In our culture, we say furniture holds stories. But no piece has held my story like the humble couch. My mom is in the audience.Hi, Mom. For some of you, I see mamas. I see African queens here.You remember the kind of couches that our mothers would need covers for. The humble couch. The couch that has sagging cushions, stubborn coffee stains, and sometimes even secrets whispered into their fabric.Today, I want to talk to you about the different couches that have taught me resilience, rebellion, and the radi ...

[Music] Can you make the world a better place. Should you. That's a question for you to debate.Can you. That's a question that may sometime fill you with self-doubt. What can I one person out of the 8.2% billion do.I'm not rich. I'm too young. I'm too old. I'm not a social activist.I do not have enough resources, expertise. When God doesn't grant you miracles, remember that you are the miracle he sent for someone else. A powerful statement by Nick Witch, the man behind life without limbs, born without legs ...

Imagine waking up one day and looking at yourself in the mirror and seeing your reflection covered in scales of red and silver. Your skin is burning, itching, and never seems to calm down. But what hurts the most isn't the physical pain.It's the whispered comments, the judgmental stairs, and the unsolicited advice that make you feel like a walking exhibit. This is the reality for millions of people living with psoriasis, a chronic immune mediated condition often misunderstood as just a skin disorder. To beg ...

Core Argument - The arts and creative expression are essential for personal well-being and societal progress, offering hope and driving change [4][5][6][15][21] - Early discouragement of creative pursuits in education, driven by academic prioritization and funding cuts, negatively impacts individuals and society [2][3] - Re-engaging with creative outlets can be transformative, aiding in mental health recovery and empowering individuals to contribute to social change [8][9][11][24] Societal Impact - Art serves as a catalyst for conversations, raises awareness of critical issues like mental health, and inspires political progress [12][13][15][22] - Creative expression empowers marginalized communities, challenges oppressive systems, and fosters empathy [11][15][22] - Encouraging creativity and play, rather than competition, can lead to a more empathetic and innovative world [11][20][26] Metaphorical Analysis - The process of transformation through creativity is likened to a caterpillar's metamorphosis into a butterfly, emphasizing the importance of embracing change and trusting the process [16][17][18][19] - Creativity is presented as a light that can guide individuals and societies through darkness, offering solutions and inspiring action [5][20][21] - The "box" represents limiting societal expectations, and breaking free from it is crucial for innovation and progress [20]

[Music] [Applause] Yeah, that's a six-year-old me, a young man that had no idea what life's journey was all about and how precious it actually is. If you don't mind, I'd like to read a short short poem uh that I made shortly after my first suicide attempt. It's entitled I'm just a number. I'm just a number. I breathe. I seek. I blunder. I'm just a number. I fall. I hurt. I wonder. I'm just a number. I've loved. I've lived. I'll die. But Lord knows I've tried to be more than just a number. In 1984, I was an ...

Let me invite you all to close your eyes for just a moment. [Music] [Music] [Music] You can open your eyes. How did that make you feel.Relaxed, connected to your inner self. Now hold on to that feeling. The purpose of my talk is to persuade you to introduce an element of spirituality into your daily life.Now, let me be clear. I'm not advocating for any specific religion. Nor am I promoting religious beliefs.I hold no judgment whether you are religious, agnostic, or atheist. Trust me, I'm not here to sign yo ...

Uh my name is Sarita Jadav. I work as a national program officer in the UNESCO South Asia regional office based in New Delhi. And the work that uh I am involved in is on uh promoting health and wellness of learners and uh promote you know promoting safety and security and preventing violence in schools.I'd like to start by asking all of you over here in this esteemed gathering to please close your eyes for 15 seconds. Close your eyes for 15 seconds and imagine a 15-year-old child who is waking up with an al ...

Gut-Brain Axis & Mental Health - The gut-brain axis enables direct influence from the gut on the brain, affecting physical and emotional states [3] - Gut bacteria produce approximately 90% of the body's serotonin, a key hormone for happiness and emotional stability [4] - Gut bacteria imbalance, known as dysbiosis, can lead to anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline [5] Impact of Diet & Lifestyle - Poor diet, stress, and antibiotics can cause gut bacteria imbalance [4] - Foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir are excellent sources of probiotics, restoring gut balance and supporting mental health [6] - Exercise encourages beneficial bacteria growth and increases intestinal mobility, benefiting both body and mind [6][7] - Diets high in sugar and processed foods can lead to gut bacteria imbalance [8][9] - Stress management and adequate sleep are vital for maintaining healthy gut bacteria and overall well-being [7][8] Probiotics & Prebiotics - Prebiotics, found in foods like bananas, onions, garlic, and asparagus, feed beneficial gut bacteria [5][6] - Probiotic supplements may enhance mood and lessen anxiety, but using the correct strains is crucial [10]

[Applause] You failed. Two words we all know too well. Failure can echo in our minds, overshadowing every victory, every compliment, and every moment of joy.In a world that often celebrates success, failure makes us question our worth. But what if we viewed failure differently. What if we saw it as as an essential part of growth, a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block.Today I want to share how those two words, you failed, became the catalyst for hope and transformation in my life. How I discovered t ...

Health & Wellbeing - Reconnecting with nature can improve health, happiness, and overall wellbeing [9][19] - Nature acts on a neurological and hormonal level, generating feelings of wellbeing [16] - Nature reduces blood pressure, helps breathing, and increases energy while reducing stress [5] - Nature improves focus, memory, and creativity [6] - Nature can reduce the perception of both mental and physical pain [6] Impact of Technology & Urbanization - Modern lifestyles focused on cities and technology lead to stress and disconnection from nature [2][5] - Children now spend more time indoors with technology, missing out on the physical and mental benefits of nature [7][8] Practical Applications - Bringing nature into living spaces with plants and natural light can improve mood and air quality [10][11] - Engaging in outdoor activities like running, cycling, or even sitting under a tree can foster connection with nature [12] - Making outdoor activities social and practicing mindfulness can help integrate nature into daily routines [13][14] Nature's Intrinsic Value - Nature is not just a resource but has its own value and right to exist [3] - Humans have a deep-rooted connection to nature, which is reflected in our memory and genes [4]