The Two Most Important Days In Your Life Graphic © motivationpowerboost.com
The two most
important days in
your life are the
day you are born
and the day you
find out why.
– Mark Twain
The Journey Of Self Discovery
From the moment we enter this world, we are granted the gift of life—a blank canvas upon which we can paint our dreams, aspirations, and experiences. However, it is not until we uncover our true purpose that we truly begin to live. This epiphany, this moment of clarity, is the second most important day of our lives.
Discovering your “why” is a deeply personal and transformative experience. It is the compass that guides you through the storms of life, the fuel that propels you forward when challenges arise. When you align your actions with your purpose, you tap into an inexhaustible source of motivation and fulfillment.
Samuel Langhorne Clemens (1835 – 1910) or more famously known as Mark Twain, was called by many as the “father of American literature”. He was the writer of two major classic adventure novels “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”. He was also known for his wit and satire, earning him friends from high and low societies. He was praised as the “greatest American humorist of his age.”
Finding one’s purpose in life is said to be the key to achieving happiness and productivity. Different beliefs offer different advice but the most common and well-tested method is through reflection. To quote Carl Sandburg, “It is necessary for a man to go away by himself… to sit on a rock… and ask, ‘Who am I, where have I been, and where am I going?”
Experiencing awe and doing voluntary works also result to self-awareness, according to studies. NASA scientist Adam Steltzner found his calling after he got awestruck by the constellation Orion one starry night. Instead of staying on a rock band, he took a physics course, earned his Ph.D. that led him to where he is now.
Other than finding success, knowing one’s purpose also contributes to longevity. Psychologists Patrick Hill and Nicholas Turiano discovered that living a purpose driven-life lowers a person’s risk of death by 15 percent. Other studies backed up their claim and suggested that living a purpose protects a person from stress, hence making him/her live longer.
To borrow Friedrick Nietzche’s words: “He who has a why to live can bear any how.”
The reality of life is that everyone steps into this world through the biological process of being born. Once you’re born you are made to believe that you have a sense of purpose in the same world which is true. Your purpose is linked to your destiny and that is what people identify and remember you by. The day you were born is the day you came into existence and that is why you celebrate your birthday every year.
However, after we are born and notice our existence, knowing what or who we want to be in life becomes the challenging part. You may know that process as finding who you are. It is apparent that the majority of people struggle with finding themselves but when they do they begin living the full essence of their purpose which also gives them their identity in society. The perception towards such a person is that they “have it straight” and lucky to do so too. Why? They are living out their lives in the full glare of their purpose and happiness. Therefore finding out their purpose equates to why they were born.
In brief, being born brings us into existence and the day we find out why is when we begin living our purpose. The quote urges people to understand that in life it is about the purpose and nothing else. Yow was born and you should respect that. Live out your life knowing that you have a role to play throughout your life span.
To find your “why,” embark on a journey of introspection. Ask yourself what ignites your passion, what makes your heart sing, and what legacy you wish to leave behind. Seek out experiences that challenge you, push you beyond your comfort zone, and allow you to grow. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, support you, and believe in your potential.
Remember, your purpose is not a destination, but a journey. It may evolve and change over time, but it will always be rooted in your core values and the impact you wish to make on the world. Embrace the uncertainty, for it is in the uncharted territories that we often find our greatest revelations.
As you navigate the twists and turns of life, let your “why” be your guiding light. Let it inspire you to dream big, to take risks, and to persevere in the face of adversity. For when you live a life aligned with your purpose, you not only find personal fulfillment but also make a positive difference in the lives of others.
So, cherish the day you were born, for it marked the beginning of your unique journey. But more importantly, celebrate the day you discover your “why,” for it is the moment that will define the course of your life. Embrace your purpose, live with intention, and let your light shine brightly for all to see.
Exploring the Wisdom of Mark Twain
The profound quote that underpins this article’s central theme comes from the remarkable mind of Mark Twain, whose literary prowess and wit have left an indelible mark on American literature. Born Samuel Langhorne Clemens in 1835, Twain’s name became synonymous with brilliant satire and incisive social commentary.
Twain’s journey as a writer was anything but conventional. He spent his formative years as a riverboat pilot on the Mississippi River, an experience that would later shape his iconic novels, “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” These timeless classics not only entertained generations of readers but also shed light on the harsh realities of slavery and societal injustices of the time.
Beyond his literary achievements, Twain was a master of wit and humor. His biting social critiques were often cloaked in layers of humor, making them both palatable and thought-provoking. He had a knack for exposing the absurdities of human nature while simultaneously celebrating the beauty of life’s simple pleasures.
Twain’s quote about the two most important days in one’s life – the day you are born and the day you find your purpose – reflects his profound understanding of the human condition. He recognized that mere existence is not enough; true fulfillment lies in discovering one’s unique calling and aligning one’s actions with that purpose.
In many ways, Twain’s own life embodied this sentiment. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, he never lost sight of his passion for writing and his desire to leave a lasting impact on the world. His unwavering commitment to his craft and his uncompromising moral compass are testament to the power of living a purpose-driven life.
As we delve deeper into the journey of self-discovery, we can draw inspiration from Twain’s wisdom and resilience. His words remind us that life is a continuous process of growth, self-reflection, and adaptation. By embracing our unique strengths and passions, we can navigate the inevitable twists and turns with a sense of purpose and clarity.
Related Inspirational Quotes
“Know thyself, and thou shalt know the universe and God.” – Pythagoras
“I was not born for one corner; the whole world is my native land.” – Seneca
“The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.” – Socrates
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” – Socrates