It's been a few weeks since my last blog. I have been so busy, doing what I love the most. I had a lot of new clients signing up in February and March. I'm so honoured to get to help improve someone's life for the better. It's fantastic and it never ceases to amaze me.
In March last year, I passed my exam, and I started coaching others straight away. I knew my program worked because I had done it myself. The responses and feedback from my clients have been great. I think at the start, many were a bit sceptical and hesitant, but those worries go straight out the window when pains and aches go away, the mood is lifted, and energy levels are up, and of course when they lose more weight than they ever could imagine. Most of my clients last year I got from word of mouth, but since I launched the website a couple of months ago, I'm reaching more people who are looking to transform their lives.
I have come to realise that coaching and supporting others is my ikigai.
Ikigai - Japanese for Life purpose
Ikigai is the key to a long and happy life in Japanese culture. It's something that gives a person a sense of purpose, a reason for living. I had never heard of ikigai before but came across it when I was doing research about the blue zones. Blue zones are different regions around the world where the healthiest and oldest people live. Finding your ikigai can lead to a greater sense of fulfilment and happiness.
The Japanese believe that ikigai is hidden deep in every one of us, and while some have found theirs, others are still trying to find their ikigai. You don't create your ikigai, you need to find it!
How do you find your ikigai?
You can use an Ikigai diagram to find your ikigai. The four components are passion, mission, profession and vocation. Fill out the circles with your own words.
Passion
What do you love to do the most, and is something you keep doing for the rest of your life?
Mission
What does the world need? How can you contribute to making the world a better place?
Profession
What can you be paid for? What career would bring you a sense of fulfilment and happiness and at the same time serves the world?
Vocation
What are you good at, that you love doing?
You might have to try new things to discover your passion, and identify what you are good at. I never ever thought I would be a successful fasting coach. I was too busy making an career. I was stressing like a crazy person. I was hardly exercising and I loved food (still do) but ate way too much of it. I have always been an all-or-nothing kind of girl and now I am learning that moderation is better and healthiest.
Three years ago I quit my well-paid job, sold my home in Sweden and started a new life in sunny Spain, together with my husband. Life here is so different. We are truly part of the community, we eat healthier, get more quality outdoor time and stress, what is that? I work less with something I love and I feel truly blessed. I found my purpose in life.
Leave a comment and share your ikigai. I would love to hear what it is.
Sus - Your fasting therapist
My ikigai is creating. It can be writing, painting or preparing a meal.