Duration 15:55

12 truths I learned from life and writing | Anne Lamott

by TED
638 292 watched
0
13.4 K
Published 13 Jul 2017

A few days before she turned 61, writer Anne Lamott decided to write down everything she knew for sure. She dives into the nuances of being a human who lives in a confusing, beautiful, emotional world, offering her characteristic life-affirming wisdom and humor on family, writing, the meaning of God, death and more. The TED Talks channel features the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design -- plus science, business, global issues, the arts and more. Follow TED on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TEDTalks Like TED on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TED Subscribe to our channel: /TED

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Comments - 337
  • @
    @KimsLantern5 years ago “If people wanted you to write more warmly about them, they should’ve behaved better.”
    Yes.
    272
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    @leilanilanuza3837 years ago "The wound is the place where the light enters you" - Rumi 104
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    @mvdoglover27486 years ago I was greatly blessed to hear her speak these words and many more this weekend. "Help is the sunny side of control" and "laughter is carbonated holiness" are what stuck with me. She also mentioned something else. Self-respect is not something the world can give you. That's an inside job. She's amazing. ... 35
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    @Bronnyley4 years ago "Help is the sunny side of control". Love that. 33
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    @wabbit13135 years ago Before I watched this video I felt confused, depressed, lonely, and useless. Now I feel like a cloud has been lifted off my head! I will send this video to some of my friends/relatives who could use a warm and fuzzy. 11
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    @NancyHanna_forwordtv3 years ago She's one of my heroes from forever. She's a stand-up poet, spirit guide. Thanks, Anne. 13
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    @heathermacdonald64044 years ago How could anyone give this talk a thumbs down? Anne Lamott is kindly and wise and honest. A super talk. 4
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    @normbabbitt43257 years ago I so love this author and speaker, Anne Lamott, for her clear honesty,
    her supremely worthwhile wisdom, her true humility and humor.  I so love
    this!  I was so moved by this, and simultaneously I laughed out loud.
    ...
    27
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    @ApPersonaNonGrata7 years ago "
    Our "help" is the sunny side
    of control."
    59
  • @
    @michelleclark-cadwell72586 years ago Loved your comments on family and our roles, to "quit spreading your help all over everybody" and that help is just another form of control. I find it so true and have had to struggle with that lesson with my daughters. Wise words! I will continue to be a fan of your writing... ... 8
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    @Manu49pere7 years ago I love what she said, she just express herself and allow her soul to talk a little bit , Gorgeous ! 12 years ago I started to write and have it read by another person and her first reaction was astonishment and very hard reaction . I must soften my storie and get to write again ... 11
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    @mocahill17562 years ago lord lord, i fell in love w annie on npr, and have been inspired ever since. we were born the same year, and i'm ready to write it all down. thank you for these words, they are just what i needed to hear right now. 4
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    @lynngatti85926 years ago You beautiful soulful human- thank you for the comforting hug for my brain. 11
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    @Ravyne7 years ago I adore Anne Lamott and own several of her books. Her writing is always humorous and spot on. This talk was nothing less than her authentic self speaking to our authentic selves. 6
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    @formerfarmer267 years ago Her talk contains everything anyone needs to know. All of it. How tidy and amazing. I love her. 31
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    @Lana-wf4ri10 months ago Never ever fails to make me feel okay again. ❤ thank you for making us feel not alone 2
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    @stuartsmith93066 years ago "I'm ever age I've ever been and so are you" nice!! 14
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    @arrifwashere13887 years ago I wish she were my grandma, I'd talk to her all day long 214
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    @kathleenprescott62272 years ago I just love you Anne Lamotte. Thank you for who you are. Darling queen of glorious imperfection. 1
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    @koolbks47905 months ago Today, after the Israeli/Palestinian conflict is raging, so much foment and manufactured controversy from politicians,and death in all forms, is around us, i found this. Anne's book, Traveling Mercies, was a very pivotal book for me at a time when I was searching out the truth of Christianity vs the new age venues i was contemplating. Here was a woman with dreadlocks!! speaking humbly and authentically. Thanks, Anne, and its good to hear your voice.😀 ... 2
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    @BlinkyTheSpaceCadet7 years ago This lady transmits the truths of life with bittersweet humor. Awesome! 6
  • @
    @kyraocity2 years ago This talk on repeat does not disappoint. I have a TED talk about to be released on honoring your own voice and … I thought I’d list it again. This talk made me laugh at the cracks again. Cracks in the trap I keep creating. This talk says I’m ok. ... 7
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    @DesiDulce7 years ago "help is the sunny side of control" LOVE! 6
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    @Sharsung4 years ago I love her voice. She sounds so real, down to earth. 9
  • @
    @SF2Cal4 years ago Met her at bookstore, two years ago, after having read most of her books, over the years. Just took a writing class with Anne, via zoom. Lover her voice, on paper and in person. 7
  • @
    @learningcommunitywithnancy6 years ago In the middle of a marathon listening to authors. It assists in motivating me to keep writing. I always enjoy Anne Lamott, her transparency and vulnerability as a woman and writer. 2
  • @
    @catherineandres88287 months ago This particular Ted Talk is what made me start watching other talks. This is excellent. Watched it years ago - and her words have stayed with me. Touched my soul. 2
  • @
    @teimozzy7 years ago Such a nice mix of entertainment and knowledge. I like it, thank you. 49
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    @TheZGALa6 years ago This talk was delightfully moving! Thank you for the laughter and the tears. 3
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    @alexthomas9624 years ago Read "Bird by Bird" years ago and it changed my life-- so happy to stumble across this! 3
  • @
    @Gk-nm2jv7 years ago This adorable speech is going to be my favorite on TedX!!!Great respect to this amazing woman!🙌💐❤️ 5
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    @PalmurcioWorld4 years ago Who's here after The Midnight Gospel because they fell in love with her voice? 136
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    @stefaneesabatina34274 years ago I loved this speech Anne Lamott gave so relatable to everyone, such a great massage. 1
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    @ApPersonaNonGrata7 years ago At 46, I felt really good to hear her refer to 47 as the "young" age that she wishes she still was. 130
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    @dailyencouragemints43277 years ago A recap of the 12 truths for you all to refer back to. Have a great day!
    1. All truth is a paradox, life is both a precious gift and so heartbreaking at the same time.
    2. Almost everything will work again if you unplug if for a few minutes, including you.
    3. There’s nothing outside of you that will help you in any lasting way unless you’re waiting for an organ.
    4. Everyone is screwed up, broken, clingy and scared.
    5. Chocolate with 75% cacao is not actually a food.
    6. Writing - Every writer writes really terrible first drafts, but the keep their butt in the chair.
    7. Publication and temporary creative success are something you have to recover from, they can hurt and damage you.
    8. Families - Families are hard no matter how cherished and astonishing they may also be.
    9. Food - Try to do a little better.
    10. Grace - Grace is spiritual WD40 - God loves us all the same.
    11. God just means “goodness” - Its not that scary. A good name for God is “Not Me.”
    12. “Wow” and “Yikes” - It’s so hard to bear when a few people that you can’t live without die. You’ll never get over the losses. You’re not supposed to.
    If you're up for it, check out my 1-Minute daily videos if you're interested.
    ...
    557
  • @
    @ApPersonaNonGrata7 years ago
    "I was deteriorating
    faster than
    I could lower my standards". lol yep
    103
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    @rachelransom94556 years ago Thank you Anne. You have no idea how much this just helped me. 3
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    @SandKeats7 years ago Oh my god, it's Anne Lamott! I loved her book, Bird by bird. I didn't notice it was her until she talked about the assignment with the birds. No wonder I liked her. 25
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    @Reemtosa5 years ago I really enjoy listening to her over and over. Very simple, wise and short. Thank you ☺️ 2
  • @
    @krithikanc62067 years ago One of the best talks on ted
    👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽
    7
  • @
    @yashashreesanap1198last year Absolutely brilliant, wholesome, and beautiful! 1
  • @
    @noviceprepper53977 years ago I love her stories. I love her voice. Thanks Annie. 6
  • @
    @fishfan286 years ago I absolutely loved this. Thank you Anne. 2
  • @
    @jesur88885 years ago the is one of the best ted talks I've ever heard 2
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    @lavenderhearts1017 years ago One of my favorite authors. I love you Anne. 1
  • @
    @triniguy886 years ago The transcript on this talk is so helpful. 2
  • @
    @lazysingledaisybronwyn81053 years ago "When all is said and done, we really are all walking each other home." Ram Dass 3
  • @
    @melindamckenna61966 years ago Love TED Talks! They're great when you have insomnia and need to get to sleep in 5 minutes or less. 1
  • @
    @MaryJaneHancock2 years ago Big thank you for posting. I feel so much better. ;-) Life is forgiveness school. 2
  • @
    @mywingedwords10 months ago oh how I love her - inspires the writer in me
  • @
    @paulinewhalen67617 years ago Great message and thanks for the good laugh 💖 5
  • @
    @valeriebarnett79562 years ago Inspirational .... humour always softens truth ... first time listener 1
  • @
    @Synergiekanal7 years ago You made me smile. Thank you very much. 1
  • @
    @FriendsBuyHousesCom5 years ago This is a great encapsulation of Bird by Bird. I think I would like to watch this on a regular basis, it's enjoyable on so many levels! 2
  • @
    @paulpoulin12006 years ago For 2018 my new year's resolution is ...........to NOT deteriorate faster than I can lower my standards!!! Thank you ma'am!!! 18
  • @
    @creatingpeace89457 years ago God, darlin! you r such a rescue now. Love, peace. 2
  • @
    @Craig27605 years ago Anne, your book “Bird By Bird” had a profound effect on me. Thank you
  • @
    @NevadaRed4 years ago I bought her book I HIGHLY RECOMMEND SHE IS EVERYTHING 1
  • @
    @singingraven6524 years ago When you accidentally find a video and learn the meaning of life. 46
  • @
    @kritikajaishriradhey7 years ago Hats off! 😇
    Awesome talk. 👌
    Beautifully expressed. 😍
    Thanks a lot. 😊
    1
  • @
    @IMGO922 years ago Anyone else came across this beautiful person after confirming that it wasn't in fact, Joan Cusak, in midnight gospel? They both have a beautiful voice. ❤️ 2
  • @
    @borninprovidence29654 years ago I’m chasing myself with chapstick and sunscreen on my hero’s journey. My mom has always been free range. Sometimes also known as a workaholic. I ❤️Anne. 2
  • @
    @andrewbrendan15797 years ago Just this morning I bought three Anne Lamott books to give to a friend. Ms. Lamott and I probably don't agree on some major issues but I think we're both walking in the right direction to a good destination. 1
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    @skyhigh67 years ago My truth is; "Not worry about yesterday, for it is passed and done, don't worry about tomorrow for it is yet to come. For the day has enough worry of its own." 7
  • @
    @search6204 years ago One of the best people on earth love her
  • @
    @toniamrod4 years ago Love it!
    BTW: Transcript saved my life, since I had to site for academic assignment. Thank you.