For someone who suffers from imposter syndrome (it is real, y’all), I get motivated at times to do things a little outside my comfort zone. I legit had a dream that I gave a TED Talk. I wrote a post on why TED Talks can be helpful awhile back (you can check it out here: https://walkingwithmemphis.com/2017/02/communication-friday/). I keep having this thought of, “I could give a TED Talk.” I think I need to make that thought an actual reality…
What is a TED Talk? Well, TED (Technology, Entertainment, and Design) is a non-profit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (at 18 minutes or less). TED began in 1984 as a conference and it now covers almost all topics today—from science to business to global issues–in more than 100 languages.
TED believes in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and ultimately the world.
I would love to have an independent TEDx event to help share ideas…can you guess what the idea would be?
I know someone who has given a TED Talk—and I just think that is the coolest thing. I have watched TED Talks that discuss communication, TED Talks given by veterans about veterans, teaching, and motivation. I watched a newer TEDx Talk that featured Cam, a singer who is Grammy nominated, platinum selling artist. In fact, Cam is someone that I have met.
This talk resonated with me because it spoke on music and how that can really be a tool to help soothe our soul (omgeee, did Cam read the blog post on https://walkingwithmemphis.com/2017/02/music-that-soothes-my-soul/)!!! Although I focused a few different artists, I do enjoy Cam’s music and have listened to her album repeatedly.
I love what Cam says regarding how something can really spark our soul, draw us in and in that moment of trying to find who we are, we may just find our calling—something that has always been dwelling in our soul…for me, it is teaching. I knew from an early age I wanted to be a teacher. It took several other stops along the job route to get there, but those opportunities all had moments of teaching…looking back it was prep work for my current position.
But now I think there is a deeper meaning, a fire down in my soul that inspires me to help others tell their story…to give a voice to those who may not want to speak, to help those share stories so others can learn—and that calling is working with veterans. I firmly believe that I am in the right place at the right time in my life.
I have been fortunate to be surrounded by folks who are willing to share a story–share something that helps them survive because if you think about it we really need music and we really need language.
Music can soothe uncomfortable feelings and it can also help you focus while you are working or writing a blog. It is a tool. At times we need healing. Our bodies carry burdens, we process so much in a day that sometimes we just need an escape…
So, picture, if you will, a veteran. Someone who has sacrificed so much…given so much of their life to save ours…picture a veteran trying to enter a college environment after having a life changing experience of deployment…firing a weapon…driving a truck over a road that could be filled with IED’s…and imagine that veteran being unable to share their story—but they find something that is in their soul…a longing, a way to express their personal struggles or vulnerability…and they can find that via music and language (storytelling). An escape…
Stories heal, friends. Sharing some of our stories with others helps people realize they are not alone. That is a big purpose for this blog–to show others our journey and let them know they are not alone. Imagine having music to help you express thoughts, or a means of writing to show readers experiences they will never have or cannot fathom.
You are not alone. Cam says that in her TEDx talk…watch it here, then go listen to her music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BD3tgyd5ZNY
I dream of giving a TED Talk…one that can enhance learning, help others deal with life, offer hope and support…
We met Cam in Cape Girardeau, Missouri after she opened for Brad Paisley. Such a sweet, sweet soul. She posed with Kirsten for a photo (and we got an autograph) as this was a birthday present a year ago…check out Cam’s music!