The occupants of the Queen Mary Pathway, a homeless women’s hostel in London, may not be the most likely candidates to form a cycling club, but just a few weeks after a cycling program was implemented, it seems the activity is a natural fit.
The residents of the hostel live amid an array of hardships. Poverty, mental illness, domestic violence, and substance abuse are the most common issues that plague the homeless, and at first glance, it may be difficult for a casual observer to understand how a cycling club would serve as the best allocation of funds in addressing the problems the women face.
However, according to a profile of the club and its members in The Guardian, the 10-week pilot program was thought of as a way to affordably provide women with a healthy activity that re-introduces them to public life in an engaging way while fostering a healthy lifestyle and sense of community. Its implementation was performed in partnership with Sustrans, a U.K.-based transportation-focused nonprofit group.
Speaking to the outlet, a resident by the name of Brandy shared what the cycling club does accomplishes for her.
“I now am able to explore our city’s parks and green spaces on my bike. Cycling helps me relax, stimulates my mind,” she said. “It also makes me a bit tired in the evening, which means I can get a good night’s sleep.”
The cycling club is also being touted as an effective tool in helping riders take ownership of an independent lifestyle. The confidence that comes with that accomplishment may prove to be a lasting and sustainable source of agency and confidence as the hostel’s residents continue to re-establish themselves in busy urban environments.
The early stages of the program have produced enough positive feedback that Cycling Grants London has pledged over $18,000 to sustain the effort over the next three years.
According to The Guardian’s report, Riverside, the organization behind the hostel, has begun considering the same program for men’s hostels as well.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.