Forget resolutions, it's time to find my ikigai

Reading with Shivani Agarwal, a Copywriter based in Dubai

What book(s) are you reading right now?
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life,  a book by Albert Liebermann and Hector Garcia. The residents of Okinawa, which has the world's longest-living people, feel that finding ikigai is the key to a longer and more fulfilling life.

A book that changed your life, and why.
Ikigai again, since the book speaks about one of the oldest Japanese philosophies ­ - ikigai, meaning finding your purpose in life. It focuses on different aspects of how Japanese people have altered their day-to-day life and managed to not only survive for long, but lived a full, happy life. It has been life-changing for me in terms of focusing on finding simplicity in life, including food (not eating too much/over stuffing), being surrounded by good friends, exercising, giving thanks and smiling!

Your favourite literary character, and why
Gandalf, the protagonist in The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion. He is a  good wizard who has powers beyond others. He is a wise character and displays a sense of comfort, especially around destruction (much like the light at the end of the tunnel).

A book quote that really stood out, and what it means to you.
"Our ikigai is different for all of us, but one thing we have in common is that we are all searching for meaning. When we spend our days feeling connected to what is meaningful to us, we live more fully; when we lose the connection, we feel despair," from Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life again. I should say, I am really influenced by this book. Forget new year resolutions. It's time for me to embrace the larger picture. finding my ikigai.
wknd@khaleejtimes.com