I last listened to this as a suicidal teenager, and now I'm coming back to it as a mother of two. It's still just as profound. This man's words have saved me more than once
Shane Koyczan's work has saved my life. I will always share his poetry with people who have suffered as I have. ❤ To This Day - t.co/cuPCib0iu5 A Letter To Remind Myself Who I Am - t.co/jfUYASaoD8
For 11 years I have returned to this video time and again, every time I reach a point where I want to break, and every time it helps me keep it together. Always, there is light, my friends
since i was 14, i have come to this audio every time i feel the lowest. thank you for saving me, each time. i’m 19 now. i still have my days, but this audio reminds me how far i’ve come. Thank you Shane, from me and all the other broken people trying their best to mend ❤️
This has gotten me through so much. Every time i feel like i want to leave, i watch this and it actually makes me feel better. I think its safe to say Shane Koyzcan has saved more than a few lives with his work
I hope that the author of these words knows that they have touched many souls. I have the link to this video saved so I can access it easily to listen to it again and again in my darkest moments. They are words to live by and live for when one wants to give up. Thank you a million times for these words that have pulled me up time and again. Thank you.
With all of his work ; If a hug was a person, it’s fucking Shane. He’s like.. a sad, happy, empowering, kick in the ass, kiss on the neck, a comforting and friendly hello or I missed you hug. He’s so underrated. The man is a wholesome genius. I’ll never not share his work to anyone who needs it.
"a simple smile is the first aid kit someone has been looking for" every time I see someone that comes off as negative energy and emotion, I send my positive thoughts and energy to them through such a simple smile.
I'm not good at writing emotional things, I was always taught to hide my feelings from the world so sorry if this is poorly written. Last night was the lowest time in my life, I had lost so many people whether it be through death or them just leaving. I couldn't take it anymore and no one was listening to me. But for the first time I managed to ask for help, a last call for someone before i ended my life. I'm not going to say something cheesy like I found this in my youtube recommended because watching this was an after fact. But right before I decided to tell all my friends goodbye a friend of mine texted me a drawing they were working on for me. I know it's silly that such a simple thing could make me change my mind, but to me it was a sign i wasn't the only person left in the world. This morning I checked the post I made to say goodbye and a person told me I should watch this- and it made me happy again. It gave me hope. So thank you, I guess I'm gonna be on this earth for a bit more time
I'm glad that I found this. I've been falling back into my depression and it's terrifying and harsh and it makes it so very difficult to remember the good moments and words that I've given others with similar experiences. Within the first third seconds of this video, I felt an unbelievable sense of calm. Thank you. A million times, thank you.
This in all its drama is more than I need so in that I am lucky. I overly analyse:The warm generous voice, sumptuous yet softly resonant. The music, a bit much at times -- 'wouldn't hurt to "ease up" here and there. Especially eq the volume since the voiceover gets swamped at times. The graphics'editing , so fine, each shot brilliant, and each one piercing my heart.... and do on blah bluh-blan..... . . THEN I read the comments and melt apart at the sweetness and honest vulnerability and beauty of my brothers and sisters. I feel fortunate to have come upon these shared experiences I'm sort of a loner, and tonight I found out that a couple of people I care about were not, asI had assumed, actually shopping at the supermarket where I would meet with them for some quick "hello"s, They were coming after long days' work just to share a few moments. It may seem a small gesture but it's not. It's quite a walk for them and i know by that time of the day they're tired; I know Herb's feet are sore. On some nights they weren't even shopping at all! It really hit me, just stopped me in my tracks as we were parting ways. I was touched at once with such buoyancy and uch gladness. Generally not afraid to show emotion, I was overwhelmed so quickly that the welling up hit instantly. I really couldn't speak. I ducked away and mumbled Thank you as we parted Liz called back thank 5You and I'm feeling "she's thanking ME?" I know they have a good time when were together. But I was just captured by their generosity. And, through the alchemy that is gratitude, I am expanded in its attendant awe. Is there anything more cleaning than this blessing? Earlier I wept in gladness as I do now I know that again these sweet tears will shne up my face with joy. Sometimes the little things aren't little Thank you video and thanks so much to so many here for helping to afford me the possibility of this moment. I appreciate your time.🏇
I am a dancer and a few years back I did a dance to this “song” but it ended at 2:13 after “but you hit continue”. This was the first time that I heard the complete song and it truly brought me to tears. These lyrics are beautiful and so inspirational ❤️ thank you so much to the author for sharing your wisdom
I agree Nora! Unfortunately the audio (voice and music) is mixed by Shane himself, and I think he intentionally made it louder, forcing those listening to focus hard in order to really listen to his words. However, I did add the lyrics to the description in case you want to follow along! It's an amazing poem! :)
Thanks for doing that Jon, it was helpful. He's got such an amazing voice, and it's almost tragic that you can't hear it! That's what draws you in, and the music should just be ambient filler. It really is a beautifully written piece...but I have yet to hear one of his poems be written or spoken badly :)
I listened to this for the first time the night my dad died. A long battle with ALS... I have a lot of regret.. of guilt and sadness. But I come back to this at least once a week. It.. is the only thing keeping me going.
I'll never forget this video, I saw it for the first time when I was just learning English, and till this day I will always remember these words, I was in deep sh*t at the time, and after listening to it I had hope again, these words will always be remembered
It is 2020, and COVID is making most mid class citizens around the world, #stayhome. Well, not everybody can stay home; and not every one home is actually having a good time. Disfunctional families, broken homes, toxic environments and whatnot, cause frictions. I watched this video for the first time on May 2018 (and two years before that) and thought of it tonight. Listening to this helps a bit.
Let Go, Let God, Let Good! I posted the link to this video on my facebook ten years ago, with a photo of me and my shadow, holding a glass of red wine. Praise God that I found the real remedy to my thirst! I found the true presence of all that sustains me... the Traditional Latin Mass is a gift and a grace from God... His promise to us that He will be with us until the end of time. Blessed be the holy and undivided Trinity! Lord, make my house a prayer to you, and let Your heart be my eternal home. 🥰 JMJ
My friend who was struggling with depression and anxiety showed me this when I first met him...and when I could tell he was upset I would play it and hold his hand...rub his shoulder. He passed away from overdose two days ago...and I never found myself in need to listen to this video other than right now. I miss you so much Zach
This has gotten me through so much. I honestly watch it whenever I feel I've lost control. I'm so thankful for this video. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I used to listen to this so often when I was in a really dark place. Listening to it now, I want to cry because it really did give me the strength to keep going. Thank you Shane Koyczan for all that you do. All that you’ve written. Thank you for being there when no one was.
I have been coming back to this video for over four years now. Every time, it makes me cry, and every time, I feel inspired to make my bad day into a good one. It feels good to know that I’m not alone. Thank you. Thank you.
I love seeing people still coming back to this poem. It has helped me so much through all my bad days and Im glad reading back through old comments that so many people have been in the same position as me and have proceeded to hit "Continue".
The irony is , my mother couldn't ever speak to me like this in any capacity . She sent me this video via Facebook and I recently found it . I guess this is my motivation going forward since this is the kind of support I always wanted from my parents.... I guess I got it in another way. This video helps me move forward. No contact is the hardest thing I have ever done , but it's the most soul rewarding thing i have ever done ❤
The pain I'm feeling is indescribable but this helped me today and I will save it to help me through the bad days ahead. Thank you, from the very bottom of my soul, thank you for this video.
I watch this video everyday at 7:00am... I'm not having a bad day everyday but I want to remember that I if I am, it is not the end... I just have to remember: "...be calm. Loosen your grip, opening each palm, slowly now -- let go."
This piece is such a blessing. It’s been my favorite spoken word for years and at least once every 8-14 months or so I send it out to everyone I love. I’ve got the transcript saved to my notes to read through. It grounds me, humbles me, and makes me feel connected. Thank you for sharing a part of your heart with us Shane; I’m so glad you exist ♡
Like many of you, I first came across this video in my teens. I was fifteen or so. I was not in a great place and desperately needed to find hope. I got through it. Now, at 23, I am watching this so I can get through a tough workday. I’m working at my dream job and am months away from moving to my dream state. Thank you for this wonderful poem, Shane.
I have only ever listened to this in the past when I had literally no-one and that always made me feel angry and bitter, but the rest of the poem made me feel strong for myself. It has been years since I listened to it and I have not been touched by anger in years. I have made the most beautiful friends and today has been a bad day. But I was loud, I made them "read all about it" and was overwhelmed with the love and support my friends have given me as a result. Now as I listen I am crying my eyes out at every single line, and we are talking blubbery snotty mess crying, the words are more poignant now then they ever have been and it all makes me feel so grateful for those moments that I hit continue. Thank you for getting me through some of those harder times, and thank you for helping me realise that I am loved and I love unconditionally more than I ever thought I could. (I know Shayn will most likely never see this, but I just needed to let the other lovers of this know, there is beauty and light far beyond the darkest moments, so please hit continue)
11 років тому+4
One of the most inspiring videos I've ever watched...
I adore that each time I watch it (because I'm in need of a little hope & inspiration right now) I find some new little nugget of insight that I didn't notice last time... that I really get to savor it because I get it just a bit more on a deeper level. And I'm so sad for the people so cynical, and so depressed that they would thumbs down such a beautiful message. :( I would hug you so hard if you'd let me. I spent 25 years living like that. I'm still cynical, but from a questioning and learning place...and not from despair & hopelessness. It makes a world of difference. Anyways, thanks for those of you dreaming of a nicer world.
"A simple smile could be the first-aid kit that someone has been looking for." Wow, so... a long time ago, I'd hit a big bump in the road and I needed to be away from family. So I found myself sitting on a bench at the local park, and an old woman came jogging by. Maybe she noticed that I looked sad, but she slowed down a bit, smiled at me and said "hello!". I remember saying it right back at her, and when she disappeared around the corner, all of a sudden I was crying. Happy tears, though! And I felt really warm. That was good, because Canadian Winters can really suck. There's power in smiles and greetings. Some people, that's all they need to keep going down their own bumpy roads. And hopefully where they're going, they find something better.
Beautiful - Bad days will pass, it is only a day or a moment...don't make it into a bad week, or bad life. It will pass. Pain is part of the human condition. It nourishes courage and you will become so much stronger...and even better because of it. Peace :)
These words saved us over, and over, and over again. Through the years..... 6 years, Shane Koyczan words well said, video well made. Cheers. May everyone here find their courage to hit 'CONTINUE'
Since I joined the army I’ve come back to this every now and then, it’s been almost 10 years and almost 6 since I got out. To the person who made this, thank you. I left the army with so much hate and anger, I’ve come so far since then and I’ve found peace in helping others. In times of despair this video kept me going.
This grounds me and refocuses my attention on gratitude. Speaking of which, I am grateful for the ability to reach back to the video any day I need it. It has truly been a life saver.
I think my new goal will be to listen to Koyczan every morning before I have a day because it's inoculation against experiencing a bad day. A bad day could still happen after listening to Koyczan, but one would just be observing/experiencing/handling it. Practically every other phrase this gentle genius soul puts out is a way to experience and feel pain without being gravely wounded.
There will never be a day where I don’t listen to this video and cry. Cry tears of joy, sadness, despair, happiness… this poem has guided me through so many difficult times as a teenager and also as a young adult. I will forever cherish this video. I don’t have words to explain how much this poem means to me
I love Shane Kozczan so much... a beautiful man, spirit, voice for this generation... and I forgive him for being a Canadian. ;) To the maker of this compilation... interesting images. Thank you.
" If you think for one second no one knows what you have been going through, he accepting of the fact that you are wrong"That one gets me everytime... It is something that I have to remind myself everyday when I feel like I am alone.
Stunningly beautiful and poignant. The poem, the reading, the music, and the video combine to create an incredibly powerful reminder that this moment in time is a gift. If it is hard, we can learn from it; if it easy, we can share it with a smile.
It's been a while, but it's been rough at work, just when I thought things were getting better. And then this came to my mind. I'm glad it's here, waiting for when I need to come back
This means absolutely everything to me because my past month of ordeals has been absolute shit. This poem is practically speaking the answer I've been searching for.
"Be the weed growing through the cracks in the cement, beautiful, because it doesn’t know it’s not supposed to grow there. " this sentence helps me to make so many brave decisions.
I last listened to this as a suicidal teenager, and now I'm coming back to it as a mother of two. It's still just as profound. This man's words have saved me more than once
I'm so proud of you! Keep going
I'm.glad you're still here with us
Similar story here! Hope you’re still doing well
God bless you...and may He hold you - ALWAYS - hold you in His almighty hands.
ME TOO! Today I’m a psychologist and take care of other suicidal people. THINGS DO GET BETTER
"love and hate are beasts, and the one that grows is the one you feed"
Yep we can hear.
+sam kreston lmao
sam kreston just quoting my favourite part of the poem, is that wrong?
thats my favorite
thats my favorite
The line that ALWAYS gets me :
“Remember the times you could have pressed quit, but you hit Continue.”
I sob EVERY time.
Me too.
I plan on pressing quit when my youngest is 18, 5 more years
Crying rn
@@pinkahboo925 please press continue.
As a gamer, I relate to it !
These words are medicine.
Shane Koyczan's work has saved my life. I will always share his poetry with people who have suffered as I have. ❤
To This Day - t.co/cuPCib0iu5
A Letter To Remind Myself Who I Am - t.co/jfUYASaoD8
My anxiety and depression were gang beating my whole ass today. These words really are medicine.
I agree
Yep
“Ignore what others have called you, I’m calling you friend” put a lump in the back of my throat, deep and powerful words.
For 11 years I have returned to this video time and again, every time I reach a point where I want to break, and every time it helps me keep it together. Always, there is light, my friends
since i was 14, i have come to this audio every time i feel the lowest. thank you for saving me, each time. i’m 19 now. i still have my days, but this audio reminds me how far i’ve come. Thank you Shane, from me and all the other broken people trying their best to mend ❤️
I came here at 14 too. ❤️ I’m now 28. We hit continue. ❤️❤️ x
This has gotten me through so much. Every time i feel like i want to leave, i watch this and it actually makes me feel better. I think its safe to say Shane Koyzcan has saved more than a few lives with his work
Coming back to these words like a moth to the flame today.
I will let these words carry me thru.
I hope that the author of these words knows that they have touched many souls. I have the link to this video saved so I can access it easily to listen to it again and again in my darkest moments. They are words to live by and live for when one wants to give up. Thank you a million times for these words that have pulled me up time and again. Thank you.
the author is Shane Koyczan :)
ME TOO!
Jasmin Lovern 3 years do u still havr it saved
"Be the weed growing through the cracks in the cement, beautiful - because it doesn't know it's not supposed to grow there"
does this mean I can go naked on the streets knowing I'm not supposed to do that?
SpookDogg Wrong, you can go naked, if you do not know that it is wrong. According to this logic.
be resolute
SpookDogg You know you're not supposed to do that.
@@realSpook have at it, champ
There's good in this world AND IT'S WORTH FIGHTING FOR.
With all of his work ; If a hug was a person, it’s fucking Shane. He’s like.. a sad, happy, empowering, kick in the ass, kiss on the neck, a comforting and friendly hello or I missed you hug. He’s so underrated. The man is a wholesome genius. I’ll never not share his work to anyone who needs it.
"a simple smile is the first aid kit someone has been looking for" every time I see someone that comes off as negative energy and emotion, I send my positive thoughts and energy to them through such a simple smile.
Best part about this is that if the need it it's welcomed. And if they're just jerks it annoys the hell out of them.. win/win.
instructions for a depression thats been lasting for years, thank you...
I could listen to this man read the weather. Instead I enjoy the privilege of hearing something harvested from a man's soul. So beautiful.
I got part of this tattooed on me a month and a half ago and I still get chills every time I listen to it. These words are my medicine.
What part? If you don't mind me asking?
@@StonesFireDesigns “always there is light” :)
Ty for being that light for others especially in these dark days
I'm not good at writing emotional things, I was always taught to hide my feelings from the world so sorry if this is poorly written.
Last night was the lowest time in my life, I had lost so many people whether it be through death or them just leaving. I couldn't take it anymore and no one was listening to me. But for the first time I managed to ask for help, a last call for someone before i ended my life. I'm not going to say something cheesy like I found this in my youtube recommended because watching this was an after fact. But right before I decided to tell all my friends goodbye a friend of mine texted me a drawing they were working on for me. I know it's silly that such a simple thing could make me change my mind, but to me it was a sign i wasn't the only person left in the world. This morning I checked the post I made to say goodbye and a person told me I should watch this- and it made me happy again. It gave me hope.
So thank you, I guess I'm gonna be on this earth for a bit more time
I am glad you are still with us. You are loved.
This poem very literally saved my life.
Thank you.
I could be on the street, bleeding out, knife in my heart, and listen to this and get up, go home, take a shower, drive to the ER, and live.
i watch this video every time i am sad, it turns my mood right around
still true
Same , he's words are like medicine
I'm going through a bad time now.. and This video helped me.. from the bottom of my heart.. *Thank You*
You aren't alone.
I save this for all my bad days. Really uplifting. It sparks a hope I didn't think I had anymore.
I'm glad that I found this. I've been falling back into my depression and it's terrifying and harsh and it makes it so very difficult to remember the good moments and words that I've given others with similar experiences. Within the first third seconds of this video, I felt an unbelievable sense of calm. Thank you. A million times, thank you.
the audio is by Shanr Koyczan, he makes many uplifting and beautiful videos
Damn son, son people are blessed with the gift of conveying power with words and this guy is one of them
This video saved my life 6 years ago
I cannot say how many times I have come back to this poem. I love this so much! It moves me so deep within myself! Thank you.
Can't make it through this without sobbing. So much beauty and love in these words!!
This in all its drama is more than I need so in that I am lucky.
I overly analyse:The warm generous voice, sumptuous yet softly resonant. The music, a bit much at times -- 'wouldn't hurt to "ease up" here and there. Especially eq the volume since the voiceover gets swamped at times. The graphics'editing , so fine, each shot brilliant, and each one piercing my heart.... and do on blah bluh-blan..... . . THEN I read the comments and melt apart at the sweetness and honest vulnerability and beauty of my brothers and sisters. I feel fortunate to have come upon these shared experiences
I'm sort of a loner, and tonight I found out that a couple of people I care about were not, asI had assumed, actually shopping at the supermarket where I would meet with them for some quick "hello"s, They were coming after long days' work just to share a few moments. It may seem a small gesture but it's not. It's quite a walk for them and i know by that time of the day they're tired; I know Herb's feet are sore. On some nights they weren't even shopping at all! It really hit me, just stopped me in my tracks as we were parting ways. I was touched at once with such buoyancy and uch gladness. Generally not afraid to show emotion, I was overwhelmed so quickly that the welling up hit instantly. I really couldn't speak. I ducked away and mumbled Thank you as we parted Liz called back thank 5You and I'm feeling "she's thanking ME?" I know they have a good time when were together. But I was just captured by their generosity. And, through the alchemy that is gratitude, I am expanded in its attendant awe. Is there anything more cleaning than this blessing?
Earlier I wept in gladness as I do now I know that again these sweet tears will shne up my face with joy.
Sometimes the little things aren't little
Thank you video and thanks so much to so many here for helping to afford me the possibility of this moment.
I appreciate your time.🏇
No matter how many times you listen to these words it's never enough. Every bad day...well, here I am.
Favourited this about 30 seconds in.
So well done.
I am a dancer and a few years back I did a dance to this “song” but it ended at 2:13 after “but you hit continue”. This was the first time that I heard the complete song and it truly brought me to tears. These lyrics are beautiful and so inspirational ❤️ thank you so much to the author for sharing your wisdom
that’s beautiful, i wish i could’ve seen that performance
Great message ! But music is too loud...be calm !
Idc if this is 9 years later. His voice just touches the soul. Making you take it to heart.
Love this, but the music volume needs to be brought down a bit so I can hear those beautiful words
Agreed!
Oh, agreed!
I agree Nora! Unfortunately the audio (voice and music) is mixed by Shane himself, and I think he intentionally made it louder, forcing those listening to focus hard in order to really listen to his words. However, I did add the lyrics to the description in case you want to follow along! It's an amazing poem! :)
Thanks for doing that Jon, it was helpful. He's got such an amazing voice, and it's almost tragic that you can't hear it! That's what draws you in, and the music should just be ambient filler. It really is a beautifully written piece...but I have yet to hear one of his poems be written or spoken badly :)
I stopped the video and the audio continued without the music as loud.
I listened to this for the first time the night my dad died. A long battle with ALS... I have a lot of regret.. of guilt and sadness. But I come back to this at least once a week. It.. is the only thing keeping me going.
I listen to this a few times a year and have for almost ten years. Thank you
Thanks again for helping me through another hard day🤝
I'll never forget this video, I saw it for the first time when I was just learning English, and till this day I will always remember these words, I was in deep sh*t at the time, and after listening to it I had hope again, these words will always be remembered
It is 2020, and COVID is making most mid class citizens around the world, #stayhome.
Well, not everybody can stay home; and not every one home is actually having a good time.
Disfunctional families, broken homes, toxic environments and whatnot, cause frictions.
I watched this video for the first time on May 2018 (and two years before that) and thought of it tonight.
Listening to this helps a bit.
I never knew that words could be so beautiful
few years ago. on my birthday. weeping. alone. this is so good.
Let Go, Let God, Let Good! I posted the link to this video on my facebook ten years ago, with a photo of me and my shadow, holding a glass of red wine. Praise God that I found the real remedy to my thirst! I found the true presence of all that sustains me... the Traditional Latin Mass is a gift and a grace from God... His promise to us that He will be with us until the end of time. Blessed be the holy and undivided Trinity! Lord, make my house a prayer to you, and let Your heart be my eternal home. 🥰 JMJ
I got “speak and be heard” tattooed on my wrist as a sad 18 year old. This man was at times the only good voice in my head during those years ❤️
Each sentence is as powerful as the next. My favorite piece
shane i get seasonal depression up here in the frozen north and your poetry helps me get throgh the especially rough days
"Check your blind-spot...see that love is STILL there..." ❤
"In the unlikely event that you have no one...look again."
My friend who was struggling with depression and anxiety showed me this when I first met him...and when I could tell he was upset I would play it and hold his hand...rub his shoulder. He passed away from overdose two days ago...and I never found myself in need to listen to this video other than right now. I miss you so much Zach
This has gotten me through so much. I honestly watch it whenever I feel I've lost control. I'm so thankful for this video. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Wow. I had to keep pressure on my arm to stay grounded to the real world, because Shane...you swept me away.
I needed to hear this today. Thank you.
I used to listen to this so often when I was in a really dark place. Listening to it now, I want to cry because it really did give me the strength to keep going. Thank you Shane Koyczan for all that you do. All that you’ve written. Thank you for being there when no one was.
I can not love this video enough. It has brought me through the worst times over the past few years.
I have been coming back to this video for over four years now. Every time, it makes me cry, and every time, I feel inspired to make my bad day into a good one. It feels good to know that I’m not alone. Thank you. Thank you.
Hit me in the gut. Its amazing how what you didn't even know you needed to hear sometimes comes out of nowhere. Wow.
I always come back to this in my darkest moments. These words have saved me.
It's so hard for us to learn this and difficult to remember. Thank you for the reminder.
I've lived this story for the past 3 years. Thank you for make a video of my life. Love it all.
Powerful. Thanks for sharing.
I love seeing people still coming back to this poem. It has helped me so much through all my bad days and Im glad reading back through old comments that so many people have been in the same position as me and have proceeded to hit "Continue".
The irony is , my mother couldn't ever speak to me like this in any capacity . She sent me this video via Facebook and I recently found it . I guess this is my motivation going forward since this is the kind of support I always wanted from my parents.... I guess I got it in another way. This video helps me move forward. No contact is the hardest thing I have ever done , but it's the most soul rewarding thing i have ever done ❤
The pain I'm feeling is indescribable but this helped me today and I will save it to help me through the bad days ahead. Thank you, from the very bottom of my soul, thank you for this video.
Julyanna Monero Stay alive, one day you'll be glad to be able to expierence all this❤You're loved
Thank you
Ray's last day Thank you
I watch this video everyday at 7:00am... I'm not having a bad day everyday but I want to remember that I if I am, it is not the end... I just have to remember: "...be calm. Loosen your grip, opening each palm, slowly now -- let go."
These are some unique spoken words. Very inspirational. "...there are no free extra men..."
Probably the best inspirational words I've ever heard. Amazing!
When I feel the ghosts of war coming to haunt me, I listen to this.
Thnak you for your service :)
This poem saved my life
Still a piece that I come back and back to when things are hard... thanks for making this 💙.
"Love and Hate are beasts, and the one that grows is the one you feed".
So true.
I watch this every single time I have a bad day. Love it.
This is beautiful. This very bad day of loosing my friend. This is what I need to hear. again. and again. and again. and again.
Thank you for this I watched this multiple times, but today, it speaks much louder.
This piece is such a blessing. It’s been my favorite spoken word for years and at least once every 8-14 months or so I send it out to everyone I love. I’ve got the transcript saved to my notes to read through. It grounds me, humbles me, and makes me feel connected. Thank you for sharing a part of your heart with us Shane; I’m so glad you exist ♡
Like many of you, I first came across this video in my teens. I was fifteen or so. I was not in a great place and desperately needed to find hope. I got through it. Now, at 23, I am watching this so I can get through a tough workday. I’m working at my dream job and am months away from moving to my dream state. Thank you for this wonderful poem, Shane.
I have only ever listened to this in the past when I had literally no-one and that always made me feel angry and bitter, but the rest of the poem made me feel strong for myself. It has been years since I listened to it and I have not been touched by anger in years. I have made the most beautiful friends and today has been a bad day. But I was loud, I made them "read all about it" and was overwhelmed with the love and support my friends have given me as a result. Now as I listen I am crying my eyes out at every single line, and we are talking blubbery snotty mess crying, the words are more poignant now then they ever have been and it all makes me feel so grateful for those moments that I hit continue. Thank you for getting me through some of those harder times, and thank you for helping me realise that I am loved and I love unconditionally more than I ever thought I could. (I know Shayn will most likely never see this, but I just needed to let the other lovers of this know, there is beauty and light far beyond the darkest moments, so please hit continue)
One of the most inspiring videos I've ever watched...
I adore that each time I watch it (because I'm in need of a little hope & inspiration right now) I find some new little nugget of insight that I didn't notice last time... that I really get to savor it because I get it just a bit more on a deeper level. And I'm so sad for the people so cynical, and so depressed that they would thumbs down such a beautiful message. :( I would hug you so hard if you'd let me. I spent 25 years living like that. I'm still cynical, but from a questioning and learning place...and not from despair & hopelessness. It makes a world of difference. Anyways, thanks for those of you dreaming of a nicer world.
"A simple smile could be the first-aid kit that someone has been looking for."
Wow, so... a long time ago, I'd hit a big bump in the road and I needed to be away from family. So I found myself sitting on a bench at the local park, and an old woman came jogging by. Maybe she noticed that I looked sad, but she slowed down a bit, smiled at me and said "hello!". I remember saying it right back at her, and when she disappeared around the corner, all of a sudden I was crying. Happy tears, though! And I felt really warm. That was good, because Canadian Winters can really suck.
There's power in smiles and greetings. Some people, that's all they need to keep going down their own bumpy roads. And hopefully where they're going, they find something better.
Beautiful - Bad days will pass, it is only a day or a moment...don't make it into a bad week, or bad life. It will pass. Pain is part of the human condition. It nourishes courage and you will become so much stronger...and even better because of it. Peace :)
These words saved us over, and over, and over again. Through the years..... 6 years, Shane Koyczan words well said, video well made. Cheers. May everyone here find their courage to hit 'CONTINUE'
Since I joined the army I’ve come back to this every now and then, it’s been almost 10 years and almost 6 since I got out.
To the person who made this, thank you.
I left the army with so much hate and anger, I’ve come so far since then and I’ve found peace in helping others. In times of despair this video kept me going.
Shane Koyczan could be one of the most amazing people of this generation.
This grounds me and refocuses my attention on gratitude. Speaking of which, I am grateful for the ability to reach back to the video any day I need it. It has truly been a life saver.
I think my new goal will be to listen to Koyczan every morning before I have a day because it's inoculation against experiencing a bad day. A bad day could still happen after listening to Koyczan, but one would just be observing/experiencing/handling it. Practically every other phrase this gentle genius soul puts out is a way to experience and feel pain without being gravely wounded.
There will never be a day where I don’t listen to this video and cry. Cry tears of joy, sadness, despair, happiness… this poem has guided me through so many difficult times as a teenager and also as a young adult. I will forever cherish this video. I don’t have words to explain how much this poem means to me
I love Shane Kozczan so much... a beautiful man, spirit, voice for this generation... and I forgive him for being a Canadian. ;) To the maker of this compilation... interesting images. Thank you.
I saw this for the 1st time at 14. I’m 22 and I still come back to watch when I need to. Thank you. It has pulled me out of some dark head spaces.
" If you think for one second no one knows what you have been going through, he accepting of the fact that you are wrong"That one gets me everytime... It is something that I have to remind myself everyday when I feel like I am alone.
Stunningly beautiful and poignant. The poem, the reading, the music, and the video combine to create an incredibly powerful reminder that this moment in time is a gift. If it is hard, we can learn from it; if it easy, we can share it with a smile.
Not only for those having a bad day , These things are really good to hear !
Fantastic poem by Shane Koyczan that are matched beautifully with the visuals! Thanks!
It's been a while, but it's been rough at work, just when I thought things were getting better. And then this came to my mind. I'm glad it's here, waiting for when I need to come back
This means absolutely everything to me because my past month of ordeals has been absolute shit. This poem is practically speaking the answer I've been searching for.
I always come back to these words every time life gets a little harder than usual... these words have saved me several times. Thank you, Shane.
I have this video bookmarked. It keeps me going
"Be the weed growing through the cracks in the cement, beautiful, because it doesn’t know it’s not supposed to grow there. " this sentence helps me to make so many brave decisions.
Makes me cry every time. This video saved my life.
Well, that work wonders. Thank you Jon Goodgion.
I had a partly bad day. Encouraging words from a sweet young lady. Thanks
I recite this to myself whenever things get out of control. I swear it works magic.
Shane Koyczan, you bring light into my life
I’ve been listening to this for years, every time I have a bad day. God bless you, Shane.
I had a bad day... I thought of this, it helped. I hope for these words to give me strength, I really need it right now