Originally published March 2, 2015
Ask anyone “What is the good life?” and you’ll get a thousand different responses about finances, career, relationships, and the ultimate lives that people would like to live. But here’s the reality: There’s an element to living the good life that can’t be taught. There’s no road map or magic pill for happiness, nor one person, other than yourself, who can make you happy. In its simplest form, “the good life” is a series of personal experiences that move you into doing the thing you were created to do.
TED Talks started in 1984 as a powerful, inspirational platform dedicated to “ideas worth spreading.” Watch a few awe-inspiring women share their journeys toward the good life.
“Defy Impossible” With Kimberly Bryant, Founder of Black Girls Code
With only 3% of Black women working in the computing industry, Kimberly Bryant started a movement to get Black girls to code. The talk begins with Bryant’s childhood journey through the civil rights movement, which later served as a foundation for her revolutionary approach to creating Black Girls Code.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: “The Danger of a Single Story”
Award-winning writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie gives a powerful talk about how she found her authentic voice, and how the dangers of only hearing a single story about another person or culture can lead to serious misunderstandings.
The Nigerian-born novelist has also received awards for Americanah, Half of a Yellow Sun, and the Amazon bestseller We Should All Be Feminists.
Liz Ngonzi: “Want Your Enterprise to Change the World? Start With Yourself!”
During this talk, Liz Ngonzi, a global thought leader, entrepreneur, and educator, shares her journey to finding greater meaning in life. The Ivy league graduate with an impressive list of honors, accomplishments, and clients talks about “feeling deeply that something big was missing.” It took Ngonzi three months of living in a tent at an ashram to discover what she came to know. Her inspiring journey helps you find your path to balance and joy.
Brené Brown: “The Power of Vulnerability”
Although Merriam-Webster defines “vulnerable” as “easily hurt or harmed physically, mentally, or emotionally,” Dr. Brené Brown, a researcher of human connection, has taken the definition to a whole new level. “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change,” says Dr. Brown. During her inspiring TED Talk, she shares her personal journey about getting to know herself and dealing with criticism.
In addition to her viral hit with “The Power of Vulnerability,” Brown also wrote the New York Times bestseller The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are
.Candy Chang: “Before I Die, I Want To…”
In a six-minute video, artist Candy Chang talks about the impact that turning an abandoned house into a giant chalkboard, asking a fill-in-the-blank question: “Before I die, I want to ___.” Her neighbors’ responses, both funny and insightful, became a global call to action in communities in Australia, Argentina, South Africa, and elsewhere.
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