Unlocking Day Two: The Second of Life’s Two Most Important Days

My MindMy Spirit
Written By Melanie Joy Stephenson-Laws

By: Joy Stephenson-Laws, Holistic Coach, J.D., Founder

Earlier this week, I heard Panache Desai share a quote that stirred deeply within me:

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”

Mark Twain famously expressed a similar sentiment, emphasizing the profound impact of discovering one's purpose, stating, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” Additionally, Viktor Frankl, author and psychiatrist, emphasized purpose in his influential book Man's Search for Meaning, highlighting that life's primary drive is not pleasure, but the discovery and pursuit of meaningful purpose.

As we celebrate Pride Month—a time that honors the courage to live authentically—this wisdom resonates with even greater clarity. Discovering your purpose is, profoundly, a type of coming out.

The First Day: Born Whole

The day you were born marks your entry into life with infinite potential and pure authenticity. You arrived radiant, unfiltered, and unapologetically yourself. You never questioned your worth or second-guessed your existence. You embodied love effortlessly, expressed emotions freely, and connected openly with the world around you.

Yet, as you grew, life often nudged you to dim your inherent brilliance. You learned to conform, hide parts of yourself, and adjust your true nature for safety, acceptance, or approval.

That's why the second day—the day you rediscover your authentic self—is revolutionary.

Remembering Day One in the Present

Although we can’t consciously recall our first breath, its essence still animates us. Neuroscientists note that infants spend much of their waking time in theta brain‑wave states—ideal for creativity, bonding, and non‑judgmental curiosity. You glimpse this Day One mindset whenever you laugh without restraint, lose track of time while creating, or feel awestruck by a sunrise. Re‑engaging these qualities isn’t nostalgia; it’s a neurological reset that reminds the body what unfiltered presence feels like.

Ways to Reclaim Day One Wisdom

  • Move like a child: Spend five minutes dancing, crawling, or stretching with zero self‑critique. Let your body remember freedom before formality.

  • See with beginner’s eyes: Pick an everyday object—a fork, a leaf, your own hand—and examine it as if for the first time. Notice color gradients, textures, even its scent.

  • Name emotions aloud: Babies vocalize freely. Reintroduce that honesty by stating feelings clearly: “I feel tense,” “I feel delighted.” Emotional literacy reawakens authenticity.

  • Cultivate micro‑wonder: Pause for sixty seconds daily to marvel at something small—a ripple in coffee, bird‑song, the pulse in your wrist. Wonder is Day One’s native language.

The Second Day: Coming Out Into Your Purpose

For anyone who has ever hidden behind a mask, embracing your purpose feels like stepping out of the closet. As Brené Brown states, "Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we're supposed to be and embracing who we are."

It’s the moment you stop apologizing for your existence. You stop concealing parts of yourself to appease others' comfort. You refuse to shrink into society’s notions of success, faith, family, or identity.

Pride embodies this collective courage—a global declaration of authenticity and dignity: "I am here. I am whole. I no longer hide."

Real-World Impact of Authenticity

Research underscores tangible benefits:

  • Lower depression & higher life satisfaction: A 2023 meta‑analysis of 66 studies found that people scoring high on authenticity reported 32 % lower depressive symptoms and 24 % higher life satisfaction than less authentic peers (Liu et al., 2023).

  • Greater workplace trust: Organizations that actively encourage authenticity see up to 27 % higher team trust and collaboration (Berkeley Executive Education, 2022).

Practical Steps to Discover Your Purpose

  • Self-reflection: Regularly set aside quiet time to contemplate your passions, skills, and what truly fulfills you.

  • Keep a journal: Document your thoughts, feelings, and experiences to identify patterns and insights about your true desires and motivations.

  • Seek feedback: Consult with trusted friends, mentors, or coaches who can provide objective perspectives about your strengths and purpose.

  • Experiment: Actively explore new activities, hobbies, and professional paths to uncover what resonates deeply.

Inspirational Quotes on Purpose and Authenticity

  • “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” — Carl Jung

  • “There is no greater gift you can give or receive than to honor your calling.” — Oprah Winfrey

  • “When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.” — Rumi

So, What Does It Mean to Live Authentically?

Living authentically means aligning your outer life with your inner truth. It involves openly embracing and expressing who you truly are, rather than conforming to external expectations. Authentic living encourages honesty, transparency, and vulnerability.

How to Start Living Authentically:

  • Reflect on what genuinely matters to you.

  • Identify areas where you may be conforming rather than expressing your truth.

  • Take small, intentional actions daily that align with your values.

  • Engage with supportive communities that affirm your authenticity.

Benefits of Being Authentic

  • Increased happiness and fulfillment: You feel more satisfied and joyful when living true to yourself.

  • Enhanced relationships: Authenticity builds deeper trust and intimacy, fostering stronger connections.

  • Greater resilience: Being true to your values helps you navigate life's challenges with clarity and strength.

  • Improved mental health: Authentic living reduces anxiety, stress, and depression caused by hiding your true self.

Purpose Isn’t Just About Work—It’s About Coming Home

In my own life, I initially believed my career as a lawyer was my ultimate purpose. Over time, I realized that my legal career was not an end in itself but a vehicle enabling me to discover my deeper passion and purpose—educating and empowering others to achieve holistic health. This shift transformed my professional journey into something more meaningful, fulfilling, and aligned with my authentic self.

Your purpose might manifest through teaching, parenting, creating, leading, resting, healing, dismantling, building, holding space, or letting go. Oprah Winfrey, who embraced her purpose by using her platform to inspire and uplift millions, famously stated, “The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.”

If You’re Still in the Closet—Whatever That Means for You

Understand deeply: you are not behind. You are not broken. You are still becoming.

Whether your closet relates to sexuality, spirituality, your voice, or your calling—let Pride Month remind you of your inherent right to visibility and authenticity. Identity is multifaceted; race, gender, orientation, and socioeconomic background all intersect to shape how—and how safely—we can live our purpose.

Pride transcends identity—it’s fundamentally about integrity. Aligning your outer life with your inner truth is the essence of liberation. That’s the meaning of the second day.

This Pride Month, may we all find the courage to step out of whatever closets we've been hiding in—and proudly embrace our true purpose.

Sources




Melanie Joy Stephenson-Laws
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