Discovering Ikigai: “A Journey to Self-Discovery and Finding Pur

Ikigai is a Japanese concept that encapsulates the essence of finding purpose at the intersection of passion, vocation, mission, and profession to lead a meaningful life. I came across this concept, which sparked my interest in Japanese philosophy. I read a book named Ikigai, "The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life." Japanese philosophy, rich in wisdom conveyed through sayings, proverbs, and teachings, unknowingly led me to a book that would become part of my journey to self-discovery and finding purpose in life.

During a crucial time when I felt lost, this book helped me navigate my way through life. I wanted to find my true passion, the purpose of my life, and something I would like to do with a sense of passion and fulfillment. Ikigai empowered me to identify what truly aligns with my interests. While exploring various careers and fields, I discovered psychology. As I delved deeper, my curiosity grew, and I became eager to learn more about this dynamic field. I find psychology fascinating as an exceptionally dynamic and ever-evolving field. Having coped with anxiety and depression, I realized that, as a psychologist, I could bring positive changes to people's lives and provide emotional support.

To learn more, I took the University of Toronto's "Introduction to Psychology" course, gaining insights into the human mind, behavior, and mental processes, which also revealed my passion for psychology and how it aligns with my innate abilities and strengths. The second aspect of Ikigai is the concept that emphasizes the things that one is good at. To me, psychology is more than a subject; it aligns with my innate abilities and strengths. Once, my best friend was struggling with anxiety due to issues at home. As she expressed her anxious thoughts, I listened, empathized, and offered emotional support, which helped her feel more at ease.

This experience taught me the power of empathy and my ability to connect with and understand others' emotional states. As a psychologist and following my Ikigai, I aim to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of others by connecting deeply, empathizing with, and understanding their feelings and emotions. The third aspect of Ikigai emphasizes what the world needs: mission. The call of Ikigai extends beyond self-discovery; it helps me recognize broader societal needs and challenges.

Stepping into this field, my mission is to enhance my knowledge and skills for individuals' and communities' betterment. According to the WHO, depression and anxiety rates have increased by 25% since 2022, which is a big concern for all of us. I hope to contribute positively to the world, channeling my passion for psychology into a mission that resonates with my values while meaningfully impacting the lives of many others by connecting, empathizing, and offering support.

Ikigai serves as a bridge between passion and practicality so that I can consider how my academic interest can translate into a fulfilling profession. It prompts me to explore diverse career paths within the realm of psychology, which aligns with my passion and also provides a sense of financial stability, completing the fourth and last aspect of Ikigai's profession. The concept of Ikigai encourages me to pursue a path that allows me to thrive and positively impact others, achievable by becoming a clinical or forensic psychologist. I want to establish a career that resonates with the true essence of who I am. My pursuit of Ikigai provides me not only with a framework for self-discovery but also with a philosophy that shapes my approach to life and psychology. Ikigai has been a compass that taught me the importance of the intersection of passion, vocation, mission, and profession. This book was worth reading. Since then, Ikigai has become a guiding principle that urges me to find meaning and purpose in my life as I navigate my way toward personal and societal transformation.