{"id":121,"date":"2025-03-12T07:47:40","date_gmt":"2025-03-11T23:47:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/saltnpepper.sg\/blog\/?p=121"},"modified":"2025-03-12T09:48:24","modified_gmt":"2025-03-12T01:48:24","slug":"finding-ikigai-in-simplicity-a-taiwanese-familys-story-that-made-me-pause","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/saltnpepper.sg\/blog\/2025\/03\/12\/finding-ikigai-in-simplicity-a-taiwanese-familys-story-that-made-me-pause\/","title":{"rendered":"Finding Ikigai in Simplicity: A Taiwanese Family\u2019s Story That Made Me Pause"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"\u8cfa\u9322\u548c\u7406\u60f3\u4eba\u751f\uff1f\u4e00\u5bb6\u4e09\u53e3\u5b58\u6b3e\u4e94\u842c\uff0c\u5ba2\u5ef3\u6709\u69bb\u69bb\u7c73\u548c\u65e5\u5f0f\u5730\u7210\u3010\u8ab0\u4f86\u665a\u991016-2\u3011Guess Who: Aside From Money, I\u2019ve Got Everything (eng sub)\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/33FwONNsIMk?feature=oembed\"  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few days ago, I came across a video about a <strong>Taiwanese family living in Jinshan<\/strong>, a quiet coastal town north of Taipei. Their story wasn\u2019t about financial success, career progression\/breakthroughs, or grand ambitions. Instead of chasing after wealth, status, or career, they prioritized something far more precious &#8211; <strong>time, balance, and fulfillment.<\/strong> It was about <strong>deliberate simplicity, contentment, and breaking free from societal norms<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Watching them, I felt something stir within me. It wasn\u2019t just admiration, rather it was a kind of <strong>deep respect, maybe even longing<\/strong>. In a world that constantly pushes us to <strong>achieve more, earn more, and accumulate more<\/strong>, they have chosen a different path. And somehow, their life seemed <strong>fuller, not emptier<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their story struck me deeply. In a world where we are constantly pushed to <strong>achieve more, earn more, and do more<\/strong>, this family has done the opposite. They have <strong>stepped away from societal expectations<\/strong> and built a life centered around what truly matters to them. Watching their journey made me reflect on <strong>Ikigai<\/strong>, the Japanese concept of finding purpose, and how their story beautifully embodies this philosophy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is about what you love, what you\u2019re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Story That Left an Impression<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This family &#8211; <strong>a husband, wife, and their daughter<\/strong>, chose to live in a modest home by the sea, away from the pressures of city life. The <strong>husband works in a pottery factory<\/strong>, not because he has ambitious career aspirations, but because it gives him stability. The <strong>wife makes handmade soaps<\/strong>, enjoying the creative process while contributing to their simple way of living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default wp-block-paragraph\">They do not crave material wealth. They do not chase promotions. They <strong>do not believe that success is defined by how much money you make, but rather by the quality of life you create.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I found this utterly fascinating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not because I want to leave everything behind and live by the sea &#8211; though I won\u2019t deny the thought crossed my mind for a second, but because it challenged the deeply ingrained belief that we should <strong>always be striving for something more<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And yet, here they are. <strong>Not striving, just being. And being deeply happy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1152\" data-id=\"147\" src=\"https:\/\/saltnpepper.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/481771982_1064504032365097_4160273146631530629_n.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-147\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ikigai: The Japanese Philosophy of Purpose<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The concept of <strong>Ikigai<\/strong> suggests that true fulfillment comes when you find <strong>harmony between different aspects of life<\/strong>. It is often visualized as the overlap of four key elements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What you love (passion) <br>What you are good at (vocation) <br>What the world needs (mission)<br>What you can be paid for (profession)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When all four align, you have found your <strong>Ikigai<\/strong>, your purpose, the thing that gets you up in the morning with enthusiasm. But what makes this Taiwanese family so intriguing is that they <strong>embody Ikigai not just through work, but through the entirety of their existence.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How This Family\u2019s Life Aligns with Ikigai<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. What They Love (Passion): Living in Sync with Their Values<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At first glance, their life seems unconventional. The husband works in a <strong>pottery factory<\/strong>, the wife has chosen to <strong>craft handmade soaps<\/strong> and they live in a small home by the sea, spending time together and appreciating life\u2019s little moments. This family has chosen a life that reflects their <strong>deepest values: simplicity, connection with nature, and personal freedom<\/strong>.  They work not for the sake of working or saving for luxury but to enjoy nature, create handcrafted items, and spend meaningful time with family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many people go through life without ever stopping to ask themselves: <strong>What do I actually love?<\/strong> This family <strong>knows exactly what they love, and they have built a life around it<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. What They Are Good At (Vocation): Mastering the Art of Enough<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The husband is not aiming to become a top executive; instead, he chooses a <strong>stable job in pottery<\/strong> that allows him to support his family without overwhelming stress. The <strong>wife embraces craft-making<\/strong>, a skill that gives her joy and creative expression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But what I admire most is their ability to master <strong>the art of \u201cenough\u201d<\/strong>. They don\u2019t need <strong>excess<\/strong> &#8211; they just need <strong>enough to be comfortable, enough to be happy, enough to live freely<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a lesson many of us struggle with. In a world where <strong>ambition is celebrated<\/strong>, we are often told to keep pushing for more. Yet, they remind us that <strong>sometimes, what we have is already enough<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. What the World Needs (Mission): Challenging the Traditional Definition of Success<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They quietly rebel against societal norms, valuing time over money, well-being over stress, and joy over status. In doing so, they are showing that <strong>another way of living is possible<\/strong>, one where we don\u2019t just work to survive but <strong>live to enjoy life<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. What They Can Be Paid For (Profession): Earning Just Enough for a Good Life<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The husband\u2019s stable job and the wife\u2019s handmade crafts bring in <strong>just enough to sustain them<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many people believe that <strong>happiness comes from financial abundance<\/strong>. But this family proves that <strong>happiness comes from financial sufficiency<\/strong>, from having <strong>enough to live the life you desire, without excess stress or pressure<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They embody the Japanese concept of <strong>\u201cch\u014ddo ii\u201d (\u3061\u3087\u3046\u3069\u3044\u3044)<\/strong>, which means <strong>\u201cjust right &#8211; not too much, not too little.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" data-id=\"148\" src=\"https:\/\/saltnpepper.sg\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/480842607_1056056953209805_8272262487989664437_n-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-148\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Lessons from Their Ikigai-Inspired Life<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This family\u2019s story made me reflect on my own journey. While I am on a different path, I see parallels in my constant <strong>search for fulfillment, reinvention, and balance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default wp-block-paragraph\">Here are the lessons I took away from them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Success is not just about money\u2014it\u2019s about how you define a fulfilling life.<br><\/strong>\ud83d\udca1 <strong>You don\u2019t have to follow the traditional path of ambition if it doesn\u2019t make you happy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1<strong>Society\u2019s expectations are not rules &#8211; That you can choose your own path, you don\u2019t have to follow society\u2019s script<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many of us grow up believing that <strong>we must follow a specific path<\/strong>, study hard, get a high-paying job, buy a house, and climb the corporate ladder. But what if that path doesn\u2019t bring us joy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This family <strong>rewrote the script<\/strong> by choosing fulfillment over financial ambition, balance over burnout, and simplicity over stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><br><\/strong>\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Financial sufficiency, not excessive wealth, is enough to live well.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many of us believe that <strong>happiness is tied to financial success<\/strong> but this family reminds us that <strong>security matters, but excess wealth is not necessary for a fulfilling life.<\/strong> Instead, <strong>having time, relationships, and a sense of purpose is what truly matters.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Slowing down doesn\u2019t mean failure &#8211; it means being intentional with your time.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In today\u2019s fast-paced world, we are always <strong>rushing to the next milestone<\/strong>, to the next job, the next promotion, the next big achievement. But what if slowing down actually <strong>enriches our lives?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This family has embraced <strong>a slower, more mindful way of living<\/strong>, where they can appreciate small moments, watching the waves, making a meal together, or simply sitting in silence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1<strong>It\u2019s okay to step away from the race and live a life that feels right for you.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Final Thoughts: Finding My Own Ikigai<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Watching this family\u2019s story, I felt <strong>a mix of admiration and introspection<\/strong>. Their choices, while unconventional, reflect a level of <strong>clarity and courage<\/strong> that many of us hesitate to embrace. I <strong>admired their courage, their simplicity, and their ability to ignore societal pressures.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I won\u2019t say I\u2019m ready to pack my bags and move to a seaside town just yet, but I do think there\u2019s something profound in their way of living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They remind me that <strong>Ikigai is not just about work &#8211; it\u2019s about crafting a life that feels meaningful, intentional, and whole. <\/strong>It made me reflect on my own choices &#8211; <strong>the way I\u2019ve navigated career shifts, moved across countries, and redefined success for myself.<\/strong> It reminded me that <strong>it\u2019s okay to step away from what\u2019s expected and build a life that feels authentic.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, maybe the question we should all be asking isn\u2019t:<br><strong>\u201cWhat\u2019s next in my career?\u201d<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>But rather:<br><strong>\u201cWhat kind of life do I actually want to live?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And maybe, just maybe, the answer is simpler than we think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>As I continue my journey, I carry this family\u2019s story as a reminder that Ikigai isn\u2019t about chasing more but about discovering what truly matters.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Would you ever consider a simpler, more intentional life? What does Ikigai mean to you? Let me know your thoughts!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I hope the article provided a greater understanding of ikigai, and I wanted to leave you with a&nbsp;<strong>free&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/saltnpepper.sg\/resources\/Purpose%20Framework%20Worksheet.pdf\">Purpose Framework worksheet<\/a>&nbsp;so you can have a go at mapping yours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can absolutely work on this worksheet on your own or if you\u2019re feeling stuck and want to&nbsp;<strong>talk it out with someone<\/strong>, book a&nbsp;<strong>KoPlay Discovery Play Session<\/strong>&nbsp;with me at&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:david@saltnpepper.sg\">david@saltnpepper.sg<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A few days ago, I came across a video about a Taiwanese family living in Jinshan, a quiet coastal town north of Taipei. Their story wasn\u2019t about financial success, career progression\/breakthroughs, or grand ambitions. Instead of chasing after wealth, status, or career, they prioritized something<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":146,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[46,43,45,51,38,55,39,52,17,18,33,29,40,30,49,32,34,42,44,41,31,47,36,54,50,37,48,35,53],"class_list":["post-121","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ikigai","tag-breaking-societal-norms","tag-career-and-purpose","tag-chodo-ii","tag-do-we-need-more","tag-financial-sufficiency","tag-finding-joy-in-less","tag-happiness-and-fulfillment","tag-happiness-vs-wealth","tag-ikigai","tag-ikigai-play-coaching","tag-intentional-living","tag-japanese-philosophy","tag-jinshan-taiwan","tag-life-purpose","tag-living-with-purpose","tag-meaningful-living","tag-mindful-living","tag-minimalist-lifestyle","tag-personal-growth","tag-redefining-success","tag-simple-living","tag-simplicity-is-key","tag-slow-living-movement","tag-slowing-down-in-a-fast-world","tag-success-redefined","tag-taiwanese-family-story","tag-what-is-ikigai","tag-work-life-balance","tag-work-life-harmony"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/saltnpepper.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/121","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/saltnpepper.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/saltnpepper.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/saltnpepper.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/saltnpepper.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=121"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/saltnpepper.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/121\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":150,"href":"https:\/\/saltnpepper.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/121\/revisions\/150"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/saltnpepper.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/146"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/saltnpepper.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=121"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/saltnpepper.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=121"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/saltnpepper.sg\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=121"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}