Ikigai Thought for Today: Our Real Journey
When the real work and journey begins.
Audio narration by David Marlow
For twenty years, I pondered this question…
🌀What would you do if you were done?🌀
It wasn’t until I was done, at least with my corporate career, that I found my answer.
Something about this Wendell Berry poem captures the essence of what I came to realize, and because of that, I share it with you today.
🌱 What does the poet mean by ‘our real work?’
🌱 What does real work mean to you?
🌱 When have you done your real work in your life?
Quest well!
I have heard it said, "Doing nothing is the hardest work of all, because you can never stop to take a break!"
Dad joke out of the way, this idea has never been hard for me. I decided very early that I would be an involved and engaged father, a DAD. Though it continues to change, that work will never end. Also, your post reminds me of Emerson's line:
"The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
For what it's worth, that's the journey I chose for my life. It's brought me much joy, and the only regrets are those few times I didn't hold to it as well I I know I could have.
Thanks for your post today!
Babbling Brook, by Peter Stipan, June 24, 2025 @2025
In murmured tones, the brook doth speak, with gentle voice both soft and meek
It dances past the rocks and stone, on winding paths mostly alone
Through countryside or city near, its whispered song is calm and clear
So close your eyes - just let it be, and drift into serenity
It calls: "Be still, find peace in strife, let quiet joy enrich your life. May all my splashes soothe your mind, a tranquil heart, a soul aligned.”