Redefining Your Path: Using Ikigai to Navigate Fertility Struggles and PCOS

If you’re navigating the ups and downs of fertility struggles and PCOS, you know it can feel like being trapped on a roller coaster you never asked to ride. There are days when the questions “Why me?” or “What’s the point?” weigh heavily. But what if, instead of being consumed by the struggle, all you had to do was tap into something deeper—something that helps you reclaim your sense of purpose, joy, and balance? That’s where Ikigai comes in.

What is Ikigai?
Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means “a reason for being.” It’s a framework that connects four major elements: what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. It’s all about living in alignment with your purpose and values, bringing fulfillment even when life feels a bit overwhelming. But how does this relate to your fertility struggles?

When you’re facing PCOS and fertility issues, it’s easy for these challenges to begin overshadowing your identity. Your days become consumed with tracking cycles, navigating emotions, and feeling like your body is fighting against you. But your life is so much more than a diagnosis. Finding your Ikigai can help you feel centered and remind you that your life has value and meaning.

How Each Element of Ikigai Can Transform Your Fertility Journey

1. What You Love
   This element is about rediscovering the things that light you up and bring you joy. When you’re wrapped up in fertility worries, it’s easy to lose touch with the hobbies, passions, and people that once brought you joy. But rekindling these loves—whether it’s art, writing, yoga, or even playing mermaids at the beach—can create an emotional shift. Doing what you love reduces cortisol levels and activates positive hormones, which are essential for both mental and physical well-being. It’s a reminder that joy and struggle can coexist, and you’re allowed to fully experience both.

2. What You’re Good At
   When PCOS or fertility challenges make you feel like your body is failing you, self-doubt often creeps in. This is where acknowledging what you’re good at can become a form of empowerment. Focusing on your strengths and abilities, whether they’re professional skills, creative talents, or even your ability to support others, reinforces your self-worth. You are more than your fertility journey, and embracing what you’re good at can restore that confidence and create a sense of progress, even when other areas feel like they are at a standstill.

3. What the World Needs
   With fertility struggles, it’s easy to feel isolated or isolate yourself. You may be hesitant to share your journey or feel disconnected from others. However, engaging in activities that help contribute to the world—volunteering, supporting a cause, or simply offering kindness to a stranger—can help remind you of the impact you have in this world. Aligning with what the world needs allows you to step out of the tunnel vision of trying to conceive and instead look outward. By doing so, you will gain a broader perspective and reconnect with your purpose, even when the path starts to feel uncertain.

4. What You Can Be Paid For
   Financial stress can add another layer of tension to your fertility journey, especially if you’re considering treatments, holistic approaches, where to fit a nursery when the time comes... Finding stability in this area can help alleviate some of that underlying stress. But it’s more than just the monetary value—it’s about feeling secure and supported in all your endeavors. Pursuing a job or passion project that aligns with your values can reduce anxiety, allowing you to shift your focus from just ‘surviving’ to thriving, making more space for a healthy mindset.

Creating a Holistic Roadmap to Wellness
By integrating the concept of Ikigai into your fertility journey, you start to see the bigger picture. It’s not just about focusing on one specific goal; it’s about nurturing all areas of your life so that you are living fully and authentically. When you’re aligned with your purpose, the stress, confusion, and emotional exhaustion of your journey can begin to ease, making space for clarity and healing.

Your Next Steps
Take a moment each day to think about your own Ikigai. What passions and strengths have you put on the back burner? How can you bring more of what you love and are good at into your daily life? Consider making small shifts that allow you to reconnect with these elements, such as dedicating 10 minutes each day to a hobby you’ve been neglecting or volunteering once a month. These small, consistent actions can create a huge impact on your mental and emotional well-being, supporting your overall fertility journey.

Finding your Ikigai won’t solve your problems overnight, but it can be a guiding light through the storm. When your purpose, values, and actions are in alignment, you create a stronger foundation for a more balanced and fulfilled life—no matter what challenges come your way.