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Health and Wellness

35 Moments That Changed A Life And Can Change Yours Too

Words of wisdom from strangers far and wide.

Danny Rader

Aug 13, 2017

University of Cincinnati

35 Moments That Changed A Life And Can Change Yours Too

PublicCo

We've all been there, hanging on to the end of that short rope that is our sanity. Sometimes it seems as if everything is just piling up against us with no end in sight, and it's these moments where we are forced to either step up to the plate or seek out a shoulder to lean on.

There is no "wrong" answer or response, as we're just doing what we can to stay afloat and keep ourselves together. Usually, in these times of struggle, we seek out uplifting words to raise our spirits, and sometimes we find exactly what we need to hear.

I'd like to take this opportunity to reflect on key moments in the lives of complete strangers, moments where they were given advice that changed their ways of thinking and seeing the world. We see inspiration splattered across social media every day, but today I want to share the words that worked.

These comments, stories, and quotes have been pulled from a thread on Reddit which sparked to life from a single question:

What is something said that forever changed your way of thinking?

1. Reddit response by user: eyecebrakr

2. Reddit response by user: fafafee

3. Reddit response by user: 78fivealive

4. Reddit response by user: charlie_bugs

5. Reddit response by user: [deleted]

6. Reddit response by user: VahnRPG

7. Reddit response by user: Bullsgirlusf

8. Reddit response by user: The Golden Image

9. Reddit response by user: SomethingFoul

10. Reddit response by user: TonyPajaaamas

11. Reddit response by user: kjb_linux

12. Reddit response by user: michiforjoy

13. Reddit response by user: zim1985

14. Reddit response by user: jwiggler

15. Reddit response by user: let them burn

16. Reddit response by user: fivefingerlarry

17. Reddit response by user: Ehoule370

18. Reddit response by user: whiskeydodger

19. Reddit response by user: [deleted]

20. Reddit response by user: econboy

21. Reddit response by user: chlorpicrin

22. Reddit response by user: dusmeyedin

23. Reddit response by user: jazz4

24. Reddit response by user: Zoombiniton

25. Reddit response by user: [deleted]

26. Reddit response by user: humanity78

27. Reddit response by user: ourwinter

28. Reddit response by user: JustOneMoreIsFine

29. Reddit response by user: adamsorkin

30. Reddit response by user: TheFloood

31. Reddit response by user: IAmTheToastGod

32. Reddit response by user: TourdeSol

33. Reddit response by user: b0redoutmymind

34. Reddit response by user: Troubleshoot101

35. Reddit response by user: jtyner1

I know words can only do so much on their own, but I believe that the "right" words have the power to teach and create lasting change. Some of these may not seem important to you, but they could mean the world to someone else. I hope you walk away with your spirit raised and head held high.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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35 Moments That Changed A Life And Can Change Yours Too

Words of wisdom from strangers far and wide.

1. Reddit response by user: eyecebrakr

2. Reddit response by user: fafafee

3. Reddit response by user: 78fivealive

4. Reddit response by user: charlie_bugs

5. Reddit response by user: [deleted]

6. Reddit response by user: VahnRPG

7. Reddit response by user: Bullsgirlusf

8. Reddit response by user: The Golden Image

9. Reddit response by user: SomethingFoul

10. Reddit response by user: TonyPajaaamas

11. Reddit response by user: kjb_linux

12. Reddit response by user: michiforjoy

13. Reddit response by user: zim1985

14. Reddit response by user: jwiggler

15. Reddit response by user: let them burn

16. Reddit response by user: fivefingerlarry

17. Reddit response by user: Ehoule370

18. Reddit response by user: whiskeydodger

19. Reddit response by user: [deleted]

20. Reddit response by user: econboy

21. Reddit response by user: chlorpicrin

22. Reddit response by user: dusmeyedin

23. Reddit response by user: jazz4

24. Reddit response by user: Zoombiniton

25. Reddit response by user: [deleted]

26. Reddit response by user: humanity78

27. Reddit response by user: ourwinter

28. Reddit response by user: JustOneMoreIsFine

29. Reddit response by user: adamsorkin

30. Reddit response by user: TheFloood

31. Reddit response by user: IAmTheToastGod

32. Reddit response by user: TourdeSol

33. Reddit response by user: b0redoutmymind

34. Reddit response by user: Troubleshoot101

35. Reddit response by user: jtyner1

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There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

1. You get excited when the parents purchase season passes to the pool.

2. You've become friends with the stay-at-home moms in town.

3. You get a chance to eat "kid foods" again.

4. You've traded in your cute purse for a large tote bag.

5. You have at least one car seat in your backseat.

6. Their nap time is your happy time.

7. Lunch time can be a disaster.

8. You have to play the same board games repeatedly.

9. You catch yourself using the same lines your parents once told you.

10. Your "mom-mode" kicks in at times.

11. Your heart melts a little when they do something cute.

You'll never find any souvenirs with your name on it

1. You know you are up next when the teacher pauses while taking attendance

2. When “I’m going to do my very best to make sure I know all your names” is said, it may or may be an empty promise

3. “Wow! That sounds so cool! Where is your family from?”

4. You dread when people ask you to repeat your name over and over because it “sounds so cool when you say it”

5. There’s a 50/50 chance that your name will come back either correct or incorrect at Starbucks

6. People try to find shorter, easier nicknames for you instead of calling you by your actual name

7. When someone famous or fictional character shares your name, you get so happy

8. “What’s your name?” “It’s [name]” “I’m sorry, what was it again?”

9. You’ve pretty much seen every misspelling and heard every mispronunciation of your name throughout your life

10. When you find another person with an “ethnic” sounding name, you both get excited

11. Despite the struggles, your name is pretty unique… just like you

Can I be excused for the rest of my life?

Don't Be That Person

1. “Oh, so you/your family are immigrants!”

2. “Is Puerto Rico near Mexico?”

3. “Do you speak Puerto Rican?”

4. “You look too light/dark to be Puerto Rican.”

5. “Do I need my passport to go to Puerto Rico?”

6. “Geez, you are obsessed with your flag. We get it, you’re Puerto Rican.”

7. “Why are you so loud?”

8. “So does your family know English?”

9. “Oh my god, Puerto Ricans are so spicy.”

10. “So did you eat a lot of tacos?”

11. “Are you Mexican?”

Love hard, every day, and never be ashamed.

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