Five Reasons This Year’s TEDx is the Best “Glitch” Ever
I’ve been a fan of TEDx talks ever since I learned how to watch videos on my laptop. I’ve always been amazed watched artists, engineers, scientists, kid, teachers, and people from all over the globe share what thoughts and inspirations they feel can change the world. I never thought that one day, I’d be on stage about to prepare for my own talk!
I had my first TEDx rehearsal this weekend. It was a great chance for us all to orient ourselves to the fantastic concept of TED’s “ideas worth spreading,” and work out our own “glitches.”
In fact, the theme of this year’s TEDx at Syracuse University happens to be…Glitch.
What would you define as a “glitch?”
Here’s one dictionary definition:
Glitch:
What’s Your Glitch?
I’d define a “glitch” as a detour – you know, something in life that doesn’t go as you expect. Nobody expects a detour to happen, in life. It’s what happens when we think we have things planned and all figured out…and then we’re thrown a curveball.
I’m excited about the “Glitch” theme for this year’s TEDx. What is life without the imperfections, the “malfunctions” and “irregularities” in life to keep us on our toes and pushing us to learn, change, adapt and grow?
The Five Best Things About Glitches
We all experience “glitches” in life. Here are five reasons why “GLITCH” might be the best TEDx theme ever.
1.) Glitches give us a chance to revisit and revise.
When we spot an “imperfection,” we’re forced to pause and give it more careful thought. We’re challenged to work on something that we might have glossed over or might have easily overlooked. Glitches demand attention, a different approach, a new way of problem-solving.
2.) Glitches give us character.
In a world of sameness and uniformity, it’s the mistakes that are our uniqueness. Our “flaws” allow us to stand out. A glitch is individuality – a mistake that’s unmistakably you.
3.) Glitches make us who we are.
What glitches and detours force us to do is explore new opportunities. When we can’t go in the direction we anticipated, we’ve got to switch gears and adapt. We have to resource inner strengths that we never knew we were capable of accessing. When we achieve the “unthinkable”, we discover who we really are.
4.) Glitches make our stories.
Think of a favorite adventure movie. Every good plot has an unexpected twist of events. If life went exactly as you planned, where would the excitement be? The best stories the ones with surprising “glitches” and turns. Glitches lead to discovery, epiphanies happy accidents. Did you know that potato chips were invented by a glitch?
5.) Glitches connect us.
We all have things in life that don’t go as we expect. We all make mistakes and experience “failure.” The more we share our “glitches”, the more we realize we’re not alone – and there is strength built in community. The world of “glitches” is a world of uniqueness, empathy, compassion and change.
Bonus reason? Glitch is a pretty fun word to say.
Glitches Have an “Upside.”
Glitches allow us to welcome the unexpected change in our “thought-out” life and see what opportunities may arise.
I’m living proof that a glitch can lead to unexpected blessings. If I took away all of the setbacks, hurdles, frustrations and glitches, I wouldn’t be who I am today…giving a TEDx Talk on glitches.
Glitches are most certainly happy, liberating and open-ended discoveries.
A “glitch” is not a dead end.
We just have to keep going long enough to reach a clearing to find the artistic nooks and crannies along that happy accident.
When you feel like you’ve made a glitch, you may not know what to do next, but that’s okay. Sometimes the best thing is to show up and follow through.
Some glitches don’t go away. Even with wounds that still haven’t healed – and that’s not a metaphor – I’m still on the road. That road –uncertain, honestly, terrifying at times – can lead to the most beautiful flowers you’ll ever find.
Every little twist and turn has made me who I am. And I like who I am.
There is nothing so dangerous about a glitch. Relax! Glitches can turn into flashes of insight, making room for new discoveries to flow in. Love is what we are. Fear is what we learn. Now, learn to love your glitches, and see where that takes you.
So don’t be afraid … Follow life’s glitches and enjoy the flowers along the way
How can you make a “glitch” today?
See you at TEDx!
Amy will be speaking at TEDx Syracuse on April 16th, 2016. All artwork was created by Amy. Learn about her mental health advocacy programs for students, and find out how to take part in the #LoveMyDetour movement, striving to create compassion through stories.
