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.
Good for you standing your ground. I have never dyed my hair and I am 63. There are a lot of grey hairs and I’m proud of them. I’m a gramma and I want to look like one. I can’t wait for it to turn all white
I just found your blog recently. Been sifting through it. I am starting with the cinnamon rolls, and have a list from there to try. When I came across this video, and post I was taken back a little bit. I know the cruel people are out there, and it still amazes me that someone like that would leave a comment saying what they did instead of just moving on. But in the end, they are not the ones I remember, It’s the people like you that I remember. The comment, your story, the message you shared in that video…now that’s amazing. I quickly shared it on my facebook page. I’m also going to share it on my blog soon. I teared up and thought, that’s the kind of attitude I want and try to have when I receive negativity. That’s the kind of attitude I want my daughter to have. Can’t wait to go through more of your blog and recipes.
I did not even see your gray hair until you pointed it out. It is funny how we all see ourselves as flawed and if only … I would be beautiful. You are beautiful, truly, outside and although I don’t know you, I love your attitude.
I think you’re awesome, and your strength is extremely inspiring. As strong as you are, I won’t be surprised when you and your hubby are celebrating your 80 th birthday.
Yes, yes! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It is clear that there are many beautiful people who have seen this video! 😉 PS, Rachel, you’re a freakin’ rock star!!
Dear Rachel, So glad you are at the front of this vital and timely message.
Abuse statistics against children, men and women are staggering. We break cycles by confronting the attitudes and actions which perpetuate the abuse as you have done; not with attack but with compassion and intelligence. Your grace is admirable.
Thank you for your courage and example to others,
Lisa
C S Lewis called wrinkles “the honorable badge of long service”. May you acquire many.
You are a beautiful person inside and out. You deserve to stand proud. And yes, it is totally cute that your husband wants to grow old together with you. He is a lucky man.
As for the person who comments on your half dozen grey hairs – shame on them. They must be in incredibly perfect individual to feel that hair color is of any significance.
I wish you a wonderful life – may you enjoys decades more of it.
MEOW! You are beautiful! Thank you for sharing. I have recently decided at 58 to stop coloring my hair. It is growing out to be mostly silver. I am fully embracing it as LIGHT emanating out from inside of me. A beautiful halo. I sent my twin sister a picture of me through text msg. She responded that I need to dye my hair. I only let it affect me for about 30 seconds. My many friends support me and comment positively. It feels SO GREAT to Be That Person. Thank you again for sharing your story
P.S. My daughter sent me the link to your video. That is how I heard about it. What an honor for my daughter to share your story with me. She said in the email with the link, ” Here is a pep talk for you before going to see your twin sister at Christmas”.
Young, sweet lady, i was in serious car wreck in 1986… i was your age at time. life expected to end by age 45. i am nearly 64 yrs old. look at it this way: scars and stretch marks (which i have ALL over body from NUMEROUS surgeries) are a sign that you fought a battle and WON! Gray hair, as Scripture states, is a “crowning glory” plus body’s stress of fighting genetic or other injuries, surgeries, etc. makes for gray hair. i was a chocolate-brown haired lady at your age, tho started graying at age 19. i now platinum gray!! i refused to dye hair. it all fell out and came in white. Remember, when a doctor says you won’t get ‘old’… he does NOT know the fighting spirit you have…and you must fight to stay alive! God, alone, knows the number of your days…not the doctors! Do not listen to them for ‘life expectancy’… prove them wrong! you have a husband who loves you and believes in you, supports you, needs you. YOU must lean on him…and God… for the life you have now and shall have thru the years. You learned a hard lesson about loving yourself. as i did. learned to ‘make friends’ with so many health issues and injuries. and constant pain every second of every day. but i am alive! and so are YOU! hang on, hang in there but hang up the negative statements from others about beauty, longevity, etc. even tho it means you have to cut ties with family or friends who bring you down. if i had believed my doctors’ predictions, i’d not be almost 64.. nearly 20 yrs LONGER than expected! so, my dear, when you hit age 70 you look back and say HAHAHA my life is just beginning! and keep on keeping on. prayers for you. i believe you shall see age 80 and beyond… I don’t know you personally. but i DO KNOW your battles. and I believe in YOU! much love to you!!