Chapter 5: Living with Intention

"Your purpose in life is to find your purpose and give your whole heart and soul to it."

— Gautama Buddha What if living with purpose wasn’t about chasing a single, grand goal—but about showing up, fully and consistently, to the truth of who you are?

What if intention wasn’t a resolution declared at the start of the year, but a practice woven into every conversation, every decision, every breath?

This is the heart of Ikigai: your reason for being. Not a job title. Not a bank balance. Not a performance. But a quiet, persistent joy that flows like a river when your inner truth aligns with your outer life.

What Is Ikigai?

In Japanese culture, Ikigai is often linked to longevity and fulfillment, seen in the lives of Okinawans who live with purpose well into their later years. This timeless wisdom reminds us that purpose isn’t a destination—it’s a way of being.

Ikigai sits at the intersection of four questions:

• What do you love?  
  

• What are you good at, or what special gifts do you possess?   

• What could enrich the world or what special need does the world need at this time?  
  

• What can you be paid or rewarded for?
  

These aren’t just career questions—they are life questions. They invite you to step off autopilot and design your days with soul.

You don’t need all the answers right away. Living with intention begins by asking better questions—and being patient enough to listen for the answers as they emerge. Sometimes your Ikigai flows through your profession. Sometimes it’s found in your garden, your writing, a photograph you share with the world, or the way you care for a loved one in need.

It’s not about prestige—it’s about alignment. It’s not about what looks impressive—it’s about what feels true. My Journey to Ikigai For years, I thrived in the business world—building networks, launching ventures, and leading with passion. I loved what I did. Yet, over time, a quiet whisper nudged me: There is something more.  

One afternoon, I stepped out of my car in an underground parking garage in Washington, DC. I as a bit early for an event where I would be speaking and was enjoying a bit of quiet time as I prepared to find the elevator to the main street. I observed that water had been water leaking down through a crack in the wall of the garage. The light was perfect and captured splintering colors of turquoise, greens and even some gold hues. I took a picture from my cell phone and knew that I needed to capture this on canvas. I felt a spark—a key unlocking a forgotten part of myself. Returning to art wasn’t a departure from my career; it was an expansion of my soul. I realized my Ikigai was about creating beauty, telling truth, and helping others see themselves more clearly, whether in boardrooms or galleries.

That moment of reconnection wasn’t easy. I doubted whether I could justify spending time on art when my career demanded so much. But each small step—observing rich images like that crack in that wall—felt like a current pulling me toward home.

Ikigai isn’t static. It evolves as we do. When we listen, it leads us to where we’re meant to be. Ikigai in Action: Stories of Intentional Lives

Over the years, I’ve met remarkable people who embody Ikigai—not because their paths were easy, but because they chose to walk them with heart.

• Maria, a single mother in her 30s, found her Ikigai in storytelling. Each night, she weaves magical tales for her children, teaching them resilience and creativity. She began sharing these stories at community centers, sparking joy in families from diverse backgrounds. Her Ikigai? Inspiring hope through imagination.

• James, a former corporate lawyer, left his high-pressure job to start a bakery that employs and mentors young adults aging out of foster care. His Ikigai? Healing through nourishment and mentorship.

• Aisha, a college student from a marginalized community, discovered her Ikigai through spoken word poetry. Her performances address social justice, giving voice to those often unheard. Her Ikigai? Amplifying truth through art.

• Eleanor, a retired executive, spends her mornings writing letters to strangers through a kindness campaign. Her Ikigai? Connection through compassion.

• Rahul, a man who, after a painful divorce, began teaching meditation in prisons. His Ikigai? Offering peace where there had been pain.
  

These individuals didn’t wait for the perfect moment. They began with what they had, where they were, letting their Ikigai flow like a river through their choices. Navigating the Obstacles to Intentional Living

Living with intention sounds beautiful, but it’s not always easy. Life can feel too full, too messy, or too uncertain. You might face self-doubt (“Who am I to pursue this?”), societal pressure to prioritize productivity over joy, or practical constraints like time or money.

The secret? Start small. You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Choose one moment each day to act with intention—whether it’s savoring a quiet coffee, saying no to a commitment that doesn’t align with your values, or spending 10 minutes on a passion project. These small choices build momentum, like droplets joining to form a stream.

Try This: Set aside five minutes with a journal. Reflect on a moment in the past week when you felt truly alive. What were you doing? Who were you with? Write down one small way you can bring that energy into your week—perhaps calling a friend to share a laugh, sketching an idea, or volunteering for a cause you care about. Notice how it feels. That’s your Ikigai whispering to you. The Sweet Spot: Where Joy, Purpose, and Service Meet

When you live with intention, you stop asking, “What should I be doing?” and start asking, “What lights me up? What serves others? What feels aligned with who I’m becoming?”

The sweet spot is where these three threads—joy, purpose, and service—converge. That’s where Ikigai lives.

You’ll know you’ve touched it when your days feel meaningful, even if they’re not easy. When your actions reflect your values. When your presence feels like a gift, not just a transaction.

This isn’t about constant productivity. It’s about conscious participation. It’s about choosing the path that leads you back to yourself, letting your Ikigai flow freely. Living Intentionally, One Choice at a Time

Intentional living is about attention, not perfection. It’s about pausing before you say yes. It’s about checking in before you compromise your values. It’s about choosing rest when the world demands hustle. It’s about aligning your energy with what matters most.

Imagine Ikigai as a river running through your life. Sometimes it meanders quietly; sometimes it rushes with purpose. Your job is to step into its current, one choice at a time. Ask yourself: Is this aligned? Is this kind? Is this true?  

You don’t need to move to a monastery or quit your job. You just need to listen to the whispers of your heart and take small, courageous steps toward what feels true. Your Path Forward: A Golden Takeaway

Living with intention means letting your inner compass guide your outer life, like a river finding its way to the sea. It means showing up for your purpose, even when it’s quiet, inconvenient, or asks you to grow.

You already have everything you need. Your joy matters. Your gifts matter. Your presence matters.

Your Next Step: This week, choose one small action that feels aligned with your joy, gifts, or values. It could be writing a kind note, trying a new hobby, or offering a helping hand. Notice how it feels to step into the flow of your Ikigai.

Every moment you live with intention, you help shape a more purposeful, more beautiful world.