Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Add Upworthy to your Google News feed.
Google News Button

Sometimes, a few words from a stranger can remind us of what really matters. In a MadeMeSmile Reddit post entitled 'A Man Who Has Things Figured Out' that has people reaching for tissues and toasting to life, a 78-year-old man named Terry shares his reflections on happiness, individuality, and the importance of staying curious. The brief video of this gentle conversation has resonated deeply, sparking an outpouring of love and admiration online.


The interaction begins when a cameraman (Christopher Ward aka @modelstrangers) asks Terry for permission to film him. Terry, dressed sharply and carrying an air of quiet wisdom, agrees. When asked if he’s married, he responds with a touch of melancholy:

“I’m widowed. We were married a good long time. Of course you miss that.”

The low-key way he expresses the loss of his wife is moving, but Terry doesn't dwell on the sorrow - his outlook on life is a valuable lesson in resilience.

Photo via Reddit

“An Explorer in Quiet Ways”

When asked about his secret to happiness, Terry offers a beautifully simple answer:

“I think having an active mind. I’ve always been a bit of an explorer in quiet ways.”

This phrase struck a chord with many Redditors. User u/gringoraymundo put it perfectly:
“‘An explorer in quiet ways’ is beautifully put.”

Terry's advice emphasizes individuality over conformity:

“You have to find interests of your own that make you happy. Conforming to the expectations of society, it can be disappointing in the end.”

His honesty about his working life — calling it a “grinding type of job” — reveals someone who managed to find fulfillment not in accolades, but staying true to himself.

“Try and Be Happy… and Useful”

When the photographer apologizes for the interruption, Terry replies:

“Now that I’m older and wiser, I wouldn’t let you inconvenience me.”

Asked about his life philosophy, Terry shares a perspective that balances joy with purpose:

“Try and be happy… and try to be useful. I don’t dedicate myself to happiness in a totally hedonistic way… I try to be useful.”

Redditors were quick to reflect on Terry’s approach:

  • u/Republic-Warm noted:
    “‘Conforming to the expectations of society, it can be disappointing in the end.’ Great quote.”
  • u/Lindvaettr connected with Terry’s idea of usefulness:
    “Finding happiness in being useful is a core human concept that we've lost track of, and it's proving to cause a lot of issues.”
  • And for u/WorldBiker, Terry's vibe is downright beer-worthy:
    “I want to have a beer with Terry. Can we make that a thing?”

Photo via Reddit

Other commenters admired Terry’s gentle demeanor and the warmth in his voice:


A Reminder to Stay Curious and Kind

In just 90 seconds, Terry managed to remind thousands of people that life isn’t about chasing grand achievements or conforming to societal pressures. His secret to happiness is simple: Stay curious, be useful, and don’t let the small stuff get to you.

As u/LatentBloomer wisely pointed out:
“There are Terrys all around you. Call that uncle (or aunt), coworker, friend, neighbor and invite them for a beer. ‘Terry’ won’t be around forever.”

May we all strive to be a but more like Terry — thoughtful, curious, and always ready to share a bit of wisdom with the world.

For more videos from Christopher Ward, you can follow @modelstrangers on Instagram and TikTok.

life advicewisdomhappinesselderly perspectives

The Latest

scrabble, new zealand, spanish
Past Events

He won Spain’s top Scrabble title without speaking Spanish

His jaw clicked for five years. AI gave him a fix that worked in 60 seconds.
Past Events

His jaw clicked for five years. AI gave him a fix that worked in 60 seconds.

Man on cruise, boat deck, cruise ship
Past Events

Man who lives on a cruise ship reveals the one downside to life at sea

An empty office overlaid with a threat from a boss who wants everyone to come back to the office.
Past Events

A CEO told remote workers to “go work somewhere else.” So they did.

More For You

Kitchen tongs that might have more uses than you realize.

Representative Image: Turns out the best tool for your car might be in your kitchen.

Canva

This TikToker’s kitchen tong hack makes awkward drive-thrus way easier

Most drivers have little tricks to make life on the road easier. From emergency snacks in the glove box to DIY cupholders, everyone’s got their own system. But TikToker @asian.barbiee, aka Brittany Nash, has gone viral for using something totally unexpected—and surprisingly brilliant—to conquer one of driving’s most annoying struggles.

Nash says the moment someone new gets in her car, they always notice one thing: a pair of tongs in the console.

Keep ReadingShow less
little girl laughing; handwritten list

It can really be this simple.

Photo credit: Canva, Twitter/X

4 years ago, a man shared his '9 delights of life.' Then he met a stranger transformed by it.

When you close your eyes and go to sleep, what’s really important to you? It’s a question that’s been asked since the dawn of time, each time producing a different answer. Like everything else, ideas surrounding what makes life worth living have been reevaluated, reshaped, and redefined by scientists, theologians, and philosophers for millennia.

bust of a statue of a man placed on top of a cement blockWhat makes a life meaningful? Photo by Mike Gorrell on Unsplash

Keep ReadingShow less
Family sitting on couch

Building your dream apartment? Start with these three tips

Photo credit: Canva

New Zealand couple designs their dream apartment: the importance of adding texture, color, and warmth

A muted green rug with a dark forest trim. Wooden panel floors. Striped geometric chairs that look like licorice. Two red cubbies, matching, with built-in shelves painted the color of Pinot Noir. White, gauzy curtains that float in the wind. Welcome to TikTok’s 1960s home.

On the account @our1960shomenz, Danni and Alex Duncan are excitedly sharing their home renovation journey in New Zealand. Since the couple moved in last year, they’ve been hard at work repainting walls and thrifting vintage furniture (like a very cool, chocolate-hued couch). With some gardening magic, they've completely rehauled the backyard space and even created a little nook where they spend their mornings and evenings. “Making our first home, our dream home,” reads their TikTok bio.

Keep ReadingShow less
Hands holding slices of burnt toast

The theory is that a slice of burnt might save your from something even worse.

Canva

What burnt toast has to do with life-altering turns of fate

We've all had moments where our perfectly laid-out plans fall apart at the last minute. Maybe it’s a missed appointment, a canceled trip, or a sudden change that feels frustrating in the moment—only to realize later it was for the best. For one woman on TikTok, this idea took on a life-altering meaning when her parents unknowingly avoided a tragic fate.

Anna Noel (@annanoellll) recently shared an emotional video about how her parents were supposed to be on a doomed flight—one that crashed and killed every passenger on board. Their reason for missing it? A sudden, unexpected illness that turned out to be something much more.

Keep ReadingShow less
A man looks at his to do list

The early 1900's organizational list is more useful now than ever

Images via Unsplash

The Ivy Lee Method is more than 100-years old but it's still the best productivity hack ever

When did everything become so urgent? Nowadays, productivity and performance optimization often seem more important than anything else, prioritized above spending time with family or taking a long walk simply because you want to. Instead, our calendars, timers, and smartwatches remind us of the relentless passage of time: the clock is ticking. Better get to work.

Days should be structured and planned, weeks should be organized, and mornings should always set you up for success. So, in an era filled with endless to-do lists, overflowing inboxes, and constant distractions, many of us struggle to get through the day. "Why can't I concentrate?" or "I used to love reading, but now I lack patience. What happened?" have become familiar questions. But deep down, we know the answer: we're tired.

Keep ReadingShow less
© Copyright 2025