One of my favorite things about Facebook is how I can scroll through my news feed on an ordinary day and unexpectedly come across something extraordinary. As I’m sure you know by now, when that happens I like to share it here. The other day I came across one such extraordinary video and I hope you’ll love it just as much as I do.

Entitled “Human and Happy,” it’s a small project thought up by a group of friends with no agenda, other than to share with the world what makes them human and what makes them happy. In just under four minutes, each person featured is able to offer a mere glimpse of what their life is like. Their smiles are infectious and their stories are honest. Take a look.

Though the stories are presented as obstacles or trials each individual has faced in their life, they are shared in a way that reminds us even our biggest trials are part of what makes us human and, ultimately, they’re part of what makes us happy, too. Simple, yet profound.

In a TED Talk, researcher Brené Brown once said, “In order for connection to happen, we have to allow ourselves to be seen.” I think that’s what I loved most about this video. As I watched, I found myself connecting with each person’s story and, in them, I found my own life story reflected back. It’s that personal connection with those around us, each in our individual struggles, that makes life a little better every day, and a little easier to get through. No two people have the exact same story, but each of us can find something in each other that reminds us we’re all human, and we’re all trying to be happy.

As a challenge to myself, I wondered what personal struggle might I have shared. What makes me human? What makes me happy? Life has been overwhelming in general for me lately, but there is one particular trial that stands out for myself. For as far back as I can remember, the one thing I have always wanted to be is a mom. I couldn’t wait for the time when I would have my own kids to consume my days with. Now that I’m here, a good chunk of the time I feel like I want to walk back into my room, close the door, and never come back out again.

Motherhood is hard, even without the added challenges of having a history of depression and anxiety. But I am blessed beyond imagination by the opportunity I have to be a mom, especially to the sweet boy I call son. Sometimes his smiles and giggles are the only things that get me through the day. That, and remembering that one day not too far off, he will find himself facing his own personal demons. When that day comes, I hope I will have given him the tools he needs to look himself in the mirror and find the grace to search out what makes him human and what makes him happy.

“Our job is to look and say, ‘You’re imperfect and you’re wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.’ Show me a generation of kids raised like that and I think we’ll end the problems we see today.” ~Brené Brown

This is that generation of kids, and I’m so proud to be witnessing them and their powerful vulnerability. Together with them, we will change the world.

Be good to yourself. Be good to each other.

❤️ 💛 💚 💙 💜

What makes you human and happy? Leave your answer in the comments below.

(This post was previously published on Witty & Bright.)