The happiest people are not the ones who achieve the most. They are the ones who spend more time than others in a state of flow
– Hector Ikigai

I believe you have heard a Japanese concept ‘Ikigai’. it is actually translated as ‘life purpose‘.
Ikigai is journey of self-discovery, helping you pinpoint where your passions, skills, the world’s needs, and your earning potential align. It’s interesting right?

Ikigai emphasizes on living a long, fulfiling life by engaging in meaningful activities that bring joy and purpose, aligning your daily actions with your values and finding satisfaction in the small things.
It is often described as the intersection of four key elements:

1. What you love
2. What you are good at
3. What the world needs
4. What you can be paid for

But housewife?
How do they even have their Ikigai? I know that not all of us may be paid for being a homemaker (though let’s be real – we should be!) The same question that I asked when I started my full time work as a wife.

Isn’t it amazing how much magic there is in everyday life? That’s what Ikigai is all about – finding fulfillment in the things we do every day, not just chasing after huge goals. And let’s be honest, running a household is a major accomplishment!

Dearest housewives, we deserve to experience the joy of Ikigai too! It’s about finding purpose and meaning in our daily lives, even amidst the ordinary. Let’s dive into how we can use Ikigai to enrich our experiences as homemakers.

Find your passion in the mundane

We all have things we love to do, even within our daily routines, it can be folding laundry or preparing dinner or nurturing your houseplants into a thriving jungle. Try to approach these daily routines with mindfulness and a sense of purpose. Focus on the tasks and infuse them with intention. Let the rhythmic ironing of clothes become a meditation or lose yourself in the satisfaction of a perfectly placed kombucha. Think that these are acts of love and contribution to your family.

How to apply it:
Start by asking yourself, “How can I make this moment meaningful?” When you’re cooking, think about the nourishment you’re providing. When cleaning, consider the comfort and peace it creates for your family. By reframing these activities, you’ll feel a deeper sense of joy and purpose in them

Master the art of homemaking

There’s a reason they call it “homemaking” and not “housekeeping.” It’s a craft, an art form even. Take pride in your skills! Become a wiz at stain removal, a laundry-folding origami master, or a meal-planning magician. When we see ourselves as creators, not just cleaners, our daily tasks become imbued with a sense of accomplishment. So grow your own strengths and passions. Develop a new skill, dive into a hobby, learn something new, keep your inner fire burning.

How to apply it:
Dedicate some time each week to do something that feeds your soul—whether it’s writing, gardening, painting, or any activity that excites you. For example, I’ve found blogging to be a wonderful outlet for sharing my experiences, especially around mindfulness, travel, and finances. Pursuing these passions alongside my role as a homemaker gives me a sense of fulfillment and joy that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Share your gifts to the world

Ikigai emphasizes the importance of contributing to something larger than ourselves. And guess what? Your role as a housewife is vital. Your home is a foundation, a source of love and nourishment for your family. By creating a haven of comfort and beauty, you’re nurturing the well-being of your loved ones. But your gifts can extend beyond your walls too!

How to apply it:
Look at your family’s needs not as burdens but as opportunities to create impact. Your role in organizing finances, managing household decisions, or simply creating a calm and loving environment are all invaluable. By seeing these tasks as ways to contribute to the greater good of your family’s well-being, you transform them from ordinary chores into meaningful actions that align with your Ikigai.

So, put on your favorite music while you clean, find beauty in the repetitive tasks, and share your talents with the world. You’ll be surprised at how fulfilling “just” being a housewife can be.

Finding Joy in the Journey

The beautiful thing about Ikigai is that it doesn’t require grand gestures or radical life changes. It is a journey and not a destination. It’s about finding small ways to create meaning and purpose in the every day. It’s finding your joy in the present moment. It is in the small tasks that make up our extraordinary lives. As a housewife, you already have the power to make a lasting impact—not only in your family’s life but in your own. So, put on your favorite music while you clean, find beauty in the repetitive tasks, and share your talents with the world. You’ll be surprised at how fulfilling “just” being a housewife can be.

So, what’s your Ikigai? How can you infuse a little more purpose into your daily life today?