Why I do something everyday that scares me | Emma Van Der Merwe

Why I do something everyday that scares me | Emma Van Der Merwe | TEDxUniversityofEdinburgh

Рет қаралды 120,042

8 жыл бұрын

It all started with a simple question - "why not do something today that scares me?" A medical diagnosis at the age of 17 had life altering implications, but instead of allowing it to define her life and prescribe her future, she’s made a career out of flying in the face of misconceptions and stereotypes. Emma Van Der Merwe shares her story of stepping out of her comfort zone and challenging expectations.
This talk was delivered at Edinburgh's iconic Central Hall on Thursday, February 18th 2016 and was a part of series of talks given at the TEDxUniversityofEdinburgh 2016 Conference.
Emma van der Merwe is a journalist, storyteller, world traveller and amateur adventurer.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

Пікірлер: 59

@higherpurpose1212 3 жыл бұрын

"Pursue challenges, not comfort...", Thank you for this.

@manekina7305 3 жыл бұрын

Because of fear I have lost a lot in life but from now on I will live every moment with no fear

@autumn-vl4vw 5 жыл бұрын

I’ve had similar feelings like being afraid of speaking and being afraid of embarrassing myself but I’ve realized we shouldn’t. We should just go out into the world and not be afraid of what people think because that only just hurts our spirits more.

@suiylawcoconsultanciescame701 2 жыл бұрын

"A ship is safe in harbor but that's not what ships are for" William Shade. Awesome. Great talk. I have watched twice and safed to watch later. If you ever find yourself in Cameroon, we could have a cup of tea together.

@ZachAtkeson 7 жыл бұрын

this helped me start my channel! i do something every week that stretches me in some way!! what an awesome talk! thank you

@longta8852 2 жыл бұрын

this inspire me a lot too, i realize i have wasted a lot of time in my life :)

@bboyneon92 3 жыл бұрын

Love it! The voice, the anxiety, the meaning in her talk, the push. All of it!

@TheRoadrunz 7 жыл бұрын

A ship is safe in harbor but that's not what ships are for... so why don't you push your ship far discover what lies beyond ....pursue experiences not things ...pursue friendships not likes... pursue challenges not comforts...

@michaelahardy4420 5 жыл бұрын

Amazing to see how you applied the words of Eleanor Roosevelt to your own life. She once said "do one thing a day that scares you. those small things that make us uncomfortable help us build courage to do the work we do." Such an amazing philosophy to apply to our everyday life

@monique6384 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for helping me gain the courage to walk into the fire department for a meet and greet to hopefully become a volunteer firefighter! :) I was terrified getting there but after walking in the doors that fear went away:)

@TomSutherland210 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for these words. It's great hearing another South African voice on this topic. our culture seems to be too caught up on the issues of compliance and duty. While your words have value for all people, they're desperately needed at home.

@Panacea9 Жыл бұрын

If I do that, I need other people I know and trust that are doing the same thing I am and it is something I believe in. I like to find the fun of it too, it makes me better and love to think about doing it further. What I did before was horrific enough to most people.

@ivack7380 7 жыл бұрын

This was magnificent! So brave, so compassionate. I'm so glad you let us hear your voice, Emma; it's such a beautiful, resonant one! Loved this talk.

@lous.1548 2 жыл бұрын

IT is so true . I got rid of things to pursue expériences

@SabelaSisters 8 жыл бұрын

Incredible and the reason im not on facebook anymore... and im grateful for experiences! Thank you emma!!! You have inspired us!!

@gangstersayfock 7 жыл бұрын

Great ted talk! Thanks for sharing your story! I really like that you one thing everyday that scares you. I do it to! I do it already everyday for 1,5 year. I toke a lot of opportunities and discover a whole new world. Like the cold, food i didn't like before, be a comedian, make joke about schizophrenia online etc.

@lindacooks-9552 3 жыл бұрын

You inspired me! I want to watch this again and again, thank you!

@yozelynflores6379 8 жыл бұрын

And what a lovely voice it is thank you! truly inspirational

@dhaminir5688 8 жыл бұрын

Relatable and really motivating.

@nigelbmichaels 7 жыл бұрын

wonderful, inspiring. Thank you

@Luumelan 7 жыл бұрын

thank you, i really love your talk, especially the part about the depresion.

@swopeboi 5 жыл бұрын

incredible. brought me to tears. You're so strong!

@mobk9774 6 жыл бұрын

A refreshing and much needed start to the New Year! Elegant, simple and beautiful talk. Thank you Emma, you have really helped revitalise some feelings within me and soothed some old pains. You are an inspiration.

@a9nh 7 жыл бұрын

Great talk. Thank you Emma.

@andydragonfisher6900 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing woman 🙏

@kenneyokennedy 8 жыл бұрын

Wow! A message everyone needs to hear (including me)!

@Ricardoarieira82 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@wimpiburger8078 7 жыл бұрын

Dankie Emma - baie inspirerend & positief uitdagend.

@SandeepKumar-bt7is 5 жыл бұрын

great message wonderfully explained

@ellen4078 7 жыл бұрын

thank you for sharing your story.

@KHN1991 8 жыл бұрын

A truly inspirational speech 👍

@pilus6029 7 жыл бұрын

Kasper Hesselholt mmm5565 m5m55566 qqqqqqqqqq qm q q q m q mm mqm m 666m mqm55555 q m mm mmm m m mm nm m m mqq 50n nn jby

@SOFI_READS Жыл бұрын

Gorgeous talk! Thank you so much!

@magdapieters9304 8 жыл бұрын

Emma, mag jou skip nog verre waters uittoets, baie dankie - so inspirerend!

@dorismuronga923 7 жыл бұрын

strong and inspiring speech

@preciouszak4373 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you Emma, 😊

@adelRX7 7 жыл бұрын

Wow, I enjoyed this

@kayla3972 4 жыл бұрын

Great speech i needed this!

@billionairenow81 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@arlinegeorge6967 3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful amazing soul telling stories n so true. Your mind can achieve what you believe.thank you bless you n all your dreams come true .

@sheilamore3261 4 жыл бұрын

Wow that was an awesome talk it does make you think very helpful thank you for sharing😊💕

@amankapila8839 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you .....

@rajkumarbhawariya9955 6 жыл бұрын

simply great

@coolice743 5 жыл бұрын

I cried

@sureshscribnar 6 жыл бұрын

Speed the talk by 1.5 times, and this talk is far more interesting and energising.

@KateLate____ 2 жыл бұрын

Emma, you mentioned everyone in the room except you is fine - that can't be true.

@sutats Жыл бұрын

NFG. That's the way to live life.

@mirellavidriezca1119 3 жыл бұрын

I suffer severe depression.

@flowwiththeuniverse31 3 жыл бұрын

me too. looking in the mirror!!

@user-md5wn4kh9v 4 жыл бұрын

Watch later 3:02

@nikhil_mahajan685 6 жыл бұрын

I would love to have coffee with you . 😁

@TheSeliMD 7 жыл бұрын

There should be a talk about uneffectiveness of ted talks

@mohammedshihab3489 7 жыл бұрын

How a beautiful you are,

@jamiececilielange5249 Жыл бұрын

I would recommend people not to climb Mount Everest. Not because I don't understand why you'd want to, but because it is littered with dead bodies that do not decompose - and a lot of them died making money as guides. Not an industry worth supporting. The water nearby is also becoming more and more contaminated by microplastics and other things. If you want to climb a mountain, choose one that is less famous, and maybe less dangerous.