Is your stuff stopping you? | Elizabeth Dulemba | TEDxUniversityofEdinburgh
TEDx Talks・16 minutes read
The speaker was inspired by comedian Steven Wright's philosophy on the value of not needing to own things, prompting her to sell most possessions and move overseas for a fresh start, pursuing unfulfilled goals. Despite societal pressure to hold onto belongings, the speaker found liberation in decluttering, pursuing experiences over material possessions, and embarking on a new adventure that led to personal and professional growth.
Insights
- The speaker's decision to sell almost all possessions and move abroad was sparked by a realization of the transient nature of life, influenced by Steven Wright's philosophy on the value of non-ownership, a health scare, and the loss of a friend to cancer.
- Transitioning to an experience-based lifestyle involved letting go of material possessions, reflecting on societal pressures that drive attachment to belongings, and embracing a conscious keeper mindset focused on decluttering and donating to benefit others.
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Recent questions
How did the speaker's philosophy on possessions change her life?
The speaker's philosophy, inspired by comedian Steven Wright, emphasized the value of things existing without needing to be owned. This concept led her to sell almost all her possessions and move to another continent with her husband to pursue unfulfilled goals.
What prompted the speaker to make significant life changes?
The speaker realized the need for change after living the American dream with a big house and possessions, especially after experiencing a 10-year recession. This realization, coupled with a health scare and the loss of a friend to cancer, made her urgently pursue her dreams and prioritize good health and the finite nature of life.
How did the speaker afford to move overseas for a new life?
To afford the move overseas for a new life pursuing an MFA in illustration at the University of Edinburgh, the speaker and her husband needed to sell almost everything since they were not financially supported by a company. This challenge arose but ultimately led to a liberating experience of letting go of material belongings.
What recommendations did the speaker give for transitioning to an experience-based lifestyle?
The speaker recommended becoming a conscious keeper, decluttering possessions, and donating items to benefit others as a way to transition to a more experience-based lifestyle. This process involved reflecting on the emotional and financial costs of storing possessions and finding liberation in letting go of material belongings.
What significant life events influenced the speaker's decision to pursue her dreams?
The speaker's health scare, the loss of a friend to cancer, and the realization of the importance of good health and the finite nature of life were significant events that influenced her decision to urgently pursue her dreams. These events prompted her to make significant life changes and prioritize experiences over material possessions.
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Summary
00:00
"Letting Go: Pursuing Dreams Over Possessions"
- Comedian Steven Wright's philosophy on the value of things existing in the world without needing to be owned was a life-changing concept for the speaker.
- In November 2014, the speaker and her husband decided to sell almost all their possessions and move to another continent to pursue unfulfilled goals.
- The speaker discovered a note from her 25-year-old self outlining goals she wanted to achieve by 30, with only volunteering checked off the list.
- Despite living the American dream with a big house and possessions, the speaker realized she needed to make changes after experiencing a 10-year recession.
- Inspired by watching House Hunters International, the speaker and her husband decided to pursue a new life overseas, leading her to apply and get accepted to the University of Edinburgh for an MFA in illustration.
- The challenge arose when the speaker realized they needed to sell almost everything to afford the move since they were not financially supported by a company.
- The speaker's health scare and the loss of a friend to cancer made her realize the importance of good health and the finite nature of life, prompting her to pursue her dreams urgently.
- The speaker delves into the reasons why people hold onto possessions, including a sense of safety, the illusion of permanence, and societal pressure from marketing.
- To transition to a more experience-based lifestyle, the speaker recommends becoming a conscious keeper, decluttering possessions, and donating items to benefit others.
- The speaker reflects on the emotional and financial costs of storing possessions and ultimately finds liberation in letting go of material belongings to embark on a new adventure.
15:34
From Exchange Student to Published Author in Edinburgh
- Became an exchange student in France, maintained a close relationship with host family who offered a flat in Blois overlooking the Loir River; later stayed in a short-term let on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, leading to pursuing a Master's in Fine Arts, teaching at Holland University, publishing books, volunteering, and now residing in Edinburgh, Scotland.
