For a few years I have been following the "Humans of New York" on the Instagram Facebook pages. I have always been intrigued by stories. And what I love about this page is that it features stories of ordinary people. However, as you read the stories of ordinary people, you realize that no one is truly ordinary. Every person has their own unique story, and I appreciate HONY photographer, Brandon Stanton, for recognizing the importance of stories. As he traverses New York City snapping photos and listening to stories, he is taking part in something truly special.
Here are some of the most heartwarming posts from "Humans of New York."
1. Don't take things personally
“People waste way too much energy taking things personally. That Facebook post is probably not about you. It was probably an accident that you weren’t tagged in that picture. And the person you’re dating is probably acting sad because that’s how they respond to setbacks at work, not because of anything you did.”
Humans of New York [July 22, 2014]
I think this is such a valuable way of looking at the world. So often we assume the worst in a situation, when it may not have anything to do with us.
2. Always staying positive
“What’s your greatest struggle right now?”
“No struggles.”
Humans of New York [July 1, 2014]
In the midst of a world where we complain about everything, this is such a refreshingly positive attitude that we could all learn something from.
3. The beauty of friendship
"She can turn any ordinary moment into an adventure."
"Can you give an example of that?"
"When Hurricane Sandy destroyed the bottom floor of our house, she decorated the rubble in Christmas lights."
Humans of New York [December 19, 2013]
True friends are the ones who can cheer you up in the midst of the hardest situations.
4. Childhood dreams
“What do you want to be when you grow up?”
“Fireman.”
“Why do you want to be a fireman?”
“I said Ironman!”
Humans of New York [September 24, 2013]
I hope that he never loses sight of his capacity to dream big dreams.
5. Found on Craigslist
"Six years ago I got a job in New York, and I needed a roommate, so I found Nate on Craigslist. We lived together for three years and became very good friends. I live in Toronto now, but I come back every couple of weeks to visit with him."
Humans of New York [July 28, 2013]
Who knew friends could be found on Craigslist? I guess this goes to show that friendships can be forged in the most unexpected situations.
6. Relationship goals
“He knows how to treat the woman right.”
Humans of New York [September 23, 2013]
There's something genuinely heartwarming about the happiness on the faces of this older couple.
7. A positive perspective
“What’s your greatest struggle right now?”
“Trying to put together a new dresser from IKEA."
Humans of New York [July 3, 2013]
Her quirky sense of humor can easily put a smile on people's faces.
8. A good influence
“I’m trying to keep him away from all the negativity so that he has a fighting chance. There are so many cracks to fall through. But I already got his older brother to college.”
Humans of New York [September 26, 2013]
This little boy is so lucky to have someone fighting for him to succeed.
9. One true love
“If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?”
“Be in love.”
“How many times have you been in love?”
“Once.”
And then he walked away.
Humans of New York [April 9, 2013]
In a world of temporary, physically charged relationships, his story is especially beautiful. I wonder who his lucky woman is.
10. Dedicated service
“What was the proudest moment of your life?”
“The first time I put on this uniform.”
Humans of New York [July 4, 2013]
We don't take enough time to thank the people who are selflessly serving to protect our country. They are the true heroes.
11. The importance of staying grounded
"I write in my journal everyday."
“Why’s that?”
“So much happens in life, I think it’s good to live it again and get some distance from it. Or else everything is in a muddle, like on a merry-go-round.”
Humans of New York [September 5, 2013]
I really admire the dedication that it takes to step back from the craziness of life and reflect on things.
12. Understanding others
“I knew a girl in high school that always complained about having anxiety. I used to make fun of her a little bit. It looked like nothing to me. So I assumed it was nothing. And I dealt with it by trying to convince her that it was nothing. I called her recently to apologize. I’ve had really bad anxiety ever since my father died. And it’s definitely not nothing. It’s the indescribable fear of nothing.”
Humans of New York [February 17, 2016]
It's easy to undermine someone else's struggles when we don't understand how they feel. I admire this guy for apologizing so many years later, because that takes some serious courage.
13. Through the eyes of a child
“We walked all around this big museum. A museum is a place where you can see art or animals. This museum has stuff like Jesus and I saw a statue of somebody cutting a head. I’ve been drawing the statues but I’m not good at drawing lips, and the hands have three fingers instead of five because that’s easier. I probably shouldn’t show you this one because… I don’t want to say it. You can see their… their… their…. butts.”
Humans of New York [February 17, 2016]
This girl is just so sweet and innocent. The things that she found important and interesting in the museum just show the mind of a child who is constantly learning more about the world.
14. A fashion statement
“You don’t have to show your skin to get attention.”
Humans of New York [January 17, 2016]
I would love to know who this lady is. She is confident in herself and doesn't need approval from others.
15. The family dog
“We let our 4-year-old name the dog. So this is Broccoli.”
Humans of New York [November 22, 2015]
I love that they actually kept the name the 4-year-old gave the dog. This will be one of those stories that the family will tell for years to come.
