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.
Amazing story & strength. Thank you for sharing it with the world.
if the heartless individual saw my gray hair….then that would probably qualify as being an old hag LOL I’ve been getting gray hair since I was 17 (i’m 46 now) & while with what i have i look closer to being 60….I think you are very beautiful & the gray hair doesn’t stand out like the individual seems to think it does.
Your an inspiration & strength to many…….keep up the excellent work. 🙂
Loved your response…I don’t know if I will ever dye my hair…tried it once and missed my grey highlights 🙂 Glad you put that girl in her place.. I don’t even see your greys…I see a very lovely lady.
I have an autoimmune condition that developed into Vitiligo and I teach high school students. At the onset I spent hours trying to hide the fact that I was losing pigmentation in my skin. It was quite pronounced as I am Peruvian and naturally olive skinned. I was depressed for some time not knowing how to “fix” my outwardly appearance and convinced that my students would not respond to me in the same manner. Fast forward 12 years, the vitiligo has spread and I no longer take the countless hours to hide behind make-up. As for my students, I have had some come up to me in class sharing that they are scared after suspecting an onset of Vitiligo that their body has manifested. It is only now that I understand that I can choose to comfort others and assure them that this condition is not fatal and that acceptance and self kindness is essential to embracing life. You reminded me that the only thing I have any control over is my attitude. Thank you for being such a bright beam of light for countless of individuals that deal with body image. As for those who would mock others… well these poor unfortunates will never be able to relish their true beauty. Instead, they will allow their own insecurities to tarnish their God given beauty and in the process hurt many around them. You Rachel are an exquisite woman with a extraordinary capacity to love even those that would dare to mock you. I wish you much success and happiness.
Respectfully,
A great fan!!
What a wonderful message. I began having gray hairs at the age of 25 and chose not to color ever. I can’t tell you how many people all along have told me how much they love my hair (at the age of 61 now). You are a beautiful young lady, inside and out. My gray hairs have always reminded me of Proverbs 16:31 “A gray head is a crown of glory; It is found in the way of righteousness.” You have so much wisdom to give to others and thank you for your compassion for people
You touch my heart ❤️! Keep remembering how beautiful you are! Andrew way you are living shows me that just because an autoimmune disorder has touched your life– doesn’t mean that it controls your life! Thank you for your very important message! Hugs! -Lisa
Glad you have a love for yourself that lets you stand up for yourself. I pray that you have a long blessed and blessing life. May God grant you the peace you deserve. I have always put comments to a test. 1 is it true? If no, why would I listen to a lier? If yes…2 do I care enough to change it? If no, then so what? If yes, is it anyone else’s business? If so, I tell them, if not – I don’t. I love strong people
My salute to you 🙂 What a great message you shared. God Bless you
You are truly amazing!!! I’ve never used a hashtag but I am now! My new hashtag and aim in life is now #bethatperson
You are awesome. Your attitude is what we needfor Everyone to adopt. I love your recipes.
Beautiful girl, you are that person and I’m with you!!!