Finding your ikigai

Aiko lived in a small town in Japan and was known for her beautiful, handcrafted pottery. She spent hours each day at her pottery wheel, shaping clay with delicate precision. One day, a backpacker stumbled across her workshop. Intrigued by her focus and passion, he watched as she moulded the clay, lost in the rhythm of her hands. “What keeps you so devoted to this craft?” the backpacker asked. “Surely, the work is tiring and the days long.” Aiko smiled but didn’t stop her work. “This is my ikigai,” she said, “the reason I wake up each morning with joy. It’s not just about the pots I make; it’s about the meaning behind each creation. Every piece tells a story, connects me with those who will use it, and fills a need in the world. This is what makes my life meaningful.” The backpacker, reflecting on his own life, realised he had been going through the motions, working without a sense of purpose. Inspired by Aiko’s words, he left with a new question in his heart: "What is my ikigai?"