It’s hard to argue that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson isn’t a living, breathing success story. He not only rose through the ranks of the grueling WWE circuit to become an internationally known champion professional wrestler, but he then managed to parlay that celebrity into a career as one of the biggest action stars in Hollywood history.
However, like so many other success stories, his journey includes failures that left him discouraged, heartbroken, and doubting himself. On his way to the NFL, Johnson suited up for the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League only to get cut days later, derailing whatever plans and hopes he harbored for a pro football career.
Situated on a high-rise balcony in Vancouver, British Columbia, Johnson used his backdrop to explain how the failure shaped him and his trajectory toward stardom.
In the clip, he states (transcript via FTW):
“I’m gonna show you guys this view. It is spectacular of one of my favorite cities in the world: Vancouver, Canada. Look, I’ve dropped my blood and sweat in this city, wrestled multiple matches in this city, shot big movies in this city, but one thing that a lot of people don’t know that I wanted to share with you guys is when I was 22 years old, I came to this city for the first time. I was playing in the Canadian Football League, playing my first pro football game. I was playing for the Calgary Stampeders. We were playing the BC Lions. I was so excited.
Two days later, I got cut [laughs]. Dreams shattered, sent home with seven bucks in my pocket. I was like, ‘Wait no, I gotta play in the NFL eventually. Those are my big goals. That’s my dream.’ You realize that playing in the NFL was the best thing that never happened because it got me here.
You gotta realize: We’re gonna get our ass kicked. We’re gonna get the [expletive] kicked out of us. You gotta get up. You gotta have faith that the one thing you wanted to happen oftentimes is the best thing that never happened, so have faith and just keep that in mind and keep lugging away.”
None of this may serve as a revelation, and Johnson enjoys the benefits of both success and hindsight as he muses on his failures and struggles. But his words remain imminently relatable and keep with the star’s accessible and grateful demeanor.
In fact, in 2014, he offered a similar brief sentiment in response to the Calgary Stampeders posting a throwback pic of the Hollywood star during his stint with the team.
Johnson’s Instagram account is full of self-reflection and a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor.
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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.