Have you found your purpose in life? If not read this book: Ikigai — The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life.

I started this international bestselling book just two days back and thought of capturing the moments as I am going along with the flow. As I finished reading this book, I thought of sharing a quick gist of it with you all.

Let me first tell you what Ikigai is? Ikigai is a Japanese word that means “life to be worthwhile.” This book starts with a powerful question that I believe everyone wants to know — “What is the meaning of my life?” “Is the point just to live longer, or should I seek a higher purpose?” “What is the purpose of my life?”. I am sure few of us may know the answer, but few languish in confusion.

In the book, the author mentioned a place in Japan named the Island of Okinawa, where there are 24.55 people over the age of 100 for every 10,000 inhabitants, which is far more than the global average. Is Ikigai the reason there are more centenarians in Okinawa than anywhere else?

As per the book, the reasons for their longevity could be— their diet, exercise, finding a purpose in life (an ikigai), and forming strong social ties — that is, having a broad circle of friends and good family relations.