You're no loser

Terri:? I just want to thank the person who changed how I feel about each day.? I don’t who this person is, but I am grateful! I guess I’d been posting a lot of negative stuff about my life. I really didn’t think anyone was paying attention to it.? I’m 16 and have been very down on myself; full of self-pity, I guess. I wanted to let the world know how bad I felt.? A few people from school sent super mean posts; things like “Wah-wah, poor little Terri,” “You’re a loser, just accept it,”? and “What makes you think anyone cares?” These statements made me feel worse, for sure. I was angry and sad and felt pretty lost.?

Then, out of the blue, an anonymous post showed up.? This person said: “Hey, you’re no loser, they don’t know squat. I can tell you’re really cool and very kind. I’ve seen some of your other posts, and you are funny and caring.?Ignore those nasty posts, the posters will eventually leave you alone.? Block them.?Wake up in the morning and look outside and know that in the future this will mean nothing!”? I don’t know why this stranger had such an impact on me but their words were really meaningful.? Since then,? I get up in the morning, look outside, and remind myself that I am somebody and that these incidents don’t matter.? Getting this person’s message was like the sun shining on my face for a bit.? I’ll take it!? And I know that posting when I am so down just leads to feeling worse.

Tobi:? Wow, your message reminded me about just how important positive posts can be. The impact that random acts of kindness can have on negative moods is astonishing, Terri!? Thank you so much for sharing.? What a wonderful story.? I hope you will pass it on to others. Putting positive energy into the universe can only have a positive effect!? And, when you are down, talk with a real friend or someone else you can trust so that you can share your struggles in a generous space.