A Twitter convo about self-appreciation was the best thing on the internet this week
This is One Good Thing, a weekly column where we tell you about one of the few nice things that happened this week.
This week, a bunch of people had a really nice conversation about change, self-acceptance, and personal growth. On Twitter. (Yes, that is possible.)
It all started when writer and 112BK host Ashley Ford posed a question to her followers on Sunday. "What's something you hated about yourself as a kid or teenager that you now consider a strength?" she asked.
What's something you hated about yourself as a kid or teenager that you now consider a strength?
— Ashley C. Ford (@iSmashFizzle) September 30, 2018
The answers flooded in almost immediately. People talked about their issues with body image, personality traits that made them feel "weird" in middle school, their heritage, their hair – things that used to make them feel bad, but that they now embrace as a vital part of their identities.
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My heritage. I pushed it away for so long and so badly wanted to be named Kyle and have green eyes. My latino heritage has brought me so much joy, perspective, and I can say whatever I want in Spanish https://t.co/n4Nw3xUADr
— Joe Rodriguez (@jrodriguez713) September 30, 2018
My thighs my thighs my thighs!!! I used to hate how big they were but i play rugby now and they make me a stronger player. Took 18 years to love them but I wouldn’t trade em for the world these days https://t.co/33vq6ZaXuB
— mel (@mellyrox) September 30, 2018
A few individuals even mentioned their names, which used cause them stress because other people found them hard to spell.
"[I] heavily resented something that was intrinsically mine for so long & felt like it was my fault no one could get it right," one user, Elize Oliverio, tweeted. "Now I wear it like a badge of honor."
my name!I was always so anxious when met with substitute teachers' mispronunciations, people's continual misspellings. Heavily resented something that was intrinsically mine for so long& felt like it was my fault no one could ever get it right- now I wear it like a badge of honor https://t.co/4rvqIrUN8V
— Elize Oliverio (@elizenotelise) October 1, 2018
it's not the first time this sort of conversation has happened on Twitter. Believe it or not, the platform can be a powerful source of encouragement and support, particularly for women, the LGBTQ community, and people of color.
But this particular conversation was notable for its directness. Once the responses were gathered into a Twitter Moment, all the participants' stories were on a single page. For readers – particularly the millions of teens on Twitter – who might be struggling with their own self-worth, the effect is potentially very powerful. They'll see a group of people, speaking with clarity, for whom life got better.
My intersecting identities, having been born in Kenya and growing up in Norway. Had a hard time fully identifying with just one of those countries. As an adult the ability to seamlessly go from one to another, with the accompanying cultural competencies has been a huge advantage. https://t.co/ktVfuagC3N
— Cynthia Wamwayi 🌔 (@CynthiaWamwayi) September 30, 2018
My size. I was a shy insecure nerd in a body meant to be on offensive line. I stood out. I was clumsy and I broke things.
The Army helped me learn that my size and strength were not a thing to be afraid of https://t.co/KUxOf99YeY— Ian James Krohn (@IanKrohn) September 30, 2018
growing up in a family where every member has an anxiety disorder. turns out, all that forging in the fire has made me pretty great in any crisis. https://t.co/2rMjjNyEy9
— LJ 🖖🏼🖤 AT NYCC (@alsoknownasLJ) September 30, 2018
My sensitivity. I wished I was tougher. Now, I think that gives me more empathy to tell other people's stories, and makes me a better friend. https://t.co/cXkNqdSDJA
— Sarah Rappaport (@SarahRapp) September 30, 2018
My 'nerdyness'/inquisitiveness. A primary school teacher said 'I soak up information like a sponge' but I always got picked on in school for being curious and wanting to learn. https://t.co/Jhb8cxLLWF
— Tay Aziz (@scicomm_tay) October 1, 2018
My height. I hated "intimidating people" (read: men). Now I love having power without even trying lol. https://t.co/N8ktMbBwch
— Tee Ess (@PreachnGeek) October 1, 2018
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