It wasn't until the birth of my daughter that I realised I had to

In the long and tumultuous journey of life, there are moments when a transformative event shifts the course of a person’s existence—when the birth of a child, a moment of renewal, forces one to re-evaluate their purpose and path. Shannon Briggs, the renowned boxer, experienced this moment of awakening when he said, "It wasn't until the birth of my daughter that I realised I had to get it together. I had my second chance in life to do what I'm doing, which is inspire people to not give up." These words speak not only of personal redemption but of a deeper truth: that the birth of a new life can serve as a powerful catalyst for self-reflection, change, and a renewed sense of purpose. For Briggs, it was the arrival of his daughter that gave him the clarity to embrace his second chance at life and dedicate himself to a mission much greater than personal glory: inspiring others to never give up.

This powerful transformation echoes an ancient truth: the birth of a child brings with it a sense of responsibility that shifts one's focus from the self to the greater good. The ancient Romans, for example, believed that the birth of a child was not merely a personal event but a crucial moment in the continuity of the family and the nation. Fathers like Marcus Aurelius understood that their actions were not just about their own legacies but about the legacy they would leave for their children. The birth of a child ignites in us a recognition that time is precious and that the path we choose is no longer ours alone to walk—it must be one that is worthy of passing down to future generations. Briggs, in his own journey, embodies this realization—his second chance at life, given through his daughter, became a turning point that drove him to embrace purpose beyond the confines of the ring.

Consider the story of the great warrior Achilles, whose own journey was marked by momentous choices and profound shifts in character. In Homer’s Iliad, Achilles wrestles with his pride and desire for glory, but it is only when faced with the death of his beloved friend Patroclus that he is forced to reflect on his life and actions. The loss pushes him into a realization of the impermanence of his own life and the fragility of the legacy he had sought to build. Similarly, Shannon Briggs faced his own moment of awakening, where the birth of his daughter revealed the true nature of his mission in life—not the pursuit of personal victories, but the opportunity to serve as a beacon of hope and resilience for others. In both Achilles and Briggs, the pivotal moment of reflection comes when a new life or a loss forces a re-evaluation of one’s purpose.

The wisdom of the ancients teaches us that self-reflection is a necessary part of growth. The philosopher Socrates famously declared, "The **unexamined life is not worth living." For Socrates, the purpose of life was to constantly engage in self-examination and improvement, to strive for virtue and to seek deeper meaning beyond the physical world. Like Socrates, Briggs found that his greatest calling was not in the self-centered pursuit of success but in using his experiences—his struggles, his victories, and his second chance—to inspire and uplift others. In the same way, all of us are called to examine our lives, to recognize when we are offered a second chance, and to use it for something greater than ourselves.

The lesson from Briggs’ words is simple yet profound: there are moments in life that give us the chance to start anew. Whether it’s the birth of a child, a personal loss, or a moment of clarity, we are each presented with opportunities to change course, to redefine our purpose, and to inspire those around us. In Shannon Briggs' case, it was his daughter who provided the clarity that propelled him toward a life dedicated to helping others. Change is not always easy, and often it requires us to confront our own failures and regrets, but it is through these moments of self-reflection that we become the people we are meant to be.

In your own life, ask yourself: what second chances have you been given? Have you recognized the moments of transformation that could push you toward something greater? Shannon Briggs teaches us that we are never too far gone to change, that no matter our past, we always have the opportunity to start anew. Take the time to reflect on the turning points in your own journey. Whether it’s a moment of clarity, a new responsibility, or a profound loss, understand that every second chance is an opportunity to shape the legacy you wish to leave. Let growth and service be your guiding lights, and never underestimate the power of reflection in discovering your true purpose.

Thus, as you move forward, embrace the opportunities for change and growth that life offers you. Like Achilles, like Shannon Briggs, and countless other figures from the past, seize the chance to reshape your path, to live with a purpose that extends beyond self-interest and to inspire others through your actions. Life is a continuous journey of reflection, growth, and transformation, and it is through these moments that we come to understand not just who we are, but what we are meant to offer the world. Take the opportunity to use your second chances, not for glory, but for the greater good—to inspire, to uplift, and to make a lasting impact on those around you.