I started watching MLP because one of my old friends was a brony and he showed it to me. I was at a very depressing point in my life with my parents going through a custody battle over me and a whole bunch of other shit. The show was nothing but happiness and watching it was the only thing that would put a smile on my face at the time. Today it isn't as important to me as it once was but I'd definitely say it has had a positive affect on my life, resulting me meeting new friends, making hard times easier, and helping me realize that I don't need everything around me to be perfect for me to be happy.