One of my passions is buying books and since 2008 I have been buying books from the UK Book Depository as the books get delivered to my door and free postage. The sad news announced on the 5th April, 2023 that they are closing down on the 26th April, 2023.
Book Depository is a UK-based online book seller with a large catalogue offering free shipping to over 160 countries. Founded by a former Amazon employee, it was acquired by Amazon on the 4th July, 2011. My first reaction when I heard the news was because of Amazon they were closing down however Amazon actually owns them so it's not a business going out of business because of Amazon.
I don't buy novels however I buy lots of simple living, gardening, mindful books and stories and have purchased lots and lots of books over the years. I don't buy clothes, shoes or handbags but I love buying interesting books.
A book which I purchased recently is called "IKIGAI". I had to google and listen to someone actually say the word so I could pronounce it myself. IKIGAI - The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life. I thought I would summarize the principals of Ikigai so I have a record of them on my blog too. I loved this book and can highly recommend reading it.
The Ten Rules of IKIGAI are as follows:-
1. Stay active; don't retire. Those who give up the things they love doing and do well lose their purpose in life. That's why it's so important to keep doing things of value, making progress, brining beauty or utility to others, helping out, shaping the world around you, even after your "official" professional activity has ended.
2. Take it slow. Being in a hurry is inversely proportional to quality of life. As the old saying goes, "Walk slowly and you'll go far". When we leave urgency behind, life and time take on a new meaning.
3. Don't fill your stomach. Less is more when it comes to eating for long life, too. According to the 80 percent rule, in order to stay healthier longer, we should eat a little less than our hunger demands instead of stuffing ourselves.
4. Surround yourself with good friends. Friends are the best medicine, there for confiding worries over a good chat, sharing stories that brighten your day, getting advice, having fun, dreaming...in other words, living.
5. Get in shape for your next birthday. Water moves, it is at its best when it flows fresh and doesn't stagnate. The body you move through life in needs a bit of daily maintenance to keep it running for a long time. Plus, exercise releases hormones that make us feel happy.
6. Smile. A cheerful attitude is not only relaxing - it also helps make friends. It's good to recognize the things that aren't so great, but we should never forget what a privilege it is to be in the here and now in a world so full of possibilities.
7. Reconnect with nature. Though most people live in cities these days, human beings are made to be part of the natural world. We should return to it often to recharge our batteries.
8. Give thanks. To your ancestors, to nature, which provides you with the air you breathe and the food you eat, to your friends and family, to everything that brightens your days and makes you feel lucky to be alive. Spend a moment every day giving thanks, and you'll watch your stockpile of happiness grow.
9. Live in the moment. Stop regretting the past and fearing the future. Today is all you have. Make the most of it. Make it worth remembering.
10. Follow your ikigai. There is a passion inside you, a unique talent that gives meaning to your days and drives you to share the best of yourself until the very end. If you don't know what your ikigai is yet, as Viktor Frankl says, your mission is to discover it.
I absolutely loved this book and can highly recommend buying it or seeing if the library has it. A book I did get out of the library a while back which is also good is by Dan Buettner called "The Blue Zones" Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who've Lived the Longest. I find this subject fascinating.
