For me, really good stories are ones that I am able to relate to in some way, give me a new perspective, or are uplifting. As I have mentioned in previous blog posts, I am more inclined to share a story, picture or tweet if it positively impacts me in some way. The examples I include below are ones that immediately come to mind when I think about what a good story should be.
A New York Times story I came across about a year ago has forever changed my perspective on what love can mean. I know that is a big statement, but this story really hit home with me. It opened my eyes to an idea about love I never previously knew or thought about. I also read it immediately following a break up, so it was definitely what I needed at the perfect time. The columnist suggests that love can be a “rest stop” rather than a destination. Life isn’t always about finding the one perfect person. An individual may meet many people throughout their life who bring them joy and happiness, and it is the culmination of those experiences that make you a better person. In essence, true love can happen more than once, and may reveal itself in a number of different ways. I would have never thought about it like this without reading this article, and I still go back and read it at times because I think the message is so profound.
Secondly, I think stories that are uplifting in some way are especially good. I still cry whenever watching this story in particular. Heath White’s daughter is born with Down syndrome, and he is convinced that he will never grow to accept her. However, as the story progresses, we see how close the two grow. White starts taking Paisley, in a stroller, as he runs marathons with her right along with him. The story contains such strong elements of family, resilience, acceptance and love. We really get to see White’s full transformation into someone who is not only accepting, but fully devoted to supporting individuals with Down syndrome.
“Humans of New York” is an example of a culmination of different stories that contain all three of the elements described above that I look for in a good story. Some of these stories can be relatable, but also eye opening. For someone who lives right near New York City, it’s fascinating to read and learn about people from all different walks of life who happen to live in close proximity to you.
“This is the man who inspired us to begin helping refugees. We met Father Stratis back in 2008, when refugees…" pic.twitter.com/pj9dxhtdqZ
— Brandon Stanton (@humansofny) October 1, 2015
I love this story in particular, because it is an example of how meeting someone just by chance can drastically change your life for the better. I truly believe it is these kinds of stories that give people hope, and inspire them to be their best selves. This is the content that people internalize and remember for years to come.