If you’ve ever watched a TED talk on YouTube, you know how inspiring they are.
Well, they’re even more inspiring in person.
Yesterday, I got to attend my third TEDx San Diego with my friend, Ruth, and, as always, I came away feeling energized and ready to change the world.
Here a few highlights:
The 16-year-old high school junior was born with VATER syndrome, and has undergone fourteen major surgeries on different parts of her body, including her spine and abdomen. This year, she became the world’s female planking champion, as certified by the Guinness Book of World Records, holding a plank for a record one hour and twenty minutes. Her talk was called, “What’s Wrong With Me? Absolutely Nothing.” She was awesome.
The founder of the Women and Innovation Lab spoke about “The Surprising Neuroscience of Gender Inequity,” and it was fascinating to learn how our brains use the images it sees in the media to make assumptions. We are all guilty of stereotyping, and need to be aware of using pictures of women to represent nurturers and men to represent leaders.
The author of the bestselling Choose Yourself talked about his own rise and fall – and rise – with humor and hard-earned wisdom. I actually took a ton of notes during his talk because he offered so many practical tips, including the idea of improving just 1% a day in whatever area you need – physically, emotionally, spiritually. He described complaining as “draining” and put a whole new spin on spirituality as “emotional gratitude.” I love that.
We spent a while in Innovation Alley, where newly-launched and soon-to-be-launched tech products were on display. Our favorite by far was the Clever Pet, a game to keep pets stimulated. You set specific light patterns for them to follow and, when they get it right, the little door opens and rewards them with food. Forget smart phones. We’re going to raise a whole generation of smart dogs!
Okay, this may be the real reason I’m still energized today. Ruth and I started our day here, and Michael and I ended it with the box I brought home. Ruth and I shared a caramel latte donut, which we talked about a good part of the day. Yes, the picture is a little blurry because I was so excited to just eat it. And, yes, that is ONE donut. With cream on top. She took a bite and claimed it was “donut perfection.” I took a bite and said, “I just want to cry.” I get emotional about a good donut.
The theme of this year’s TEDx San Diego was “Chain Reaction” so I’m sharing all this in the hopes that my enthusiasm will cause you to check out some of the speakers, watch some videos, come up with some ideas and go out and make a difference in the world.
Or at least enjoy a donut.
I just signed up for Tedx because I’d love to attend some talks in my area. Of course if they sell food like you guys ate I’m doomed…
I am excited to read the 1% getting better every day. I am making a lot of mistake and can really use that…thank you. Glad you had a great day…and yes Donuts are the best!!
Nothing like the opportunity to spend some time with cerebral concepts and professionals. sounds fascinating!
It sounds like there were some inspiring speakers at TedX San Diego. I would have loved to hear Gabi Ury.
I have personally never heard of TedX before and sound like it’s a great experience. I would love to meet Gabi. An hour planking? I can’t even do 1 minute. 🙂
Sounds like you had a very rewarding & energizing day. Oh my the caramel latte donut looks delicious.
I’ve not heard of Tedx before but it sounds inspirational – I’ll have to see if they do anything like it here 🙂
I use many of the Ted talks to inspire my employees and myself. I have never attended in person, but would really like to!
I’ve never heard of this event but it sounds like a wonderful opportunity to get inspired by others. I’ll be on the lookout for it the next time.
I think I may have missed the point of this post, so intrigued am I by the donut — far more than would be considered “proper”. I’ll admit it. I want to run out to Starbuck’s and grab a French vanilla latte with extra caramel. Seriously. I’m stopping myself.
I always MEAN to listen to TED talks, but never do get around to it. I know. I should. Maybe I will. After my latte.
I can’t get my mind off the doughnut. Wow. And I so agree with negativity as being draining. I can’t hang out with negative people too long. Even though I might love them. Only can take the complaining in small doses. Looks like you both had a great time.
Sounds like you had a lot of fun and got to see some new people as well as interesting inventions.
This is such a great idea. A toy that keeps your pet engaged and not bored. This could help with dogs that do not handle being home alone.
What a great day! I love listening to how others see and interact with the world. It is inspiring and motivating and energizing. It was better to share it with you!
I can’t comment because I’m looking for a TedX opportunity while drying my teas over that donut. Did they, by any chance, offer that perfect donut gluten free?
Oh, I love Ted talks! I’m totally jealous that you actually got to go in person!
There are so many great things to see and find on Ted! That looks like something great to do in person too!
I want a Clever Writer that dispenses a treat — maybe a caramel latte donut — whenever I finish a draft. 🙂
I’ve never even heard of a TED talk until now. But being able to go to this, sounds absolutely inspiring!
wow there were so many cool speakers and things to do. I’d love to hear Gabi talk!
I have never heard of this before! But sounds very cool and like there was great speakers! What an opportunity!
Oh, that sounds wonderful (the donut, too). TED talks are so nip rational. I would love to attend a live one sometime.
What a cool event to attend! I think the Clever Pet is neat. My cats would love it!
You had me at donut bar. That sounds like a great time.
I was there! I love TEDx. I’ve been a speaker at TEDxAmericasFinestCity, and have been involved in several other TEDx events. I’ve even given workshops on how to get to be a TEDx speaker. Great stuff!