The most important day of my life? Why, it has to be the day I was born! But before you dismiss this as a narcissistic anecdote, perhaps you would like to hear the reason…
On 22nd December 1995, a newborn baby girl came into the world and over time, she developed from a little fledgling into an accomplished, cultured young adult full of potential – or so she likes to believe. But I will stop doing that irritating thing where individuals refer to themselves in the third person, for one is not an egotist... I promise! For some, it may not appear obvious that the single most important day of their life wasn’t ‘when I met my true love’ or ‘getting into my dream university’ but in fact the day they were born. Like on July 18th 1918, when the soon-to-be most influential leader of the anti-apartheid movement was born, and grew up to be the Nelson Mandela whom we admire today. Or 20th February 1967, when little Kurt Cobain entered the world and before long, became one of the greatest musical legends of all time. Putting into consideration the fact that they would never have been able to even come across these achievements if they were not alive, most people completely overlook the significance of the question.
Not only has my existence been the basis of many feats (and failures) which I consider personally notable, they have in turn helped to shape me as a person. I have had the pleasure of going through a multitude of emotions ranging from elation upon being bought sweets as a child, sheer disappointment when I didn’t get into my chosen college, fury at heartless monsters on the news, and utter embarrassment at various points in my life which were, frankly, far too often for my liking. Living and breathing through every single second of these emotions is vital in making us who we are, from the start to the very end.
I believe the first day you are born is the most precious and valuable day of your life – thoughts and mannerisms untainted by the cruelty and malice of the world, simply because you haven’t had the chance to venture into the unknown yet. Every infant in every maternity ward across the world is bursting with potential to be outstanding, and that is the most fascinating thing of all! Each child, a blank canvas, is yet to be presented with limitless possibilities; all with the chance to be someone remarkable. To be able to have all that optimism and hope in humanity is something I would cherish, since feelings experienced later in life are never as pure; unblemished by opposing thoughts.
So rather than focusing on a single event that had the greatest impact on me, I would like to credit what was at the beginning of it all – the day I was born. It has allowed me to experience more joyful occasions than I could ever dream of, and hopefully plenty more to come in the future. And I have to say: I can’t wait.