Sunday, September 20, 2026

What’s Working

For readers looking for what’s still working in the world

ResilienceUpworthy

Want to see a teeny turtle get ‘hyped’ as he scuttles his way to the sea? Yes, you really do.

In a world where life's challenges can often seem daunting, a viral video of a baby turtle named Franklin making his way to the ocean has captured the hearts of millions. The scene is simple yet profound: Franklin, a tiny hatchling, embarks on his instinctual journey across the sand, with an enthusiastic human 'hype man' cheering him on. The video, which has been viewed 24 million times on TikTok, offers a heartwarming reminder of the power of encouragement and the importance of allowing natural struggles to unfold without interference.

The story resonates deeply because it mirrors universal human experiences. The enthusiastic commentary from Franklin's human supporters highlights the need for encouragement in our own lives, especially when we face challenges that we must navigate independently. The video also sparks a broader reflection on the balance between offering support and allowing necessary struggles to build resilience, a lesson that applies as much to parenting and personal growth as it does to wildlife conservation. Ultimately, Franklin's journey is a testament to the strength found in perseverance and the joy of witnessing a small but significant triumph in the natural world.

Constructive analysis

The constructive-journalism lens: not just what happened, but what works.

The problem
The challenge of balancing human intervention with natural processes in wildlife conservation.
The actions
People are cheering on wildlife from a distance, providing moral support without interfering directly with natural processes.
Evidence of progress
The video has garnered millions of views and likes, indicating widespread engagement and approval of this hands-off yet supportive approach.
What we can learn
Encouragement can be a powerful tool even when we can't or shouldn't intervene directly, a lesson applicable to both wildlife conservation and personal development.
PERMA profile of this story

How this story scores across the PERMA dimensions.

Positive Emotion
9
Engagement
8
Relationships
7
Meaning
6
Accomplishment
5
PERMA

Character strengths in play

Top VIA strengths this story embodies.

  • Courage

    Franklin's journey across the sand to the ocean demonstrates courage in its purest form, as he faces potential predators and the daunting vastness of the sea.

  • Hope

    The hype man's encouragement and the viewers' belief in Franklin's success reflect hope, as they cheer on the little turtle's journey.

  • Kindness

    The hype man offers moral support to Franklin, showing kindness by providing encouragement without direct interference.

Try this today

Next time you see someone facing a challenge, offer your support through words of encouragement rather than direct assistance. This could be as simple as sending a positive message or cheering them on from the sidelines, allowing them to build their strength and resilience.