In 2023, Mike faced a life-altering event that would challenge even the strongest among us. Yet by 2024, inspired by the resilience of his hero, Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton, he emerged not bitter — but better. In this unforgettable talk, Mike shares a powerful journey. It’s a story that will make you laugh, make you cry, and stay with you long after the final word. On February 13, 1985, my wife Angela fell 150 feet off a mountain in Durango, Colorado, breaking nearly every bone in her body. 38 years later, all the compounding medical problems came to a crescendo, as she passed away on December 28, 2023.How I managed to LET GO of her and rebuild my life after a wonderful 35 years with the first and only girlfriend of my entire life is based on the 1914 story of the Endurance expedition, where Ernest Shackleton led 27 others home safely after being shipwrecked and stranded in Antarctica for 2 years.I literally learned from Shackleton how to LET GO, see difficulty differently and how to choose better over bitter in bad moments. This story is one that will make you laugh and cry. Most important, it’s one you’ll never forget as you too live through your own Antarctic moments. 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
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- 15:31Kaleidoscopic mind:embrassing every pattern | Ms Malavika Muthukumar | TEDxThe NGP School CoimbatoreWhat if every human mind was like a kaleidoscope — colorful, ever-shifting, and uniquely beautiful in its own way? In this powerful TEDx talk, a speech-language pathologist shares a deeply personal and professional perspective on neurodiversity and inclusion.Drawing from her childhood fascination with kaleidoscopes, she parallels their changing patterns to the beautiful variety in human brains — neurotypical and neurodivergent alike. Through heartfelt stories of children with autism, dyslexia, and sensory challenges, she urges us to rethink our rigid definitions of “normal” and “abnormal.”She challenges us to move beyond labels, to embrace difference without pity, and to see strength where society often sees struggle. Most importantly, she emphasizes that access is not the same as inclusion — true inclusion begins at home, in classrooms, and in our mindsets.This talk is a call to action: to look again, look deeper, and linger long enough to find the beauty in every pattern. #KaleidoscopicMind #thengpschool #NeurodiversityMatters #InclusionStartsAtHome #EmbraceEveryPattern #BeyondLabels #TEDxTalks Malavika is a Speech-Language Pathologist and the founder of *Speech Avenue*, a multidisciplinary clinic based in Chennai. She holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, graduating as a Gold Medalist.She is registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India and is also an internationally certified Speech Pathologist, qualified to conduct training programs for parents of children with autism.*Speech Avenue* offers a holistic approach to communication support, bringing together services in speech therapy, special education, and psychology. The clinic supports families through individualized therapy, workshops, webinars, and community outreach, addressing a wide range of communication challenges. 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
