In Japan, they have a word for your purpose in life; the reason you get out of bed in the morning, your "why?" - IKIGAI
Ikigai is the intersection of 4 areas:
What the world needs
What you're good at
What you love
What you can get paid for
I often get asked about how I got into doing massage, and working for myself - the honest answer is that I just wanted to give it a go. I've always had an interest in the human body and how it works, and I've always wanted to work in a field where I can help people. I started the training with the intention of making it through the course (and passing it!), and along the way, I realised that this is my "thing". My ikigai.
I love what I do for work. I love meeting new people, and finding out how the way they live affects their body. I love making a difference to people, and I love seeing their smile as they realise how much better they feel after a treatment. It's a privilege to be able to facilitate relaxation for somebody, and allow them to feel as awesome as possible in their own skin.
At the weekend I saw a client whose left shoulder was visibly higher and more tense when she lay on the table - by the end of the session they were both level with each other and she could feel a definite improvement. I had helped her (what the world needs) by easing her achy back and shoulders (what I'm good at), using massage (something I love doing) and getting paid for it! Pure ikigai right there.
One thing I don't love, however, is all the laundry...
Vikki xx
PS tell me about your "why?" in the comments!