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What’s the First Thing You Think of When You Wake Up in the Morning?

While visiting temples on my biking trip in Japan, I learned about the Japanese concept of “ikigai.” A loose translation is “your reason for being.” I like to think of it as the reason you get out of bed in the morning, your passion and purpose in life.

The Japanese believe that everyone has an ikigai, although not everyone discovers hers. I’ve mentored some nurses who tell me they knew their ikigai when they were just children, while others tell me they still haven’t discovered it. For some, finding your ikigai can require a deep search of your inner self – a journey of sorts. For others, finding your ikigai comes naturally. For example, my idea of play as a little girl was teaching an imaginary class after coming in from playing football with my brother, Vince. Not only did I need to recover from the battering I received, teaching was my true passion. It’s no accident that my mission today “Revolutionizing nursing careers, one RN at a time” includes teaching.

Knowing your ikigai also has health benefits. Studies have shown that people who know their ikigai are less susceptible to cardiac disease and live longer than those who do not know their purpose.

When you ask yourself “What’s my ikigai?” – don’t give the easy answer “I’m an ICU nurse,” or “I’m Italian,” or “I’m a mother of two,” or “I’m the CEO of a legal nurse consulting company.” Instead think of what gets you out of bed and whether your reaction when you do is “Woo-Hoo!” or “Ho-hum.”

Consider the words of two of the greatest thinkers of their generation (at least as captured by A.A. Milne): “When you wake up in the morning, Pooh,” said Piglet at last, “what’s the first thing you say to yourself?” “What’s for breakfast?” said Pooh. “What do you say, Piglet?” “I say, I wonder what’s going to happen exciting today?” said Piglet. Pooh nodded thoughtfully. “It’s the same thing,” he said.

Today, take the time to ask yourself why you get out of bed. The answer may surprise you and I hope that much as I love Pooh, it’s something you personally find more exciting and nurturing than breakfast.

Success Is Inside!

P.S. Comment and share your ikigai and how you discovered it.

One thought on “What’s the First Thing You Think of When You Wake Up in the Morning?

  1. Good day,

    I really like what you wrote as it’s all about living in the moment and being grateful. I’ve learned that it’s fine to look at our past but not stare at it and looking at the future with regard to plans is fine too as long as I am flexible and have Plan B. And at the end of the day it’s important to know that I’ve done my best and let go of the rest. I always say… Live life with Zest!

    Florence Hallas, RN, CLNC

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*The opinions and statements made by Vickie Milazzo, the founder of Medical-Legal Consulting Institute, Inc. are based on her experiences and expertise, should not be applied beyond the specific context provided, and do not guaranty or project actual results. Vickie Milazzo is no longer involved in the operations or management of the business, but is involved as an independent education consultant.

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