The story behind the video.
I am utterly overwhelmed and humbled by the response to this video. At the time I am writing this, it has amassed over 2 million views on Facebook with thousands of comments, messages, and emails to go along with it. I think it’s time to share the story behind this viral video for those who are interested.
***The video has since garnered nearly 100 million view***
I recently was honored with YouTube Next Up. As part of the award I was invited to YouTube Space LA to a one week film school boot camp. We were to film a video there, but no kitchen was available. I was at a loss for what I could possibly film without a kitchen. And that is when the comment happened. It didn’t hurt my feelings and it didn’t surprise me either. Lots of people have commented about my gray hair over the years and I have never been ashamed to share my reasons. I decided to answer the nasty commenter and then share the comment and answer on my personal Facebook page. The response from my friends and family there was overwhelming. At that moment, I knew what my video project would be.
The video was filmed at YouTube Space LA with the assistance of four amazing people (Jay, James, Jerry, and my mentor Julie). I wasn’t sure that I would ever post it anywhere, but used it as an opportunity to experiment with filmmaking and storytelling. I had a script and tried filming that. My amazing friend Jerry told me I needed to do a take where I just spoke from the heart. There I was in a dark room with lights glaring in my eyes. I couldn’t see anyone, just a glint of reflection from the camera lens. I spoke to the camera, to an unknown audience, but mostly to myself. And that’s what you see above.
At the end of the week we screened our projects on a movie theater screen with about 35 people as an audience. I held my breath as mine came on screen, wondering what everyone’s response would be. I felt so naked and vulnerable. It was all so raw. I had no idea I could hold my breath for three and a half minutes! The response from my fellow YouTube creators was overwhelming. They were so encouraging and demanded that I post it. It took me a number of days to actually share it on my YouTube channel. I ended up deciding to share it on Facebook as well at the last minute. I was doing a fundraiser for some friends who are adopting a baby and all the traffic to my blog was being donated to them. I thought the video might generate some more traffic for them. I had no idea that the video would end up being viewed by millions.
The response is humbling. I get comments, messages, and emails of support every few seconds. I am making it a point to read every single one simply because I want to make sure each and every story is heard. I don’t know that I will ever be able to respond to them all and I apologize. There simply aren’t enough hours in the day. I have spent the last several days at my kitchen table reading all of your words. I have wept with you. I have laughed with you. And I have been deeply enriched by the entire experience.
People have created a hashtag (#bethatperson) and the message of self love is spreading. BBC has written an article about the video, and people are campaigning to reach The Ellen DeGeneres Show. I don’t even know what to say. I am at a loss for words. How do you respond to accidentally creating a movement like that? I surely don’t know! What I do know is that I am deeply touched and forever changed by this experience. Thank you. That is all I know how to say.
A small note: To the many sincere desires to help my medical condition: Thank you for your concern. I am currently very happy with my current treatment and am not interested in the many offers I am receiving for medical advice.
Wow! You said a lot on your video to promote each person’s individuality! You are a beautiful lady with a heart of gold. Your husband is very lucky to be blessed with such a lovely lady who loves herself and lives life to its fullest. That’s what this world needs–more of making a difference in the world rather than tearing it apart. “Let you light so shine before men that they will see your good works and glorify God.” God bless!
Rachel,
I posted you video on my facebook wall & this is what I wrote. “Oh my goodness! This is amazing & so full of truth. I for one have better things to do with my time than to hang out in the bathroom for 30-45 minutes every 6 weeks (or longer if I had to go to a salon. Drive+wait+color&style+drive home=1.5 hours). That’s 8 coloring’s a year= 240 minutes-720 minutes a year wasted on vanity or what others insecure people think. I’d rather pour my time into my family or other, working in various miniseries. I could paint more, sew more, build more. To the arrogant woman who is living in fear & the insecurity of looking old, shame on you & you need Jesus! I pray that this young woman in this video lives to well beyond 70. I don’t know her name or her condition but I will be praying.”
BTW, It is your “crown of glory” as the the bible says & my husband reminds me & others about. He thinks it is totally sexy. since I quit coloring my hair I have have had more over the top compliments then before. You are beautiful. You are being prayed for by name. I really praying that God works a miracle in your body & that you get to grow old with your husband. I will also be praying for this woman, whoever she is. May her hear be changed.
Wow, I should really proof read before I click “post comment” haha *Since*, *I am really* & *heart*
I’m 71years old. My hair is still red, though the color is diminished somewhat and I do have a few gray hairs. I take Pilates and have for better than 5 1/2 years and I’m stronger than I’ve ever been. I have two dogs that I take to agility – run that course a few times folks I stand up straight and I talk straight. Age is not an excuse to not live.
I can tell you that I am not invisible; I am not a hag; I will not be ignored.
Bless you for your wisdom and for pointing out that getting older is not a curse. It is a blessing.
For having the courage to be honest and share something so personal. You are a shining example to our youth. Words can be hurtful and your stand up attitude and resilience shows us all how to see the bright side of the equation. The world needs as many self loving and confident individuals as we can get. Your children are incredibly fortunate to have two parents who are instilling an amazing foundation for the rest of their lives. The world is a better place for your contributions. Thank you for being you and being true to yourself.
Dear Rachel,
Thank you so much for what you shared..”.Be That Person”
I am a mother of 4 beautiful daughters, 25, 21, 15 and 10 years of age. I had always been very health conscious, strong and active. Always there to lend a hand, an overall happy, calm, and caring person.
Three months after the birth of my last child, I started to lose my peripheral nerves and reflexes. To this day I still don’t know why it’s happening to me and I have been lucky enough to see some of the top specialists, those I haven’t seen, my medical records were sent to for review. I never once considered that doctor’s wouldn’t be able to tell me what was wrong and how to fix it.
As a person who had always been considered happy, attractive, healthy and fit, I found myself mentally and physically changing due to my illness. I had just had a baby, my 21-year relationship was over and I wasn’t sure whether I’d even be here to see my kids grow up. It has been debilitating, devastating, scary and financially decimating. I almost never talk about it.
So many people judged me and didn’t understand thinking I must just be depressed. My illness isn’t something you can see with your eyes and you probably wouldn’t know I was sick unless you spent time with me or I told you. But I assure you it’s very real and causes lots of fatigue and pain. Definitely the abandonment of my partner and the lack of understanding in others made it virtually impossible for me to love myself, like myself, or remember what an amazing person I’d always been and still was underneath all that fear and despair.
It’s been so hard to see what my children have gone through witnessing me deteriorate feeling helpless. All I ever wanted to be when I grew up was a mom, my children are the reason that I’m still here. So many moms don’t get to be, I’m so grateful for my life even with all that I’ve been through. It took me so long to pick myself back up. I was so overwhelmed with fear and loss, not knowing what’s wrong, how to fix it or if it was going to kill me. It has made me a better, stronger woman and mother and it has made my daughter’s stronger, mature, loving, patient, conscious girls.
My daughters and I watched your message together…we all cried and had one of the best conversations ever, Thank You! The world definitely needs more people like you to stand up, share your story, inspire, uplift, and enlighten others to do the same. I can’t thank you enough for what you said. You are a part of my prayers forever. Wishing you a long fulfilled life beautiful woman with your amazing husband, loved ones and friends! Thank you with all my heart!
Sincerely, Alexis
Thank you so much for speaking out and making this video. I have a lot of gray hair and I’ve been keeping it colored, but right now I just can’t justify the money that it costs. I’ve watched your video several times and I’m going to share it. You have inspired me to just let my hair be gray and be proud that I’ve lived this long. I recently had open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve. I now have a huge scar down the middle of my chest. At first I was like, ” that is so ugly”. Then the Lord showed me how I should share my scar and my faith. Now I show off that scar and tell people it’s my badge of courage the Lord gave me for living my life for Him.
You were the inspiration for my blog post today http://alifewellmade.com/posting-rude-comments-is-a-symptom-of-self-hate/
You are the perfect example of someone who knows life is hard, and it can really suck but the way you talk to, and about, yourself makes your life what you want it to be.. Everyone should take a lesson and see that loving yourself is the greatest gift you can possess.
Blessings, Kelly
I shared this with everyone I know! It is such an important message! This is something I’m working on and struggling mightily with. It was so inspiring to watch your presentation. It truly gives me the strength and courage to go on.
You are so beautiful!!!! Your message is so important. Thank you for taking the time to make the video and spread your message around.
I loved your message and share in your struggle to grow old. I also wear my gray hair as a badge of victory because there was a time no one thought I’d live long enough to have any. I am proud of my silver locks. It is a season some don’t get to enjoy and I’m gonna enjoy every minute while I can!