Let’s call it compassion. Empathy is like climbing down in to a hole and experiencing the same thing, where Compassion is connecting while describing a way they can climb out. ❤
Exactly. I hope she saw this, and that it had the same effect on her. People DO care, and you DO matter, and it's not always easy or even possible to see it, but it's true.
Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul, And sings the tune without the words. And never stops at all, And sweetest in the gale is heard; And sore must be the storm That could abash the little bird That kept so many warm. I've heard it in the chillest land, And on the strangest sea; Yet, never, in extremity, It asked a crumb of me. - Emily Dickinson The poem is so beautiful and it plays such a tune in my heart that I had to write the whole poem here.
Thank you for leaving it here for passersby. This poem did a better job helping me understand myself within minutes than a good majority of my therapists did within months.
I know you weren’t at your happiest as a hospital chaplain, but this moment demonstrates that you are really skilled at that work and must have brought comfort to many in that role
It's such a difficult role to fill, because if you care enough to be good at it, you are very likely to care enough that it will wreck you, which is what John struggled with. I know I couldn't do it.
I hope you can hear the song now, even if it might be faint! I’m leaving this comment here to sit with yours, even if it doesn’t fix or help with anything. You’re not alone. And maybe others will come across this and want to leave their comments to sit with ours. They’re not alone, either.
When you can't hear the song of hope, please remember this quote from JRR Tolkien: "This shadow is but a small and passing thing. There is light and high beauty forever beyond its reach." Keep going. Please.
You may have quoted a poet, but your statement in saying “I’m really sorry that you are in so much pain, and your pain is real.” Is the most powerful thing I have heard today.
I've been going through getting a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and care plan for years now. And the symptoms make you feel like you've lost your mind. And the pain is so so intense. My doctor needed to refer me to a rheumatologist to get help and that did, but one of the most helpful things she did was tell me, "it's going to take some time to figure this out, but this is real, and we're going to work on it." That changed everything. From feeling on my own, crying myself to sleep in pain. To going through something, but having people on my side.
@@GlorifiedGremlinwe will always need each other - and knowing someone understands you and is honest enough to admit things are bad, but they will be there until it’s better, is a true kindness. It is not validation for vanity. “The song of hope is still singing,” and for me - I have often found it sung loudest from the lips of my friends
The start of this poem always reminded me of "we can't always see the stars. But just because the skies are cloudy doesn't mean they're gone" Thanks for finding such beautiful words.
@CZcamsIsRetarded689 when you're in her position it's hard to see. But things do get better, and they get better a lot of the time and for a lot of people. I promise
For someone who has grown up not crying enough, it's an odd sensation to spontaneously cry at a CZcams short. Damn this man can articulate things beautifully.
going through the same thing haha, went from being unable to cry despite wanting to, to having a "crying over something one of the Green brothers said" moment nearly everyday. they didn't cause this change alone don't get me wrong, but they sure are great catalysts for it
This hit me like a truck. When I heard the last few seconds of this I just started crying on the spot. Thank you. I will keep this short in my stash of comforting content and I will make sure to think about it every once in a while
Thank you. I’m really struggling with severe depression and hopelessness. This is a beautiful sentiment. I wrote it down and hung it up in my kitchen to remind myself.
My momma died in June... today is her birthday. I needed this poem. Thank you John. I love your brother for keeping my science eye open, and you for keeping me grounded. ❤
"I'm really sorry that you are in so much pain, and your pain is real." Those are the words that will stay with me. Just being heard and understood goes a long way toward helping someone feel better. Being heard instead of blown off and ignored. Well done as usual, John. Edit: spelling
I'm not in a particularly hopeless place in my life. I'm doing good, I have loved ones around me, I'm free to pursue my dreams... all the things that inspire hope in us. But I've been hopeless before. I've felt that despair in the dead of night, the dread that nothing will ever get better. And even though it's been years since I felt that way, your reading of Emily Dickinson's poem brought tears to me eyes. Powerful words read by such an empathetic voice.
I feel the same. I'm glad you got out of that dark place and I'm sorry you had to go through that. And I want to add that if we could both get out of the trap of despair, anyone can.
That was one of the most beautiful, kind, caring exchanges I have witnessed on the internet. Thank you for speaking such profound words with obviously true emotion and love behind those words. I know that she isn’t the only one who needed to hear this. I needed to hear this. Thank you. 💜💜💜
I wrote you an email back in middle school. Me and my older sister did, and we both got responses. I can’t even begin to explain the elation I felt in that moment. You have impacted me through your words for years. Your empathy is so beautiful to see ! We love you. Going through a traumatic time in my life, and I can’t even rely on books. So seeing one of my favorite authors be so kind I’d just so amazing. This made me cry
I love that youtube gives me this short periodically. It really helped me in my own moment of need and I think about it a lot when things start going bad. Thank you John
So I am a palliative care doctor in a busy city hospital I only recently became acquainted with your voice online and in books And you have helped a great deal; making me comfortable expressing empathy and exploring my own thoughts about what disease means and how to go about addressing it with people once medicine has ceased to be about curing and moved on to being about comforting So thank you for everything you put out there because you are helping so many people
@Tina Wexler Thank you for providing palliative care. My mom recently died. It gave me hope for humanity to know that when I glimpsed her pain coming on I would be able to help. The medications and education that the hospice doctors, nurses, and social workers provided to make the ending of her life more comfortable. And thank you John for assisting any of us that are lucky enough to find you when we need to hear things like this.
John, you made me cry. You inspired me. You gave me hope. Depression sucks. Pain sucks. Whatever the issue and whether it’s temporary or chronic, hang in there folks. ❤
I finished therapy and lay down and cried for a bit because the despair is so overwhelming. Went to CZcams to distract myself and found this. Thank you. This is probably the most helpful thing I've heard during this time of darkness I'm in.
@@bekkipickettI'm so glad you were able to reach out and get help. I know from personal experience just how hard and scary that can be, and I'm so proud of you.
Never had a CZcams short make me full on cry before… my little sister recently passed from a rare form of cancer and I’ve heard more “hopeful sentiments” than I could count. But somehow it was this that I needed to hear right now. I can’t thank you enough!
As someone whose job is to raise money for cancer patients, I am so sorry to read this and my heart aches for you. I meet many amazing people through my work and it’s extremely painful to know that a disease exists that’s so horrific, unjust, unfair, and evil and it has taken SO much away from so many people. But there are a lot of people, researchers and doctors who work day and night tirelessly to find new treatments and make sure that someday nobody will ever have to go through what you’re going through again. And that personally gives me a ton of hope to keep going, I hope it encourages you too ❤ so many people out there know what you’re going through and have a lot of love to share with you.
Hey, my sister died from a rare disease a few years ago. I understand how you feel. Grief is a very difficult and nonlinear process but I hope that you can find love, support, and comfort throughout your journey and that you heed John's words that your pain is completely valid throughout the process. I am so sorry to hear about your loss.
Hey, I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my husband to cancer almost 3 years ago. I didn’t get out of bed for most of the first year. I worked from bed and when I wasn’t working, I slept. It’s the hardest of times but it does get better, time does provide relief and you do process the grief and heal some of the wound. This poem was posted at my desk for a very very long time. Sending you all the love ❤
Thank you so much. My gf has issues with depression and today was extra bad with stress from uni on her shoulders and she has a hard time even getting out of bed and eating. I sent this to her after I teared up and she did as well. She got enough energy to shower and eat. Thank you, John. ❤️
@@iche9373 unfortunately a diet change doesn't magically make depression go away, since it's usually caused by trauma or something unrelated to diet. You can't "cure" something without treating the root cause.
Hey. Just checking in on both of you. I'm rooting for you two, wonderful worthy internet strangers, and I hope your lives have gotten easier/they will ❤️
I've been in a hopeless pit of depair the last 7 months fighting for a roof over my head and food in my pantry. Thank you so so much for this. Thank you. These are the words I've needed to hear.
I'm so sorry. Sometimes life really does feel so fucked up, but I promise, there is still good in the world. I'm not trying to minimise your struggles or invalidate your emotions, all I'm saying is that things can get better, and you HAVE to hold on. I truly wish the best for you and I'm so proud of you for making it this far.
This was the most compassionate and beautiful thing that I have ever heard in response to a question like that. I have never read much poetry or Emily Dickinson but I think I might start. Thank you for your compassion. I might be in that same place as that young woman was but I needed to hear what you said. 💗
Thank you. As a disabled, young 20 something this is the only sentiment that ive ever felt deep in my soul, not through years of therapy and medications have I ever been able to feel it quite like this. I love Emily Dickenson so much and I'm so grateful for your message - it means more than you will ever be able to quantify
Disabled early 50 something here, and one way to find hope is to look at your inner strength. To pause & admire that you’ve come this far. It can be so difficult to keep going with all the additional hardships we face. Some days I gotta dig deep & some days that doesn’t quite work. My love of birds & the sky & so much beauty in nature helps. Being mindful while in nature or taking a moment to appreciate the shapes of clouds can help. ✨Sending you hugs and good energy✨
Another disabled 20 something here.. I hope everyone in this thread is able to hear that song right now.. I’m hoping I’ll be able to hear it again soon too..
You made me cry, but in a good way. Emily Dickinson has a way with words and your recital of it just hit perfect. Thank you for being so kind and amazing. 💜
This poem got me through some really rough times back in highschool so hearing someone finally say the things it meant to me, I started tearing up a little. Thank you
I also love her poem that goes like this, it's gotten me through a lot: "If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain, Or help one fainting robin Unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain. "
"Hope, the last and most terrible thing to leave Pandora's box." I have loved this quote and interpretation of hope even though it's not as positive as Emily Dickenson's, which is fantastic as well.
The fact that someone wants to find hope is evidence of the hope that already exists within themselves. The fact that I want things to matter and feel like there’s hope shows that I have an deeper hope clinging onto those wishes. I take solace in believing that happier, hopeful part of me still WANTS to feel better ❤
This reminds me of that "I need a stick" poem about depression and asking for help. I'd recommend anyone Google the full thing, but the gist is p much the above. It goes smthn like... "Asking for help is not weak. The way I see it, you've been fighting for so long. You're injured, bleeding out, prob suffering some sort of delirious fever, went through enemy territory for ages trying to live, hoping to see a friendly face... And going 'oh thank god, give me anything, give me a stick and I'll fight them off!' And I, I'm just handing out sticks."
this short got recommended to me at the best possible time. i’m going through so much & its so hard to hear hope singing right now. thank you john for the incredibly insightful words💛💛💛
I'm going through a tough time and just feeling the weight of a lot of things that aren't getting better. Videos like these give me a little reminder that hope is out there.
There is hope and it's easier to feel if you've had some kind of spectacular experience which raises your concept of "maximum happiness" In my case, I have had some stupendous & unexpected wonderful moments which have left me forever hopeful, because I know what great joys are possible
I’m experiencing this as well. I’m feeling trapped…unraveled. It’s been a long time, and it’s still there. I’m watching my life slip by, and that terrible feeling of despair creeping in… Hang in there. Hope has kept me going this far.
“Hope’s not a four letter word” Shinedown being a band focused on dealing with mental health has truly gotten me through a lot, this is just a nice little lyric of theirs. Essentially you can’t just have hope as if the word itself is enough, you have to create it by embracing what you know and have.
Have you heard Citizen Soldiers songs? I am only a little familiar with Shinedown, but I think you may like them, as Citizen also sing about mental health ❤
I feel like the phrase "Everything happens for a reason" really minimizes suffering. Sure, maybe everything does happen for a reason, but that still doesn't make things any easier, or make it okay that people have to go through so much pain.
I'm crying at a lunch counter, John, with appreciation for a good man and a pile of love to that gal. Message from the future: keep listening. We need ya, girly.
I have been a peripheral nerdfighter for almost half of my life now, and throughout that time, John and this quote have always had a knack of showing up in my life at times when I need it. I will always be grateful to be reminded of hope's presence, especially when I struggle to hear it for myself.
When I was first struggling with depression I found John’s playlist for meaningful songs. Cat Powers’ color and the kids got me through so much. To this day I cry for my old self and relief that I am better.
Thanks John, there are lots of people who need this. Things are just getting better for me, but for the last 9 months I worked myself to exhaustion, ending with getting a serious 2-month long illness that I thought would never improve.
I like the sentiment that there is always an opportunity for things to get better. It’s hard really hard but there’s always a chance and you gotta hold onto it.
This always comes back around to me in the times I most need it. Thank you John for everything you and your amazing network of people do to give a little more Good and Hope in this world ❤
Short poems are so wonderfully here-and-now. They can only capture this moment, this breath, this view. I think that the emotions they capture are immediate and can therefore comfort our immediate emotions.
Is that what it means to not be depressed? To be able to hear hope singing? I feel like I never know not now. Because it feels like I’m always battling this.
I've been depressed & I've been maximally joyful, so let me tell you. Pain always rains on us all. To not be depressed means to let it flow past and enjoy what glimmers. Here's some practical advice that worked for me to be never hopeless: Actively try to create, for yourself, and experience which brings you overwhelming happiness beyond what you've ever imagined. If you have spectacular joy in your history, it feels like the chance for it's return is always within reach
I’ve been in mental rehab, and while I can’t say that I hear hope’s song everyday, I have felt it more often now. When I first heard it again it is like a weight being lifted and a breath of fresh air. Hope to me is a feeling of trust between me and the universe that I will feel safe. It feels like being comforted by the idea what is to become. Having faith that things can be better. While you may not have hope now, I have hope that you will someday will too.
I don't think not being depressed allows us to always hear hope singing, maybe it means we don't forget that the singing is there even when we can't hear it.
Like a lot of replies here, I have been struggling with depression for over 30 years. There's been days where I didn't think I would see another sunrise. You just have to hang in there. Reach out for and seek help. xo
Even those who aren't depressed will have periods where they can't hear the song of hope, and can only remember that it's there. I think that depression doesn't just mask the song of hope, but robs us of even the memory of music, leaving us in nothing less than oppressive silence. And, well. I can't really say if this will work for you- I am not you, and you are not me, so we have no guarantee that what works for us will work for the other- but... If you can't hear anything, and the silence is drowning you... I think it's perfectly valid to scream to fill that silence. To scream, rather than allow that silence to be all that remains. People say that living with spite isn't healthy, or okay. I think that spite can be completely healthy and not just okay, but _good._ I think that what matters most is what it motivates you to do. If spite gives you the motivation to say, "I'm not going to die and let this win." Or, "I'm not going to give the people who hurt me the satisfaction of seeing me die before them. I WILL survive to mock them in their grave, rather than let them have the privilege to do so to me." If you can't hear hope... then sing your own song, even if it happens to be metal. And try to find those who will sing it with you.
I needed to hear this so badly. I paid my rent late last month and my landlord evicted me after I was told that payment would stop any eviction proceedings. I have two small children and a business to run but now have 5 days to find a place and move, all of which is expensive. Anyone seeing this please pray for me. We’ll be fine in the end, but oh my goodness it sucks. And anyone else going through some deeply terrible stuff, I pray for you. Our Lady of Perpetual Help, pray for us.
You've made it through every tough situation in life to this point. The current one is the hardest thing you've dealt with, not because it is more difficult, but because it is present.
Your words have added to her poem and turned it into a Quote the has lifted me up from when I first encountered this till today and will keep listing me up. So I thank you for your kind and wise words.
I really wish that this video was around when I was at my lowest - when nothing seemed to give me hope, everything sounding like bullshit. I know it would have struck a chord with me then. It makes me sing now.
This video is just like one of those hugs from a loved one that comes at a time when you need it desperately but didn’t realize that, and it yanks the pain and the cry out of you. ❤️ Thank you John
This greatly helped me after my brother's passing, and I recited the poem for his eulogy, as he was a hopeful soul who often saddled with the heavy burden's of life. This video meant the world to me. I thought of you and your brother often with his recent health struggles. Thank you both for all you do
This made me cry (right now anyone empathetic makes me cry), but then I felt a tiny spark in my chest imagining those feathers, that song of hope always playing. Thank you, I needed that. Having a tough time and struggling to claw my way out of my deep hole 💔
John, I love this. Not only do I love Emily Dickinson and your empathy, compassion and love for another human is palpable. And I needed your message today, so thank you 😊
This found me again in a very bad time in my life and I am so deeply thankful it did. It's been hard to find a reason to be. I needed to hear this. Thank you.
That was so beautiful. I can count on one hand how many times I’ve heard authentic empathy in the tone of someone’s voice on here. This is one of those rare times.
Thank you for extending kindness to this young lady. I second this sentiment. The clouds will eventually part. We just have to wait it out. Please don't give up.❤
This man will always find new ways of making me tear up. Like, he's done it for years now and I hope it continues for forever because we need more people like John and Hank ♡
You know what other song never stops playing in your soul? Spite. For me, even when I can no longer hear the song of hope, the song of spite is still there for me to hold onto, to give me strength to hold on just to show all the haters that I'm not ever going to give up and let them win.
Thank you so much. I suffer from Chrons disease and have been in and out of the hospital since Christmas eve and was losing a bit of that myself. This made me week a lot better.
…god I’ve just spent the last 5 minutes absolutely drowning in my own fucking tears.. those words you spoke John completely shattered the bullshit armour and denial of my heart and hit my soul like a tidal wave. Fuck as I’m writing this right now I’m pausing every few sentences cause I can’t stop these tears.. Thank you ❤️ Words cannot do justice for the love and compassion you have given to me today. My heart needed a miracle to find a way out of the dark and you’ve shown me a little light to guide it’s way. I’ll never forget this moment ❤️💯
Oh I needed this so badly. I’m in physical pain from my 11th EDS surgery and it’s the first without my mom (she died 4 years ago this month). My faith helps, but I’ve never heard hope described so beautifully and so realistically. The idea that the song of hope is always singing even when I can’t hear is so helpful. Reminds me of my favorite song “even when it hurts”
I'm so incredibly sorry to hear and hope your doctors can help you improve your EDS! Another way I sometimes think about it is, when people say "things will get better" and all that, they are correct in the most literal sense. Things have to get better for you mentally when you are feeling your worst, in terms of homeostasis, you won't be able to keep up the sadness and so it will get better! That is a thought that comforts me sometimes, just knowing that from a physical energy standpoint at some point my sadness will have no choice but to subside. Sending love, good thoughts and healing to you
Hey, I have EDS as well! I know it's hard, but we'll push through. If there's one thing I've learned from this, it's that there's always a little more strength in us. It's hard, but hope is always there, even when we can't here it. We think "surely I can't take more..." and yet there is a reprieve, and yet there are even deeper wells of strength within us. I hope things get easier for you, but even more, I hope you find the endless strength you always had within yourself, that makes it easier to hold on until the next reprieve. My well wishes to you, I know you, and I, can do it. ^_^
The slight quivering in John's voice when he tries to make it through a sentence makes me cry
Yeah. That got me too…
Same. That wrecked me. What a great human.
Yep. Absolutely lost it.
Same. Goddamnit. Stupid human emotions!!
Ducking onions man!
And the award for the most empathetic person on the internet goes to
Thank you so much. Guys, guys, stop.
Hank
@@thomasmitchell4128 😂
@@Sip_Dhit beat me to it
Let’s call it compassion. Empathy is like climbing down in to a hole and experiencing the same thing, where Compassion is connecting while describing a way they can climb out. ❤
"The song of hope is still singing. I know you can't hear it, but someday soon you will."
- John Green
Absolutely beautiful. I want that quote on my wall somewhere, so I can always hear it.
Damn this John guy is really good with words he should write a book or something
Sounds like a lyric
How stupid are people like you that you think that life can't be horrible all the time forever?
With a little switch it becomes even more poetic "the song of hope is singing still, I know you can't hear it but someday soon you will.
What gives me hope is seeing this type of kindness
Exactly. I hope she saw this, and that it had the same effect on her. People DO care, and you DO matter, and it's not always easy or even possible to see it, but it's true.
Bro I misread that as sadness at first and had to do a double take
Sometimes all you need is a tiny little flame to see in the dark.
It is better to have acceptance of one’s situation than hope.
Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words.
And never stops at all,
And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.
I've heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.
- Emily Dickinson
The poem is so beautiful and it plays such a tune in my heart that I had to write the whole poem here.
Thank you for leaving it here for passersby. This poem did a better job helping me understand myself within minutes than a good majority of my therapists did within months.
Thank you! I imagine very few people would've went to find the poem themselves.
Thank you ❤
I never actually read the whole thing, thank you
Thank you ❤
I know you weren’t at your happiest as a hospital chaplain, but this moment demonstrates that you are really skilled at that work and must have brought comfort to many in that role
When was John Green a hospital chaplain
@@allisonavery7273 Before he became a writer/internet celebrity. He wrote about it in The Anthropocene Reviewed.
@@potatocow3305 ah, thanks. I haven’t read that one yet
@@allisonavery7273 No problem. I'm glad I could help.
It's such a difficult role to fill, because if you care enough to be good at it, you are very likely to care enough that it will wreck you, which is what John struggled with. I know I couldn't do it.
As someone who searched "how to have hope" and this came up. I'm crying so hard rn, thank you for this video.
I hope you can hear the song now, even if it might be faint!
I’m leaving this comment here to sit with yours, even if it doesn’t fix or help with anything. You’re not alone.
And maybe others will come across this and want to leave their comments to sit with ours. They’re not alone, either.
❤❤❤
When you can't hear the song of hope, please remember this quote from JRR Tolkien: "This shadow is but a small and passing thing. There is light and high beauty forever beyond its reach."
Keep going. Please.
Me and you both. Hope is a precious commodity. The song is still playing, even if its out of tune sometimes.
You may have quoted a poet, but your statement in saying “I’m really sorry that you are in so much pain, and your pain is real.” Is the most powerful thing I have heard today.
It shouldn't be lol You shouldn't need others to validate your human experience
I've been going through getting a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and care plan for years now. And the symptoms make you feel like you've lost your mind. And the pain is so so intense. My doctor needed to refer me to a rheumatologist to get help and that did, but one of the most helpful things she did was tell me, "it's going to take some time to figure this out, but this is real, and we're going to work on it."
That changed everything. From feeling on my own, crying myself to sleep in pain. To going through something, but having people on my side.
@@GlorifiedGremlinwe will always need each other - and knowing someone understands you and is honest enough to admit things are bad, but they will be there until it’s better, is a true kindness. It is not validation for vanity.
“The song of hope is still singing,” and for me - I have often found it sung loudest from the lips of my friends
@@GlorifiedGremlin Maybe you shouldn't, but sometimes you do. That's just part of the human experience aswell.
The start of this poem always reminded me of "we can't always see the stars. But just because the skies are cloudy doesn't mean they're gone"
Thanks for finding such beautiful words.
I like to say:
It feels safe to hide, but there's no sunshine behind our walls. Let your heart grow strong in the bright, cold open!
@@LukeNasti Ew. Don't say that anymore. On behalf of those with ears and eyes, thank you for don't'ing that anymore.
@@thomasmitchell4128 Who those, we? Nay we not no way y'all we!
@@thomasmitchell4128 you got through 2 other poems but got to this 3rd one and decided "yeah this really isnt my thing"
@@defectivepikachu4582 avoiding what makes you feel safe or comfortable isn't the way
"The light-soaked days are coming." If I was ever going to get any quote tattooed, it would be that one. Thank you, John Green.
I have Edgar Allen Poe quotes tattooed all over me, wish I'd thought of this one before.
+
This too shall pass... although it has a double edged meaning.
Okay this finally got me properly crying
No they aren't, the universe dies in darkness and cold moron.
When you're reaching out for help, this is the person you want to hear reaching back to you.
I hope that lady’s life got better. I remember seeing this for the first time and hoping that her situation gets better.
Me too 🫂🫂
Why would it?
@CZcamsIsRetarded689 when you're in her position it's hard to see. But things do get better, and they get better a lot of the time and for a lot of people. I promise
@@littleleakyleakythere But they don't for everyone.
@@CZcamsIsRetarded689they do always get better suffering doesn’t last forever everything is finite
For someone who has grown up not crying enough, it's an odd sensation to spontaneously cry at a CZcams short. Damn this man can articulate things beautifully.
It really is, and the pressure that releases when you didn’t even think about it building up in the first place . John is an A+ human for sure. ❤
Was coming to the comments to say the same thing. I think these were words that I needed to hear today, but I didn't know it until after I heard them.
going through the same thing haha, went from being unable to cry despite wanting to, to having a "crying over something one of the Green brothers said" moment nearly everyday. they didn't cause this change alone don't get me wrong, but they sure are great catalysts for it
Aaaaaaaaah, so what wasn’t the only one 😊❣️
🫂
This hit me like a truck. When I heard the last few seconds of this I just started crying on the spot. Thank you. I will keep this short in my stash of comforting content and I will make sure to think about it every once in a while
Me too. ❤
Seriously me too
Same. I needed it exactly when it found me
Got it too
It got me too.
Thank you. I’m really struggling with severe depression and hopelessness. This is a beautiful sentiment. I wrote it down and hung it up in my kitchen to remind myself.
I'm sorry it's hard. I'm there too. I'm really glad you're here with us 💚
My momma died in June... today is her birthday. I needed this poem. Thank you John.
I love your brother for keeping my science eye open, and you for keeping me grounded. ❤
Those anniversaries and birthdays can be SO HARD. I relate.
(((BIGGGGG HUGGGGGGGG)))
Great comment ☺️
Both beautifully unique guys, their parents must be amazing people 💜🇦🇺💜
Sorry you lost your Mum hun,big hugs from down under
I am crying because it seemed like you wanted to cry with her, then your quote nailed it and I am a mess. I needed to hear this today, thank you!!
Same 😭
"I'm really sorry that you are in so much pain, and your pain is real." Those are the words that will stay with me. Just being heard and understood goes a long way toward helping someone feel better.
Being heard instead of blown off and ignored. Well done as usual, John.
Edit: spelling
I cried thinking your talking directly to me. I’m sure everyone needed to hear this ❤
I'm not in a particularly hopeless place in my life. I'm doing good, I have loved ones around me, I'm free to pursue my dreams... all the things that inspire hope in us. But I've been hopeless before. I've felt that despair in the dead of night, the dread that nothing will ever get better. And even though it's been years since I felt that way, your reading of Emily Dickinson's poem brought tears to me eyes. Powerful words read by such an empathetic voice.
I feel the same. I'm glad you got out of that dark place and I'm sorry you had to go through that. And I want to add that if we could both get out of the trap of despair, anyone can.
That was one of the most beautiful, kind, caring exchanges I have witnessed on the internet. Thank you for speaking such profound words with obviously true emotion and love behind those words. I know that she isn’t the only one who needed to hear this. I needed to hear this. Thank you. 💜💜💜
I wrote you an email back in middle school. Me and my older sister did, and we both got responses. I can’t even begin to explain the elation I felt in that moment. You have impacted me through your words for years. Your empathy is so beautiful to see ! We love you.
Going through a traumatic time in my life, and I can’t even rely on books. So seeing one of my favorite authors be so kind I’d just so amazing. This made me cry
Hope things get better for you.
I think it made most of us tear up tbh.
Thanks John, as a teen going through bad mental health and friendship issues this made me cry, you have no idea how many people need to hear this
I love that youtube gives me this short periodically. It really helped me in my own moment of need and I think about it a lot when things start going bad. Thank you John
So I am a palliative care doctor in a busy city hospital
I only recently became acquainted with your voice online and in books
And you have helped a great deal; making me comfortable expressing empathy and exploring my own thoughts about what disease means and how to go about addressing it with people once medicine has ceased to be about curing and moved on to being about comforting
So thank you for everything you put out there because you are helping so many people
Thank you for doing such important human work
Doc Tina Thank You.
Thank you SO much for your service, Doc Tina ❤️
@Tina Wexler Thank you for providing palliative care. My mom recently died. It gave me hope for humanity to know that when I glimpsed her pain coming on I would be able to help. The medications and education that the hospice doctors, nurses, and social workers provided to make the ending of her life more comfortable.
And thank you John for assisting any of us that are lucky enough to find you when we need to hear things like this.
I am so glad you are there for people facing death.
John, you made me cry. You inspired me. You gave me hope. Depression sucks. Pain sucks. Whatever the issue and whether it’s temporary or chronic, hang in there folks. ❤
I'm crying too. The poem was nice, but John's words were so beautifully empathetic.
@@digitalcitizen4533 they really were, and genuine too.
Hang in there Alyna!!!
Truth.
Hugs❤❤❤everybody who wants gets hugs❤❤❤❤safe warm hugs❤❤❤
I feel like her right now. Completely beaten down by life. Hearing your words helped a bit. Thank you.
Hey, have things gotten any better? Are you doing okay?
I'm proud of you.
I just want you to know you're not alone.
I finished therapy and lay down and cried for a bit because the despair is so overwhelming. Went to CZcams to distract myself and found this. Thank you. This is probably the most helpful thing I've heard during this time of darkness I'm in.
Hey, I hope things have improved for you in the last six months.
I'm proud of you for hanging in there.
@@Rachel-fi4sc that's so nice of you! They have, actually! Not perfect, it's a slow climb, but getting better. ❤️
@@bekkipickett I'm really glad things are improving. You're doing so well.
@@bekkipickettI'm so glad you were able to reach out and get help. I know from personal experience just how hard and scary that can be, and I'm so proud of you.
@@timscott6793 thank you ❤️ it has not been easy. Every is a struggle, but thankfully I think it's a struggle in the right direction .
Never had a CZcams short make me full on cry before… my little sister recently passed from a rare form of cancer and I’ve heard more “hopeful sentiments” than I could count. But somehow it was this that I needed to hear right now. I can’t thank you enough!
As someone whose job is to raise money for cancer patients, I am so sorry to read this and my heart aches for you. I meet many amazing people through my work and it’s extremely painful to know that a disease exists that’s so horrific, unjust, unfair, and evil and it has taken SO much away from so many people. But there are a lot of people, researchers and doctors who work day and night tirelessly to find new treatments and make sure that someday nobody will ever have to go through what you’re going through again. And that personally gives me a ton of hope to keep going, I hope it encourages you too ❤ so many people out there know what you’re going through and have a lot of love to share with you.
Hey, I hope it gets better
Hey, my sister died from a rare disease a few years ago. I understand how you feel. Grief is a very difficult and nonlinear process but I hope that you can find love, support, and comfort throughout your journey and that you heed John's words that your pain is completely valid throughout the process. I am so sorry to hear about your loss.
Im so sorry for your loss ❤️ I hope you can hear the song of hope soon one day
Hey, I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my husband to cancer almost 3 years ago. I didn’t get out of bed for most of the first year. I worked from bed and when I wasn’t working, I slept. It’s the hardest of times but it does get better, time does provide relief and you do process the grief and heal some of the wound. This poem was posted at my desk for a very very long time. Sending you all the love ❤
Thank you so much. My gf has issues with depression and today was extra bad with stress from uni on her shoulders and she has a hard time even getting out of bed and eating. I sent this to her after I teared up and she did as well. She got enough energy to shower and eat. Thank you, John. ❤️
Tell her to cure her depression by adopting a keto lifestyle
@@iche9373There is a TIME AND PLACE! Who raised you?!
@@iche9373 unfortunately a diet change doesn't magically make depression go away, since it's usually caused by trauma or something unrelated to diet. You can't "cure" something without treating the root cause.
@@cameronschyuder9034 The truth is that a keto diet can deal with depression according to psychiatrist Dr. Christ Palmer.
I actually started crying. This is something we will all need to head during our lifetimes and I’m just glad I got to hear it now
This is another reason why I love John Green. He really is a a complete and utter blessing to this earth.
Damn, John, you got me crying over a CZcams short! I wish you, and the woman in the beginning, the best of vibes. I needed this today..
I know. I wasn't expecting this to make me start crying in a random video in my "short" playlist.
Going through a tough time and this got me teary eyed. Thanks man. Just gave me a reason to go on with my day.
Me too. I hope you're still getting through your days.
Hey. Just checking in on both of you. I'm rooting for you two, wonderful worthy internet strangers, and I hope your lives have gotten easier/they will ❤️
I've been in a hopeless pit of depair the last 7 months fighting for a roof over my head and food in my pantry. Thank you so so much for this. Thank you. These are the words I've needed to hear.
I'm so sorry. Sometimes life really does feel so fucked up, but I promise, there is still good in the world. I'm not trying to minimise your struggles or invalidate your emotions, all I'm saying is that things can get better, and you HAVE to hold on. I truly wish the best for you and I'm so proud of you for making it this far.
This was the most compassionate and beautiful thing that I have ever heard in response to a question like that. I have never read much poetry or Emily Dickinson but I think I might start. Thank you for your compassion. I might be in that same place as that young woman was but I needed to hear what you said. 💗
Thank you. As a disabled, young 20 something this is the only sentiment that ive ever felt deep in my soul, not through years of therapy and medications have I ever been able to feel it quite like this. I love Emily Dickenson so much and I'm so grateful for your message - it means more than you will ever be able to quantify
I am also a disabled young 20 something. Things have been hard lately, but I hope you're doing ok.
Disabled old 20 something ❤ we are amazing and I wish yall the best in life
Disabled early 50 something here, and one way to find hope is to look at your inner strength. To pause & admire that you’ve come this far. It can be so difficult to keep going with all the additional hardships we face. Some days I gotta dig deep & some days that doesn’t quite work. My love of birds & the sky & so much beauty in nature helps. Being mindful while in nature or taking a moment to appreciate the shapes of clouds can help. ✨Sending you hugs and good energy✨
Another disabled 20 something here.. I hope everyone in this thread is able to hear that song right now.. I’m hoping I’ll be able to hear it again soon too..
I relate to this so fricken much. I’m so sorry you’re in a similar boat ❤ it’s awful.
You made me cry, but in a good way. Emily Dickinson has a way with words and your recital of it just hit perfect. Thank you for being so kind and amazing. 💜
It's been a rough holiday. I have never felt like John was speaking directly to me before. John, you spoke to my soul. Thank you, friend.
Omg this touched my heart in a way I was completely not expecting... Thank you for your empathethy and caring words.
I didn't realize I needed to hear this from someone. Thank you. I think I'm ready to try and stand up again
Fall down seven times, get up eight 💗
This poem got me through some really rough times back in highschool so hearing someone finally say the things it meant to me, I started tearing up a little. Thank you
I also love her poem that goes like this, it's gotten me through a lot:
"If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain. "
You and your brother are both helping so many people with your words of wisdom. Sincerely! THANK YOU!
The 'Hope' is the tremor of empathy and compassion in your voice, for a complete stranger's pain.
THAT gives me (a modicum of) Hope.
"Hope, the last and most terrible thing to leave Pandora's box." I have loved this quote and interpretation of hope even though it's not as positive as Emily Dickenson's, which is fantastic as well.
The fact that someone wants to find hope is evidence of the hope that already exists within themselves. The fact that I want things to matter and feel like there’s hope shows that I have an deeper hope clinging onto those wishes. I take solace in believing that happier, hopeful part of me still WANTS to feel better ❤
Wow this is really beautiful. I hope you’re a writer.
This reminds me of that "I need a stick" poem about depression and asking for help. I'd recommend anyone Google the full thing, but the gist is p much the above. It goes smthn like... "Asking for help is not weak. The way I see it, you've been fighting for so long. You're injured, bleeding out, prob suffering some sort of delirious fever, went through enemy territory for ages trying to live, hoping to see a friendly face... And going 'oh thank god, give me anything, give me a stick and I'll fight them off!' And I, I'm just handing out sticks."
Both of these are fantastic!!
Thank you so much for sharing!!
this short got recommended to me at the best possible time. i’m going through so much & its so hard to hear hope singing right now. thank you john for the incredibly insightful words💛💛💛
I hope you can get through whatever is bringing you down and that you can finally start hearing the song of hope again. Sending my best wishes.
I asked the universe today to show me there’s still good and purpose in this world. This is it… thank you John, truly ❤️
I'm going through a tough time and just feeling the weight of a lot of things that aren't getting better. Videos like these give me a little reminder that hope is out there.
There is hope and it's easier to feel if you've had some kind of spectacular experience which raises your concept of "maximum happiness"
In my case, I have had some stupendous & unexpected wonderful moments which have left me forever hopeful, because I know what great joys are possible
I’m experiencing this as well. I’m feeling trapped…unraveled. It’s been a long time, and it’s still there. I’m watching my life slip by, and that terrible feeling of despair creeping in…
Hang in there. Hope has kept me going this far.
This is honestly the poem that made me love poetry in the first place.
“Hope’s not a four letter word”
Shinedown being a band focused on dealing with mental health has truly gotten me through a lot, this is just a nice little lyric of theirs.
Essentially you can’t just have hope as if the word itself is enough, you have to create it by embracing what you know and have.
Have you heard Citizen Soldiers songs? I am only a little familiar with Shinedown, but I think you may like them, as Citizen also sing about mental health ❤
Thank you! I've always hated "everything happens for a reason" and I just can't convey to people why it bothers me so much
It sounds too much like "somehow, you deserved this." At least, that's how it hits for me in my times of pain.
I feel like the phrase "Everything happens for a reason" really minimizes suffering. Sure, maybe everything does happen for a reason, but that still doesn't make things any easier, or make it okay that people have to go through so much pain.
I loved the heck out of this, thank you John.
I always find myself coming back to this video whenever everything becomes too much to handle. Thank you, John.
This is genuinely one of the most comforting things I've ever heard.
John you are a gift to the world
I'm crying at a lunch counter, John, with appreciation for a good man and a pile of love to that gal. Message from the future: keep listening. We need ya, girly.
I have been a peripheral nerdfighter for almost half of my life now, and throughout that time, John and this quote have always had a knack of showing up in my life at times when I need it.
I will always be grateful to be reminded of hope's presence, especially when I struggle to hear it for myself.
When I was first struggling with depression I found John’s playlist for meaningful songs. Cat Powers’ color and the kids got me through so much. To this day I cry for my old self and relief that I am better.
Thanks John, there are lots of people who need this. Things are just getting better for me, but for the last 9 months I worked myself to exhaustion, ending with getting a serious 2-month long illness that I thought would never improve.
Words cannot describe how needed this was today. You are such a blessing, thank you.
I have this video more than any other online and it hits me Every. Single. Time.
That poem has saved my life so many times, when I was a teenager. I appreciate this video and you, greatly.
I never stop marveling at John's ability to convey how much he cares.
I like the sentiment that there is always an opportunity for things to get better. It’s hard really hard but there’s always a chance and you gotta hold onto it.
And only a socialist brings more opportunities for you to grow than in a neoliberal world where we are now.
This always comes back around to me in the times I most need it. Thank you John for everything you and your amazing network of people do to give a little more Good and Hope in this world ❤
Short poems are so wonderfully here-and-now. They can only capture this moment, this breath, this view. I think that the emotions they capture are immediate and can therefore comfort our immediate emotions.
Is that what it means to not be depressed? To be able to hear hope singing? I feel like I never know not now. Because it feels like I’m always battling this.
I've been depressed & I've been maximally joyful, so let me tell you.
Pain always rains on us all. To not be depressed means to let it flow past and enjoy what glimmers.
Here's some practical advice that worked for me to be never hopeless: Actively try to create, for yourself, and experience which brings you overwhelming happiness beyond what you've ever imagined.
If you have spectacular joy in your history, it feels like the chance for it's return is always within reach
I’ve been in mental rehab, and while I can’t say that I hear hope’s song everyday, I have felt it more often now. When I first heard it again it is like a weight being lifted and a breath of fresh air. Hope to me is a feeling of trust between me and the universe that I will feel safe. It feels like being comforted by the idea what is to become. Having faith that things can be better. While you may not have hope now, I have hope that you will someday will too.
I don't think not being depressed allows us to always hear hope singing, maybe it means we don't forget that the singing is there even when we can't hear it.
Like a lot of replies here, I have been struggling with depression for over 30 years. There's been days where I didn't think I would see another sunrise.
You just have to hang in there.
Reach out for and seek help. xo
Even those who aren't depressed will have periods where they can't hear the song of hope, and can only remember that it's there.
I think that depression doesn't just mask the song of hope, but robs us of even the memory of music, leaving us in nothing less than oppressive silence.
And, well. I can't really say if this will work for you- I am not you, and you are not me, so we have no guarantee that what works for us will work for the other- but...
If you can't hear anything, and the silence is drowning you... I think it's perfectly valid to scream to fill that silence. To scream, rather than allow that silence to be all that remains.
People say that living with spite isn't healthy, or okay. I think that spite can be completely healthy and not just okay, but _good._ I think that what matters most is what it motivates you to do.
If spite gives you the motivation to say, "I'm not going to die and let this win." Or, "I'm not going to give the people who hurt me the satisfaction of seeing me die before them. I WILL survive to mock them in their grave, rather than let them have the privilege to do so to me."
If you can't hear hope... then sing your own song, even if it happens to be metal. And try to find those who will sing it with you.
Big stranger hugs to any that need.
Good Call👍🤗-supposedly that’s a “hug” although to me that looks like “jazz hands”
John, you have a way of saying exactly what many of us need when we are in pain.
I've never been a fan of poetry, but that touched a string with me, that was a beautiful poem.
There I was, 2 videos ago, thinking almost word for word "shit hurts so much and there's no end in sight". This hit me exactly how it needed to.
I hope you're feeling better. ❤
I needed to hear this so badly. I paid my rent late last month and my landlord evicted me after I was told that payment would stop any eviction proceedings. I have two small children and a business to run but now have 5 days to find a place and move, all of which is expensive.
Anyone seeing this please pray for me. We’ll be fine in the end, but oh my goodness it sucks.
And anyone else going through some deeply terrible stuff, I pray for you.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, pray for us.
What happened?
You've made it through every tough situation in life to this point. The current one is the hardest thing you've dealt with, not because it is more difficult, but because it is present.
Your words have added to her poem and turned it into a Quote the has lifted me up from when I first encountered this till today and will keep listing me up. So I thank you for your kind and wise words.
I really wish that this video was around when I was at my lowest - when nothing seemed to give me hope, everything sounding like bullshit. I know it would have struck a chord with me then. It makes me sing now.
👍 same here.
This video is just like one of those hugs from a loved one that comes at a time when you need it desperately but didn’t realize that, and it yanks the pain and the cry out of you. ❤️ Thank you John
John, your way with words always gives me hope. Thank you.
This greatly helped me after my brother's passing, and I recited the poem for his eulogy, as he was a hopeful soul who often saddled with the heavy burden's of life. This video meant the world to me. I thought of you and your brother often with his recent health struggles. Thank you both for all you do
This made me cry (right now anyone empathetic makes me cry), but then I felt a tiny spark in my chest imagining those feathers, that song of hope always playing.
Thank you, I needed that.
Having a tough time and struggling to claw my way out of my deep hole 💔
You are a genuine good egg. I appreciate your kind voice, always.
I watched this a year ago, and I'm so glad I stumbled across it again today. You put so much love and goodness in the world. Thank you. ❤️
I always find this when I need it. I hope everyone else watching this gives hope a chance to be heard again.
A lot of people needed to hear this, John.
😭
John, I love this. Not only do I love Emily Dickinson and your empathy, compassion and love for another human is palpable. And I needed your message today, so thank you 😊
This found me again in a very bad time in my life and I am so deeply thankful it did. It's been hard to find a reason to be. I needed to hear this. Thank you.
I've had a really rough year and I really felt this, thank you.
That was so beautiful. I can count on one hand how many times I’ve heard authentic empathy in the tone of someone’s voice on here.
This is one of those rare times.
Right? His voice and demeanor were empathetic all the way through. Love this.
Thank you for extending kindness to this young lady. I second this sentiment. The clouds will eventually part. We just have to wait it out. Please don't give up.❤
This is where I subscribe. Anyone this compassionate it worth listening to
This man will always find new ways of making me tear up. Like, he's done it for years now and I hope it continues for forever because we need more people like John and Hank ♡
You know what other song never stops playing in your soul?
Spite.
For me, even when I can no longer hear the song of hope, the song of spite is still there for me to hold onto, to give me strength to hold on just to show all the haters that I'm not ever going to give up and let them win.
someone once told me that if I died, Nikocado Avocado would've outlived me, and somehow that was incredibly motivating
Thank you so much. I suffer from Chrons disease and have been in and out of the hospital since Christmas eve and was losing a bit of that myself. This made me week a lot better.
I heard a quote that resonated in me. "With gratitude, optimism is sustainable."
Didn't expect to tear up in awe of profound hope today... but here we are. Thank you for everything you do, John. Thank you.
…god
I’ve just spent the last 5 minutes absolutely drowning in my own fucking tears.. those words you spoke John completely shattered the bullshit armour and denial of my heart and hit my soul like a tidal wave.
Fuck as I’m writing this right now I’m pausing every few sentences cause I can’t stop these tears..
Thank you ❤️
Words cannot do justice for the love and compassion you have given to me today. My heart needed a miracle to find a way out of the dark and you’ve shown me a little light to guide it’s way.
I’ll never forget this moment ❤️💯
I was not ready to need tissues for this. This is everything I needed to hear right now.
Mr. Green, I've heard you talk about that poem many times before, but I am literally weeping right now.
I hope you never stop hearing that song of hope, John.
Oh I needed this so badly. I’m in physical pain from my 11th EDS surgery and it’s the first without my mom (she died 4 years ago this month). My faith helps, but I’ve never heard hope described so beautifully and so realistically. The idea that the song of hope is always singing even when I can’t hear is so helpful. Reminds me of my favorite song “even when it hurts”
I'm so incredibly sorry to hear and hope your doctors can help you improve your EDS!
Another way I sometimes think about it is, when people say "things will get better" and all that, they are correct in the most literal sense. Things have to get better for you mentally when you are feeling your worst, in terms of homeostasis, you won't be able to keep up the sadness and so it will get better! That is a thought that comforts me sometimes, just knowing that from a physical energy standpoint at some point my sadness will have no choice but to subside.
Sending love, good thoughts and healing to you
Hey, I have EDS as well! I know it's hard, but we'll push through. If there's one thing I've learned from this, it's that there's always a little more strength in us. It's hard, but hope is always there, even when we can't here it. We think "surely I can't take more..." and yet there is a reprieve, and yet there are even deeper wells of strength within us. I hope things get easier for you, but even more, I hope you find the endless strength you always had within yourself, that makes it easier to hold on until the next reprieve. My well wishes to you, I know you, and I, can do it. ^_^
How about trying Keto?