The Five F’s of Healing: A Journey from Breakdown to Breakthrough | Sandra Swaby MD | TEDxClarkstown
This talk shares the speaker's inspiring journey of overcoming early menopause, personal trauma, and a stroke to find healing and wholeness. After a health crisis in her 20s and being dismissed by multiple doctors, she was finally diagnosed with menopause at 27, which sparked a decades-long journey centered on what she calls the “Five F’s”: forgiveness, family, fitness, friends, and faith. She reflected on the emotional pain of unintentionally neglecting her daughter, the loss of her beloved grandfather, and how high-intensity fitness routines worsened her health. Sandra emphasized the power of surrounding yourself with supportive people and choosing faith over fear, especially after a stroke diagnosis threatened her future. Refusing to accept limitations, she relied on her belief, transformed her lifestyle, and even entered the Miss Universe competition at age 53, placing in the top 5. Her talk encourages self-love as the ultimate form of healing and reminds us that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.Dr. Sandra Swaby is a trailblazing physician turned cosmetic surgeon, celebrated for her commitment to empowering self-confidence and holistic wellness. As the Chief Surgeon of Harmony Health Cosmetic Clinic in Jamaica and founder of Zen Oasis anti-aging spa, she champions a philosophy of beauty rooted in mindfulness and self-love. Known as "The Queen of Body Positivity," Dr. Swaby has spent over a decade transforming lives and inspiring others to embrace self-care.Her influence extends globally through workshops, conferences, and a strong social media presence, including the “SelfCare is SelfLove” conference. Notably, she made history as the first contestant over 50 to place in the top five at the 2024 Miss Universe Jamaica pageant.Dr. Swaby’s dedication to personal growth and balance as a wife, mother, and advocate for emotional and physical well-being makes her a beacon of resilience and transformation, inspiring audiences worldwide. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 3:16Social Media: A new educational tool | Angelos Georgiou | TEDxNea Smyrni YouthAngelos highlights how platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook are transforming the way we learn. From accessing educational content to fostering collaboration among students and teachers, social media is helping us gain valuable skills and knowledge in fun, interactive ways. But, as with all tools, we must use it wisely to make the most out of its educational potential. Hello, I'm Angelos, I'm in the third year of junior high school and I'm fourteen years old. In my spare time, I engage in social media, as well as listening to music. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 4:58Finding Inner Peace in a Chaotic World | Stella Kalfakakou | TEDxNea Smyrni YouthStella shares a thoughtful speech about the power of inner peace, resilience, and authenticity in a world full of pressure and noise. She reminds us that true strength comes from within and that choosing to live mindfully and honestly is a brave and beautiful act. Stella is a curious and powerful 13-year-old with a strong personality and a deep, Zen-like presence. She dances with grace and dives into the mysteries of cosmology, psychology, and philosophy. When she's not exploring the universe or the human mind, you'll find her immersed in books, always learning, always growing. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 3:36Travel Tips and Tales | Ermis Triantafyllou | TEDxNea Smyrni YouthErmis loves music, travel, and discovering new places. In this talk, he shares funny stories from trips to Andros, Rome, and Vienna, along with practical tips for smart and stress-free travel. Ermis is a 12-year-old boy who loves to play music and go to different countries. He likes hanging out with friends and family. When he’s alone, he likes playing with his guitar. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 2:33Tennis from my Point of View | Philip Doukis | TEDxNea Smyrni YouthPhilip shares his love for tennis — a sport that’s helped him grow stronger, stay focused, and never give up. For Philip, every match is a new adventure and every challenge is a chance to improve. My name is Philip, I am 9 and a half years old, and I’m in 4th grade. I love school, but I think I love tennis even more! I enjoy learning new tricks and playing matches with my tennis friends and my dad. When I’m not on the tennis court, I love playing and watching football, reading fun books, and exploring nature. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 5:27Wise Choices | Thenia Kolokouris | TEDxNea Smyrni YouthThenia shares how saving, sharing, and spending wisely can turn everyday decisions into superpowers—for both money and time! We can make smarter choices and grow wiser every day! Thenia is a 10-year-old student with a passion for the performing arts and painting. Whether on stage or with a brush in hand, she loves expressing herself creatively. In addition to her artistic talents, she is also an archery athlete, combining focus and precision in both sports and the arts. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 8:03المغامرة | Brahim Zarouali | TEDxColominaSalonالإيمان بالنفس والمغامرة في المجهول قد يقودان إلى أماكن لم نحلم بها يومًا Voice-over artist, documentary filmmaker This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx