Whilst researching a work project I came across this TED Talk by Ash Beckham and I really wanted to share it because it is possibly the best talk I've ever seen. Ever. Ash talks about facing her fears and finding the courage to live the life she wants to live, not the life that she was expected to live.
I'd never heard of Ash before but her message struck a chord with me and I think it applies to the majority of people I know. No-one likes to be vulnerable and at some point in life we've all worn a mask, hidden our true feelings, avoided saying what we really feel in order to fit in, to be accepted or do what was expected of us.
There's a scene in the film 'Meet Joe Black' where Quince and Joe are having a conversation about love. Joe asks 'How do you know she loves you?' and Quince replies 'because she knows the worst thing about me, and it's okay.' In my experience the 'worst thing', the big secret, the thing you are most scared of sharing with others is much less scary when you've put it out there. Sometimes, it turns out to be the thing they love about you the most. It's not easy being brave but if you are 'stuck' living a life that makes you unhappy then there really is only one choice.
You'll find @AshBeckham on twitter and if her talk helped you in some way then please do share it. You'll find more inspiring talks on a wide variety of subjects on TED. Some of my personal favourites are here.
