Ikigai
Etymology
Japanese, 生き甲斐, from "iki" ("life, living") and "gai" ("worth, value"). Traditionally it can be something modest — a hobby, a grandchild, a morning ritual — not necessarily a grand purpose. Note that the popular Western Venn diagram (passion, mission, vocation, profession) is a later invention adapted from an unrelated business chart, and does not reflect the everyday Japanese meaning.
noun · /ee-kee-GUY/
Your reason for getting up in the morning — the thing that makes life feel worth living.
What it names
The source of meaning that gives your days a sense of point, however small.
Example
For my grandmother, tending her garden every dawn is her ikigai.
Related idea
Unlike a career-focused purpose, ikigai is often found in small, ordinary pleasures rather than one overarching goal.