Discovering Your Ikigai: A Journey Into Your Lotus Within

Grab your journal and your The LOTUS Within book (https://www.amazon.com/LOTUS-Within-Purpose-Ignite-Passion/dp/B0DDRDXB89 ).

As we move into the second week of November, I want to take a moment to honor Veterans Day, reflecting on my own service and the dedication of all who have served. This is a time to acknowledge the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of veterans while also taking a moment to reflect on our own purpose and direction in life.

For those new to my blog, welcome. Here, I share insights from my upcoming book, The LOTUS Within, a guide to self-discovery, intentional living, and uncovering your inner potential. If you haven’t yet explored the earlier posts, I encourage you to do so, as each builds on the journey toward understanding the lotus within yourself—your true essence and unique purpose.

The Journey Begins With Ikigai

At the heart of self-discovery lies the Japanese concept of ikigai, which roughly translates to “a reason for being.” Ikigai represents the intersection of passion, mission, vocation, and profession—the elements that give your life meaning, motivation, and fulfillment. According to Japanese tradition, everyone has an ikigai, but discovering it takes reflection, intention, and sometimes, guidance.

Understanding your ikigai allows you to align your daily actions with what truly matters to you. It creates a roadmap for living a more intentional, fulfilling, and energized life—both personally and professionally.

Let’s break down the four key elements:

Passion – What you love doing. What excites you and motivates you to rise each day. Passion is that deep interest that energizes and fulfills you.

Mission – Your purpose in life. The difference you want to make in the world and the legacy you aim to leave behind.

Vocation – What you’re good at. Your natural talents and skills, honed through experience and learning.

Profession – What you can get paid for. The career or work that allows you to make a living while expressing your passion and utilizing your talents.

Journal Prompt: Reflect on Your Ikigai

This week, take some time to write in your journal and reflect on these questions:

1. What does each of these four elements—passion, mission, vocation, profession—mean to you personally?

2. How have your experiences, values, and responses to earlier blog prompts revealed clues about your own ikigai?

3. Considering Veterans Day and the concept of service, how might your purpose connect to contributing to others or creating impact in your community?

4. Which small action can you take this week that aligns with your emerging ikigai?

Use this reflection to connect your inner values to your daily actions. Each entry you make in your journal is a step toward uncovering the lotus within—a deeper understanding of who you are, what drives you, and how you can bring more meaning and joy into your life.