Self-Work: The Art of doing for yourself | zahra monsef | TEDxUniversityofTehran

Core Idea - The speaker emphasizes the importance of living one's own story and finding personal fulfillment, contrasting it with living a life dictated by others' expectations [1][2] - The speech starts with the concept of nothingness and death as the beginning of everything we experience, highlighting the value of being present and living a life that brings joy [1] - Writing is presented as a tool for self-discovery, confronting reality, and choosing life over inaction, drawing inspiration from Shahrokh Meskoob's experiences with loss and writing [1][2] Writing and Mental Health - Research suggests that writing about one's feelings for 15 minutes daily can reduce anxiety, improve focus, and boost the immune system [1] - Writing helps individuals face reality by clarifying ideas and emotions, making them less overwhelming [1] - Consistent writing can lead to the discovery of unknown aspects of oneself and provide the courage to pursue one's own story [2] Self-Discovery and Authenticity - The concept of "Khwishkari" (vocation or calling) is introduced as something one is meant to do, not for external validation but for inner fulfillment [2] - The speaker shares a personal journey of overcoming fear and doubt to start a writing course, which unexpectedly gained popularity, demonstrating the power of authenticity [2] - The speech concludes by encouraging the audience to embrace the unknown and start their own stories, emphasizing that love has brought us to this world for a purpose [2]