How a journey to self-discovery will set you free | Puck Kroonsberg | TEDxUniversiteitVanAmsterdam

Summary

In this TED Talk, the speaker recounts her journey of self-discovery, highlighting the moment she stopped being her authentic self due to bullying. She discusses the emotional toll of living a double life and the burnout that ensued. Through self-reflection and practices like meditation, she found her purpose and the courage to shed her masks. The speaker advocates for a world where authenticity is the norm and mental health is not taboo, encouraging listeners to embrace their true selves and live a life that inspires them.

Takeaways

• 😊 Embrace your true self: The speaker encourages embracing who you truly are, despite societal pressures.
• 🌟 Childhood dreams: As children, we dream without limitations, but societal expectations often shape us into someone we’re not.
• 😔 Trauma of bullying: Sharing a personal experience, the speaker reflects on how bullying made her hide her true self.
• 🎭 Wearing masks: The speaker describes how she started wearing metaphorical masks to fit in and please others.
• 😫 Burnout: Constantly suppressing her true self led the speaker to emotional and physical exhaustion, culminating in burnout at age 22.
• 🏥 Mental health struggles: The speaker’s journey includes dealing with her father's mental illness and its emotional toll, which she kept hidden from most people.
• 🧘 Self-discovery: The speaker emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and meditation in helping her reconnect with her true self.
• 💡 Ikigai philosophy: Learning about the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai helped the speaker find her purpose, which aligns passion, skills, and societal needs.
• 🌍 Journey of freedom: The speaker quit her job, traveled for seven months, and faced her fears to live a life of authenticity and freedom.
• 🏆 Empower others: The speaker’s mission is to inspire others to live their dreams and embrace authenticity, envisioning a world where mental health is no longer a taboo.

Q & A

What was the turning point for the speaker when she stopped being her true self?

The turning point was when the speaker was a 12-year-old girl giving a presentation about her father's schizophrenia, which led to bullying and being called crazy.

How did the speaker's need to please others manifest in her life?

She started saying yes to social appointments, being everywhere, and hiding her true self to feel safe and accepted.

What was the consequence of the speaker's constant need to please others and her subsequent burnout?

It led to emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion, resulting in a burnout at the age of 22, with symptoms like pressure on her chest and vivid nightmares.

What advice did the speaker's mother give her during a moment of self-reflection?

Her mother suggested she stay home, take some rest, and possibly call in sick from work the next day.

How did the speaker redefine her life after experiencing burnout?

She made a promise to come back stronger, realized the need to take off her masks, and become her true self.

What is the significance of the phrase 'liberate yourself into who you truly are' in the context of the speaker's journey?

It signifies the process of removing limiting beliefs and embracing one's true self, which is essential for personal growth and happiness.

What is the connection between limiting beliefs and one's reality according to the speaker?

Limiting beliefs influence thinking, which in turn affects emotions, actions, and ultimately one's reality and future.

What is the speaker's vision for a healthier and happier society?

A world where people live a life that inspires them, leading to increased health, happiness, and productivity, and potentially reducing healthcare expenses.

How did the speaker approach removing her limiting beliefs?

She engaged in self-development practices like meditation, breath work, listening to podcasts, and reading books to become more self-aware.

What is the concept of 'ikigai' and how did it influence the speaker's life?

Ikigai is a Japanese philosophy that helps find one's purpose by asking four questions: what makes you happy, what you love, what you're good at, and what the world needs. It helped the speaker find her purpose and vision.

What significant change did the speaker make in her life to align with her newfound purpose?

She quit her job, let go of her old life, and started traveling for seven months around the world, embracing a life of freedom and authenticity.