June 7: #14 Watch a TED talk
Phil: I actually haven’t really ever sat down and really watched a TED talk. I’ve seen clips, known what they were, but never really invested the time to really get into them. Now, I’m feeling like it’s essential viewing for anyone curious about challenging their viewpoints and massaging their brains. I watched this TED talk on a study of what makes people truly happy, and it’s relationships. (Link here: https://www.ted.com/talks/robert_waldinger_what_makes_a_good_life_lessons_from_the_longest_study_on_happiness?referrer=playlist-the_most_popular_talks_of_all) I could have told you that relationships were important to our health, because I learned that lesson the hard way a year ago when I found myself on the outside of the first real community I ever really felt a part of. I seriously started losing my hair over it -- I still have a tiny bald patch on the back of my head, and a big patch on my leg without hair because of it. But this talk was a good reminder about what was most important, and what was most worth our time as humans. It’s all about relationships, and letting go of grudges. It left me wanting to text my friends and reach out to people. To Bruce, when you read this -- this entire project was an idea that I had as an excuse to force us to communicate and share something every day because I wanted to talk to you more. I’m glad we brought it back. PEACE.
Bruce: Today I had the serendipitous experience of my friend Alyssa suggesting I watch a TED talk that spoke to me and where I am in life perfectly. The talk is by Tracy McMillan and called "The Person You Really Need To Marry" (you can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3fIZuW9P_M ). The talk is vulnerable and sincere almost like a Moth story, an encouraging prompt to "marry yourself" despite all mistakes, forgiving yourself in your low moments and unsavory conditions or states of disarray. Tracy shares a frank insistence for self love advocating that we are entirely whole no matter what we have or who we have in our lives. That was a poignant reminder to me as I've been going through a severe bout of self-criticism in a rare cyclone of depression and this was a gratifying reminder and prompt. Thanks Alyssa, TED, Tracy and Challenging Days for the empowering affirmations.
Tomorrow's challenge: #25 Journal for 15 minutes straight, direct writing