.

In Search of a Good Life

In Search of a Good Life

Sometimes I get up in the mornings and wish that nothing would ever go wrong if I could just live day by day without anything bad happening or not making any mistakes. I wonder what it would be like. I know you are probably saying: “that is not how life is, who are you kidding” right?! Left to our own devices with enough opportunities we all eventually mess up and things do happen that are bad.

That is why we have so many rules that we come up with for ourselves. In my recent studies of ancient philosophy, my favourite person has become Marcus Aurelius because he discovered that self-meditation was what got him through the rough patches in his life. He called it” epithets for the self”. It’s kinda like saying: know what you stand for and stick to that, hold the line. 

In Search of a Good Life

Living a good life is about coming up with your own values, your own rules and your own way of living your life. In practice, it’s a set of rules you live by. This ensures that you are going to stay on the right path and that you won’t compromise your standards so that you don’t deviate from the life you want to have.

I’ve been developing my own set of rules and standards to live by. Yes life does happen and life does get in the way, but for the most part, I work on rectifying things and getting back on track. I have a set of 12 rules and in this article, I will share the first 6. 

Rule 1: Own My Morning

Sometimes I have trouble getting out of bed and believe me it is hard. But I own my morning and I get out of bed so that I can have a productive day. I most definitely want to stay under the covers and sleep a few more hours. But I get up because I know that if I own my morning then the rest of the day will turn out well. My daily morning habits are: 

  • Work out first thing in the morning: get it out of the way otherwise, it won’t happen. 
  • Journal: Great historical people insist on journaling to clarify the mind, provide room for quiet and it is a private reflection just to name a few good things about journaling. 
  • Deep-Focused Work: Concentrate on the task at hand and do it like it’s the most important thing in your life. 3 hours of deep work is better than 18 hours of half-ass work. 

Rule 2: Focus on What’s in Your Control

Marcus Aurelius always wanted to simplify and separate matters so that he could stay in control of what was in his control. He used to say that “it does not matter what other people say or think, it only matters what you do or think.” Think about your problems and separate them into categories. 

  • What can you control about your problems? 
  • What is out of your control? 

Then only focus on what you can control and nothing else because that which you can not control will work itself out in the long run, it always does.

Rule 3: Do not Entertain Imagined Troubles

Seneca advice people to “do not be unhappy before the crisis comes, do not exaggerating, or imagine all the bad things, do not anticipate, and do not let sorrow stay in your daily life” Don’t let anxiety or worry get the best of you.You will suffer more from your imagined troubles than your actual reality. 

Stay in the present, do not let your imagination overtake reality.

Rule 4: Treat Success and Failure the Same

You are the same whether you lose a limb, get fired, or become a millionaire. You are the same when you are at the top of the world or down on your luck. Do not lose yourself because of the things that happen to you or around you. Don’t be overly joyful when something good happens and don’t be overly sad when something bad happens in your life. 

Rule 5: Do One Thing Every Day and Do It Well

Do one thing every day that is important to you and curb your procrastination tendencies. Stay humble, persistent and work to improve every single day. Acquire something that will fortify you against misfortunes. 

Rule 6: Make Amazing Choices

Make better choices because it makes you feel better and because you want to create a better life. What does your life look like? Are you in shape? Do you want to eat better? Do you want to be around for your kids when they grow up? Take the choice that challenges you to make a better life.

How do you have a good life? Well, you have to create it. If you are waiting around for things to change so that you can have a good life then you’ll be wasting your time. Life doesn’t change on its own. You have to put in the work and effort to make tiny changes in order to see your life differently. How do you show up every day in your life? Do you give up easily? Are you always angry at the world? 

We are all dying each day and our existence in this world is brief. How are you making a difference? ‘Til next time! ~ Cristie

HOW TO FIND AND KEEP YOUR PASSION (JOY)

HOW TO FIND AND KEEP YOUR PASSION (JOY)

In today’s society, the word passion comes up a lot. How can we find passion? is it something that prevents us from succeeding? or is it something that might fuel our life into action? We can lie to ourselves and say that it is the pure source of joy, but is it? Keep reading if you want to know about how to find and keep your passion.
As an avid student of philosophy, I have come to understand that “passion” is what contributes to our own “misery” why? because passion is all about the plain and destructive ego self-absorption at the expense of reality that drives us to our misery daily if left unchecked. We hear what we want to hear, do what we feel like doing and despite of being very busy and working very hard, we accomplish very little…we live our daily life without a plan and we just hope that we are going in the right direction.
Finding joy is the better option for finding passion. One of my favorite philosophers is Seneca, who wrote, “It comes from a good conscience, from honorable purposes, from right actions, from contempt of the gifts of chance, from an even and calm way of living which treads but one path…There are only a few who control themselves and their affairs by a guiding purpose; the rest do not proceed; they have merely swept along, like objects afloat in a river. And of these objects, some are held back by sluggish waters and are transported gently; others are torn along by a more violent current; some, which are nearest the bank, are left there as the current slackens; and others are carried out to sea by the onrush of the stream. Therefore, we should decide what we wish, and abide by the decision.”

How To Find Your Passion

What brings you joy? Do you make time to self-reflect? Do you ask yourself deeper questions? Who are you? why are you here? Have you found your joy? Do you reflect daily? do you make time for things that are important? The sooner you ask yourself these questions and the more time you spend answering them, the better life you will have.

We all have different passions in life. For some of us, our passion is our job, while for others, it might be a hobby or something we’re passionate about outside of work.

No matter what your passion is, it’s important to find ways to nurture and cultivate it. After all, our passions are what make us unique and special.

So, how can you find your passion? Here are a few tips:

1. Follow your heart.

This might sound cliche, but it’s true. Your heart knows what you’re passionate about. If you’re feeling lost or unsure about what you should do with your life, take some time to sit down and think about what makes you happy.

2. Do what you love.

If you want to find your passion, you have to be willing to put in the work. Pursue your interests and hobbies, and see where they take you. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy something if you give it a chance.

3. Be open to new things.

Don’t be afraid to try new things. You never know what you might find yourself passionate about. Sometimes, the things we’re most passionate about are the things we never would have thought to try.

4. Follow your dreams.

This ties in with tip number one. Our dreams are often a reflection of our passions. If you have a dream, don’t be afraid to pursue it.

5. Take your time.

Finding your passion takes time. It’s not something that happens overnight. Be patient and trust that the path to your passion will reveal itself when the time is right.

These are just a few tips to help you find your passion. Remember, there is no one right way to do things. The most important thing is to be true to yourself and follow your heart.

Passion is what makes us unique and special. It’s what makes life worth living. So, don’t be afraid to pursue your passions. They might just lead you to a place you never thought possible.

How To Find Your Passion When You Are Depressed

We all know the feeling. The world seems bleak and our passion seems like a far-off dream. We can’t see a way out and we’re stuck in a depressive rut. It’s a frustrating, scary, and often overwhelming place to be.

But it is possible to find your passion again, even when you’re feeling low. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Get in touch with your values

When we’re feeling lost, it can be helpful to reconnect with our values. What is important to you? What do you believe in? And what makes you happy?

Remembering what is important to us can help us to find our way back to our passion.

2. Set yourself some goals

It can be tough to find motivation when we’re feeling down but setting ourselves small goals can help.

Start with something achievable that you can work towards. It could be something as simple as taking a walk every day or reading one new book each week.

As you start to tick off your goals, you’ll begin to feel more capable and motivated.

3. Find a hobby or activity that you enjoy

Do you have a hobby that you used to enjoy but haven’t had time for lately? Or is there something new that you’ve always wanted to try?

Dedicating some time to an activity that you enjoy can help to boost your mood and give you a sense of achievement.

4. Reach out to your support network

When we’re feeling down, it can be easy to withdraw from our friends and family. But reaching out to our loved ones can be a huge help.

Talking to someone who understands and can offer support can make a big difference. If you don’t feel like you have anyone to talk to, there are also many helplines and support groups available.

5. Be patient with yourself

Finding your passion again takes time and it’s important to be patient with yourself. Don’t expect to feel better overnight.

Allow yourself time to grieve for what you’ve lost and to adjust to your new situation. Our passions can change over time, so don’t be afraid to explore new interests.

If you’re struggling to find your passion, it’s important to seek help. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional if you’re finding things difficult.

HOW TO FIND AND KEEP YOUR PASSION

How To Keep Your Passion

It’s easy to forget what you’re passionate about. Life gets in the way and we can get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But it’s important to remember what lights your fire and keeps you going. Here are a few tips to help you keep your passion alive:

Find time for what you love

It’s important to make time for the things you’re passionate about. If you don’t, life can quickly start to feel like one big to-do list. Schedule time in your diary for the things you love, whether it’s going for a run, reading a good book or taking a dance class.

Find your tribe

Surround yourself with people who share your passions and who will support and encourage you. Whether it’s joining a sports team, taking a cooking class or becoming a member of a book club, being around like-minded people will help you stay motivated and inspired.

Do something new

Don’t let your passion become stagnant. If you feel like you’re in a rut, try something new. Explore different aspects of your passion or try a completely new activity. This will help to keep things fresh and exciting.

Find a balance

Passion is great, but it’s important to find a balance. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket and make sure you have other things in your life that bring you joy. Having other interests will help to keep you well-rounded and prevent burnout.

Passion is an essential part of a happy and fulfilling life. Don’t let it slip away – make a conscious effort to keep it alive.

Why Passion Is Important

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the rat race and forget what’s truly important in life. We can lose sight of our dreams and what we’re passionate about. That’s why it’s so important to keep the passion alive.

  • Passion is what drives us to achieve our goals. It’s what motivates us to get up each day and do what we love. When we’re passionate about something, we put our heart and soul into it. We put our all into it.
  • Passion is what makes us feel alive. It’s what makes us feel happy, fulfilled, and excited about life. It’s what makes us feel like we’re doing something worthwhile.
  • Without passion, life can be pretty boring. We can go through the motions day after day, but we’re not really living. We’re not really experiencing all that life has to offer.
  • Passion is what makes us unique. It’s what makes us stand out from the crowd. It’s what makes us special.
  • Passion is what makes us believe in ourselves. It’s what gives us the confidence to pursue our dreams. It’s what gives us the strength to keep going when things get tough.
  • Passion is what makes us human. It’s what makes us passionate about life.

So, why is passion so important? Because it’s what makes us who we are. It’s what makes us unique and special. It’s what makes us feel alive.

Read more, about the Importance of data.