Who Shall I Be Day

Who Shall I Be Day is a whimsical and introspective holiday observed on February 17. This day is dedicated to the concept of self-reinvention and the exploration of untapped potential. It encourages individuals to step outside their comfort zones and imagine living as a different version of themselves, whether that involves adopting a new personality trait, pursuing a hidden passion, or simply experimenting with a different professional or creative identity for a day.

History of Who Shall I Be Day

The holiday was created by Thomas and Ruth Roy under their Wellcat Herbs brand, a couple renowned for establishing unique and thought-provoking observances. The Roys designed the day to serve as a mental “reset” button, providing a guilt-free opportunity for people to question the roles they have fallen into throughout their lives. It was intended to combat the stagnation that often accompanies adulthood, reminding participants that identity is not a static destination but a continuous process of choices.

While the specific calendar date is a modern creation, the theme of the day draws from long-standing psychological and theatrical traditions. The concept of “role-playing” has been used for decades in therapy and education to help individuals develop empathy and problem-solving skills. Who Shall I Be Day brings these concepts into the mainstream, offering a lighthearted framework for personal growth and the testing of new life paths without the pressure of making permanent, life-altering changes.

Why is Who Shall I Be Day important?

Who Shall I Be Day is important because it provides a necessary outlet for creative expression and self-reflection. In a society that often rewards consistency and predictability, many people feel trapped by the expectations of their family, career, or social circle. This holiday offers a rare moment of permission to be “unpredictable,” which can lead to significant breakthroughs in self-confidence and a deeper understanding of one’s own desires and boundaries.

The day also highlights the importance of mental flexibility. By consciously choosing to “be” someone else for a day—perhaps a person who is more assertive, more adventurous, or more patient—individuals can gain a fresh perspective on their daily challenges. This temporary shift in mindset often reveals that the barriers holding people back are internal rather than external. Celebrating this day helps demystify the process of change, making the idea of self-improvement feel more like a playful experiment than a daunting chore.

• The holiday encourages individuals to examine and challenge their own personal biases.
• It promotes mental health by providing a day for “identity play” and stress relief.
• The observance can spark new career interests or creative hobbies.
• It helps build empathy by encouraging people to see the world through a different lens.
• The day fosters a sense of agency and control over one’s own life direction.

How to Observe Who Shall I Be Day

Observing Who Shall I Be Day involves choosing a specific persona or trait to inhabit for the duration of the day. This can be as subtle as dressing in a style you usually avoid or as immersive as spending the day researching a completely different career field. Some people choose to spend the day as a “tourist” in their own city, visiting places they normally wouldn’t go, while others use the time to practice a new language or skill they have always admired in others.

For a more introspective observation, you can spend time journaling about the “ideal” version of yourself and identifying one small action you can take to make that vision a reality. The day is also an excellent time to update a resume with skills you want to acquire or to sign up for a class that feels “out of character.” The goal is to act with intention, making choices based on the person you wish to become rather than the person you were yesterday.

• Dress in a way that reflects a personality trait you want to cultivate, like boldness or elegance.
• Visit a local shop or neighborhood that is completely outside your usual routine.
• Practice a new skill or hobby for one hour as if you were a professional.
• Use a different tone or communication style in your interactions to see how people respond.
• Spend time creating a “vision board” for the person you want to be in five years.

Who Shall I Be Day Dates Table