Marlow's Musings 3/30/25

Insights, adventures and fun stuff from this week.

Audio narration by David Marlow

Vintage effects on an original Photo by detait

One year ago this week, March 25th to be exact, I published the first edition of this newsletter guided by a simple philosophy:

I'm trying something new.

I'm going to be bad at it.

I'm going to do it anyway.

Then I'll get better…

and it is going to be okay. 

What began as an experiment has evolved through a remarkable progression that defies coincidence. I might call it divine coincidence.

When I launched “Your Daily Ikigai,” the precursor to this newsletter it started as brief daily reflections, similar to those page-a-day calendars many of us remember from office desks.

At that time, I sought only a creative outlet away from the constraints of social media platforms where meaningful conversation had become increasingly difficult. I had no vision of where this path might lead. Certainly no book plans, no community-building strategy, nothing beyond the desire to explore ideas that felt significant.

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This week marked several milestones converging on this exact anniversary date. “The Ikigai Way” officially launched and became a #1 New Release on Amazon¹. Our newsletter Moai or community surpassed 4,000 subscribers and 5,000 followers, with exactly 200 new members joining on the anniversary date to cross that threshold.

When my publisher selected March 25th as the release date months ago, they chose it for practical reasons. Tuesday is, so they say, the optimal day for book launches. Neither they nor I recognized it would align perfectly with the anniversary of the very project that led to the book’s creation.

The progression from daily thoughts to deeper explorations to community building to published author unfolded organically. The publisher reached out to me, not the reverse. A 50-year dream materialized not through strategic planning but through consistent action guided by purpose rather than outcome.

This journey exemplifies the essence of Ikigai: taking action aligned with your values, being present in the process, embracing exploration, and remaining open to unexpected possibilities. The path becomes visible only by walking it.

What might you begin today—imperfectly, uncertainly—that could open doors you haven't yet imagined? What small step taken without knowing the destination might lead to fulfilling your most profound aspirations?

The most remarkable journeys often start with only the courage to begin.

Repeat after me…

We're trying something new. We're going to be bad at it. We're going to do it anyway, then we'll get better…

and it could be glorious!

Word of the Week

Serendipity (n.)

/ˌserənˈdipədē/

1: The faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for

2: An instance of finding something valuable or delightful when not specifically searching for it

From a Persian fairy tale about the three princes of Serendip (now Sri Lanka) who made fortunate discoveries by accident. Coined in 1754 by Horace Walpole who was inspired by these princes' ability to uncover truths through insights and unexpected observations.

Serendipity represents those rare moments when life's ordinary patterns are gloriously interrupted. While methodical planning governs most achievements, serendipitous discoveries arrive unbidden, appearing at precisely the right moment despite no deliberate pursuit.

In case you missed it…

This week’s Ikigai Thoughts for Today…

The first: Grand Design

There is an ideal, a dream, a grand design. Most things and systems made by humans fall short of that intention.

This is one of the most popular posts ever on Ikiquest. Check it out to find out why.

Ikigai Thought for Today: Grand Design

The second: Some Awe

I had a feeling many people needed to hear this message and from the reaction, I was right.

Ikigai Thought for Today: Some Awe

Ikiquest+

This week’s Coffee Contemplation…Divine Coincidences

I went deep with my real-time reflection on the amazing series of events this week. These past two Coffee Contemplations have been among the most raw and real and again, from the reaction and messages, they have also meant the most to you.

Coffee Conteplation: Divine Coincidences

Ikiquest+ subscribers can listen to this in audio narration or read the transcription.

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Comment of the Week:

This one is from Chris…

I am thoroughly enjoying The Ikigai Way by my friend and mentor David Marlow. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a practical perspective on how to apply a life philosophy.

The book talks about ways to "get the noise down" in your life. For me, this involves waking up earlier than my kids, so I can read, drink coffee and start my day quietly, before the rush of the day's activities. Dave's book is inspiring me to seek out these moments of clarity and calm, aligning my daily actions with my values and purpose. I hope others find this book as valuable as I do!

While many readers have shared messages like that this week, this feedback is particularly meaningful because of my connection to Chris. As someone I've mentored who has become a valued friend, seeing him implement these principles brings me an extra joy.

His morning ritual perfectly captures the book's essence of creating space for clarity amidst life's demands. Watching these practices strengthen his already exceptional dedication as a husband and father affirms the real-world impact of the Ikigai philosophy in our most important relationships.

Quote I’m Pondering

This thought is from W.H. Auden²…

"But once in a while the odd thing happens,
Once in a while the dream comes true,
And the whole pattern of life is altered,
Once in a while the moon turns blue."

Final Thoughts

Over five years ago now my corporate career ended abruptly. I had made some plans and began to do coaching, consulting, and speaking. Six months later the pandemic hit and all of those opportunities dried up.

Instead I began exploring creative outlets and opportunities. I let go of ‘plans’ and focused more on being and learning and experiencing.

My writing and grandkids became more and more of my world. Maybe most important of all I spent more time ‘be’ing me.

There is no doubt in my mind that my writing became book-worthy by developing it writing Ikiquest. And no doubt the content became book-worthy because the writer became more himself along the way.

Quest Well.

1. #1 New Release in Work-Life Balance, which has a certain level of irony as there is an entire chapter of the book dedicated to countering the idea of balance and teaches instead harmony.

2. W. H. Auden, "At Last the Secret is Out," in Another Time (New York: Random House, 1940), 98.