What almost dying taught me about living | Suleika Jaouad

"The hardest part of my cancer experience began once the cancer was gone," says author Suleika Jaouad. In this fierce, funny, wisdom-packed talk, she challenges us to think beyond the divide between "sick" and "well," asking: How do you begin again and find meaning after life is interrupted?
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[@SuperBrainStorms]

The last lesson my father taught me before he passed away is that when you die you take nothing with you. Since that day I share and give away the excess things I had accumulated at home throughout my 40 years of living in this planet. Extra blankets, gone. Extra clothes, gone. Extra money, if I can why not. But the most important thing I’ve been giving away is my time. I share my time with my family much more often than before. Actually, before my dad’s death I seldom shared my time with family or friends . Now that’s the only thing I want to do.

[@elianatristan6667]

lots of love to you darling ❤️

[@willimacdo]

That gift is a valuable one and you were open to it {we aren't always}.

[@joanpascal7745]

Been there an ...get it!

[@joanpascal7745]

Thankyou for your story I can relate sooooo much! No one knows except for the survivor 🙂. Much is really good ☺️ enough.

[@doctormimi9486]

Great advice ….

[@RoyalRebel]

Her cancer has returned. She's going through her third bone marrow transplant chemo again. I pray & I hope she'll survive this battle again.

[@lb1798]

😲😪💔💔💔

[@judithgola9858]

God bless her--she seems like a bright star in her own right. JB is perfect for her...

[@Sbannmarie]

Thanks for your honesty

[@carpediem8752]

I also had leukaemia, I was 35yo and my perception of life changed. I learnt to forgive, forget and move on. I am a happy person and I love life.

[@Candeekissez]

So glad you are doing well. I think a lot of it is "choice." Do you choose to be happy? Would you rather love life or live in a toxic environment. Life is what YOU create (for the most part) for yourself. Namaste.

[@carpediem8752]

Jake Fournier Hi Jake, I was on holidays and noticed I was out of breath going up and down the stairs, had fever/flu out of the blue and the biggest clue were the bruises. My sister pinched my arm and the next day the bruise was HUGE and it didnt go away for days and days. Had a blood test done and it showed platales, white and red cells were really low. Flew back home and had a bone marrow biopsy done and it came back positive for leukemia.

[@carpediem8752]

Cavalo It reminds me that every day is a beautiful day and that im still here :)

[@carpediem8752]

Candeekissez I totally agree with you. We have the power to control how we feel and how we live life to the fullest. Namaste 🙏

[@johnnytan1400]

@@carpediem8752 my friend I just want to say that the cancer is a blessing in disguise. My neighbor who would verbally abused his wife daily became a loving person after he had cancer.after I work in hospital and see death everyday I live life moment by moment and I don't get angry easily. I read a zen story. The young monk ask his teacher how to live a good life. The teacher replied-you must be prepared for death. Young monk ask-how do I prepare for death? The teacher replied -lead a good life. I wish you peace in your mind.

[@PLuMUK54]

I really relate to this. On my 50th birthday, I was at work, opening cards from my colleagues. I'd not felt well for a long time, but as I opened the cards I felt really ill. I managed to cope with the day, but by the time I got home I could no longer hold it together. Next morning, I went to my GP. He decided that I'd got a chest infection. I was given antibiotic. The next week I was given a different antibiotic, and had a blood test. The next few weeks saw more medication, more tests, and lots of confused head shaking from my GP. At the same time I began to put on weight. In 6 weeks I went from a 28 inch waist to 5XL. I could hardly walk, and breathing was a struggle. 2 days before my next appointment I managed to drive to my GP surgery. The receptionist took one look at me and rushed to get the doctor. To save time my GP suggested that I drove myself to hospital. They were waiting for me and I was taken straight to a ward for more tests. Next day I was told the I had 48 hours to live! I'd caught a virus, probably off a baby, that had attacked my heart. Viral cardiomyopathy is, I was told, a death sentence. Long story short, I'm now 69, and the last time that I checked, I'm still alive. Despite being told I'd never work again, within 9 months I was back, and the birthday cards still decorated my desk. No one had had the courage to tidy them away. A further 18 months of clinics, some vile medication that ruined my health, but kept me alive, and I was told that I was cured, though I would be on medication for life. Like the speaker that was just the start for me. I had huge emotional swings. Sometimes I was ridiculously happy. Other times I felt guilt about why I'd survived and others I'd known had not. Other times I'd fall into a pit of depression. This lasted for 5 years, but came to an end when my parents died within 12 weeks. Strangely, they had been the rock that had supported me, without them I should just have fallen into despair, but I didn't. I now had to ensure that I thrived in order to fulfil their expectations of me. I had a goal. Life changed dramatically. I loved my career, but realised that it was no longer fulfilling. I took early retirement. I realised that it was true, life isn't a rehearsal, this is it. I used to be wrapped up in my work, but that changed. In many ways, I became selfish. I'd always put the needs of others before my own. Now, I began think about myself more. As Max Ehrmann wrote: "Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself." I began to do the things that I wanted. I worked with animals, adopting many that were near the end of their lives. I took time to listen to people who appeared to need someone to talk to. I did a number of different things, because I had made time so that I could "be gentle with myself", and this gave me time to be "gentle" with others. I used to get a thrill when someone said that I was clever, or hard working, or good at my job, but it was nothing to how I felt when a neighbour told me that they believed I was the kindest person they had ever met. Although I have never fantasised about being ill, I am truly thankful that I was ill. I may not be in the best of health, I may be on medication for the rest of my life, but being ill was the best thing that ever happened to me. It's made me a better person.

[@KhanyaModipa]

Wow thank you so much for sharing your experience. I hope you stay well and keep enjoying all that life has to offer.

[@thoralder4963]

Thank you for sharing, wishing you better health as well , encourage you to read Marcus Rothkranz healing, 101

[@loicf8728]

Dear Suleika, You probably won't remember me. We met back in Paris when you were studying. At that time we did what regular people in their twenties do, hanging around, have fun etc We barely knew each other but I could already feel the strength and resilience within yourself. I've been following your footsteps from your writings and i have to say that speech from TED is outstanding. It is so authentic and profound that it knocked me out immediately. Actually it gives me hope for our future. Your are the kind of person that can make a difference in this world. Your voice is unique, don't question it. You are the kind of person that can gather hundreds, thousands and certainly millions in time. Make them understand that the key of this life is not to struggle... the key of this life is to let go (of the EGO) and accept your history, your flows etc as you did it so gracefully on camera. Embracing your vulnerability can not only ease oneself but it can transform it from the bottom to the top. I could not agree more with you, as human beings we are meant to live... nothing less, nothing more. Another journey is starting for you with this speech and I wish you the best. You are the kind that IS making a difference. Keep on shining, Loïc

[@joanpascal7745]

I couldn't 💯 agree more!

[@alexhu7939]

I am a cancer survivor, too. I love ballroom dancing. I am not that great of a dancer, but I participated in competitions. After a lengthy open chest surgery and radiation therapy, I struggled for a year. When I decided to to dance again, rather than feeling miserable, I can dance no more than 8 seconds. A year later, I can now dance about 90 seconds. Still a long way to go for competition, but I will make it!

[@healmyroots]

Wonderful!!

[@chingeeang8018]

" Meaning is not found in the material realm; it's not in dinner, jazz, cocktails or conversations. Meaning is what's left when everything else is stripped away." - A message to Suleika from Howard, the retired professor. 13:01

[@kikivolauvent1]

thanks. was going to write that down too. a powerful, hopeful and honest message.

[@Tubingonline1]

This is a most amazing "NO BULLSHIT" Talk ever on KZbin. No Pseudo-science, no mindfulness crap, no sudden transformations. And yet so inspiring!

[@stillwatersnightsky6533]

Flow and Adaptability is what I took from this talk..... Too many of us point to the one and only of everything and everyone in life, and well, while I am grateful to be listening to all those KZbin vids on well being, mindfulness, purpose of life.. This perspective from Suleika brings it home for me... Life itself is a meaning to everything that one makes out one to be.... However you make that for yourself.....

[@truthalonetriumphs6572]

What's wrong with mindfulness? She was very mindful.

[@lizlemon9835]

I'm crying. This is the best TED talk I've ever watched, and I've seen a lot of them. I suffer from crippling social anxiety and PTSD. This was exactly what I needed to hear, and I hope that I am brave enough to get out into the world and trust people someday. Not just be trapped in a prison of my own mind.

[@alexmaccio8641]

Hope you'll be able to do that Liz !

[@lizlemon9835]

@@alexmaccio8641 thank you

[@alyakkash5817]

Liz Lemon use black seed oil to cure ur anxiety

[@chingeeang8018]

Hey Liz! I hope you are doing better now :) sending the warm light of compassion your way xx

[@cocatfan]

@@alyakkash5817 🙄

[@kadeeraziz]

"...that is the trick to stop seeing our health as binary between sick and healthy well and unwell whole and broken, to stop thinking that there is a perfect state of wellness to strive for and quit living in a state of constant dissatisfaction until we reach it." This changed my view about health.

[@karijane210]

I just left the ER for the third time this week. I got home and had locked myself out of my house. Because stress messes with our brains. I needed this message so badly. I feel like giving up. Being sick sucks.

[@JawadKing4]

I suffered a near death accident in Feb 2019 with multiple fractures. Now I'm lying in bed since then . Learning how to sit , stand and walk everyday through physiotherapy. Help me get my old working life back by praying for me.

[@perfectlyimperfect-vx7mx]

May God bless u .

[@vellano.1637]

Wishing fast recovery!

[@yudis3996]

Praying!

[@deepl2385]

Every cloud has silver lining...let god be with you

[@shafeequekottakkal5273]

Will get ready soon bro...

[@HumansOfVR]

*_There might not be an inherent meaning in life,_* but the life you live is YOURS! And you can create meaning in life if you want it

[@MG-bf2ew]

So true

[@radhakrishnanvadakkepat8843]

Life is a chemical composition without any impact to the universe . You have no part to play .

[@dondressel452]

Such a profound statement

[@marymary9327]

Thank you for your thoughts.

[@tom1b1b8]

What I learned from supporting a loved one through her illness: - life and especially good health, are a gift. - crying (in moderation) is therapeutic. - suffering can be our greatest teacher. - you will not be the same person you were after the suffering is over. - few people are willing to talk about the effects of serious illness and even fewer will understand. - we are meant to be there for each other; it is one of the things that make life worth living. - I am absolutely convinced that if I lead a good life (God fearing), I will see her again. Thank you for your talk.

[@dancenow1337]

And - since animals value their lifes just as much as you and I - we should not eat them or send them into slaughterhouses. :)

[@schawnettarobinson8584]

Thanks for sharing. Your assessment was life changing as well as therapeutic. May God continue to keep you.

[@Ottts22]

Thank you

[@sri6567]

A year ago I was so frustrated with my life and I was at the verge of ending my life but I eventually held back out of fear of what horror my parents would experience if I had attempted suicide. Today I’m doing well, I still go through struggles but I am so ever grateful for every day I experience irregardless of how normal my days might seem. Somehow going through that rush of wanting to kill myself has made me appreciate life a lot more. I hope I’ll grow healthy, happy and safe and I love how I’m building my life slowly but with lots of effort and care. I hope anyone reading this would lead a great life too. Take care ❤️

[@sidneycarrizalez8906]

I wanna say how I admire you being such a strong human being. You weren’t selfish in not thinking of just yourself but how your parents would feel of not having you. I’m currently going through a rough heart break and since that happened everything has all became one big issue for me. I’ve been getting tired. I’ve had many suicidal thoughts but I’m doing my best not letting myself fall into that.

[@chingeeang8018]

Dear Sri, I am so proud of you. Like a tiny, fragile and cute plant, lots of care and effort is needed to be given to our little treeling of life. Only then, can it flourish into a strong, beautiful tree under your unconditional love. It is always living within you, and wants to care for you too. 🌳 Remember to take your time to not fight the thoughts in your head, but to listen to that inner voice deep within your heart. xx Take care too, and I hope you are doing well these days :)

[@kathe.o.]

Sri, I too thought of suicide as an answer to my pain & problems. As a teen of 17, a survivor of years of sexual assault by a cousin, I even tried it. But I learned all a bottle of aspirin did was make my stomach issues worse. Then at 19 when my fiance called off our nuptials I thought of it again - but decided he wasn't worth the trouble. At 37 with 3 children under 7, my abusive husband made me feel worthless. So I thought of it yet again. But Sri, he would have won his freedom & I was determined he didn't deserve it. So I still live at 71. I'm a widow now. I out lived abandonment; abuse physical, mental, & spiritual. I live on. Nothing & no body has the right to belittle us. No one has the ability to save us but GOD & our inner selves. Sri, Darlin' if she can live through two bouts of leukemia & come out the other side as brilliantly as she has we can too. We owe it to GOD to survive & keep going till He/She calls us home. We are GOD'S children. Thus we must live on till it is our time to go beyond this life.

[@robinholbrook6576]

@@kathe.o. You TRULY are a survivor! I’m 76!! One of my favorite quote: hopelessness is ALWAYS premature!!!

[@blackhealthtalk]

@@kathe.o. If you need a friend, I'm here katherine

[@annieh5479]

I'm so happy you and Jon have found happiness. And I pray your bone marrow transplant takes off and makes you well! Getting married as you went into the operating room is unbelievably courageous. All the best.

[@marymary9327]

Thank you so much for this. When I was sick, everyone told me about how brave the people they knew with cancer were. They never complained, they told me. So, I couldn't tell anyone how scared I was.

[@healmyroots]

💝💝💝

[@robinholbrook6576]

If you’d like, You can tell me…I’ll send you my email.

[@blackhealthtalk]

I second Robin's sentiment; if you like you can tell me as well

[@dee_dee_place]

I have a rare autoimmune disease that affects my kidneys. I was terrified of the prognosis. The only one I had to talk to was my Sister but I couldn't because she broke down into hysterics. Instead of giving me the shoulder to cry on that I needed, I wound up consoling her. It really stinks when you can't verbalize the terror you're feeling. You wind up suffering in silence. Since then, I have had other pretty dramatic health issues & again there was no one to hear my words. So now, I talk to G-D. I know HE is there; I've always known HE was, but now HE is also the one & only being I can speak out my anguish to & I know HE is listening.

[@leontineke]

That must have been hard for you. Am glad you did, now.

[@rubychew6535]

She communicates very well on a topic that most people don't want to discuss. She indicates that you don't have to give up on life. She and Jon complement each other well.

[@schawnettarobinson8584]

She’s a fantastic human being. She’s real and transparent. I would love to chat with her for hours. She can give me a lot of insights. I can learn more from her than I could from graduate school.

[@chezneys]

"These are the terms of our existence." This was such a powerful and well articulated Ted talk. I love love love love this.

[@strausbaughofficial]

Suleika, I am with you, right there. Mine wasn't cancer, but Common Variable Immunodeficiency. Undiagnosed for eleven years, I survived not only hundreds of respiratory infections, but Grizzly Bears like hemolytic anemia, encephalitis, pleurisy, infected lymph nodes, and sepsis. After diagnosis at the age of 35, I knew I wanted to reconnect with what was taken (Music and guitar), and completed three Masters' within a few years, but I had no idea how to live. What Life even WAS. I turned 50 a few weeks ago, and only began to appreciate and understand who I am at the end of last year. I love hearing your story, and moreso, I feel connected and related to you in a way that I simply can't with most. Thank you, you are awesome. Your words are perfect. You rock.

[@blackhealthtalk]

If you need, I'm here for you

[@jga8173]

The most inspirational TED talk I have ever seen. What a fabulously wonderful lady and human being. Bless you, thank you so much for doing this.

[@WaymondJr]

Wow. What a message. Thank you for this wonderful synopsis of "life" as we know it. Beautiful. ... We lost our 14 year old to cancer in 2015, and it is still hard today to even begin listening to stories like this. But, wonderful human beings like yourself manage to captivate and help cure the survivors everywhere - to help weave us back into society. So, I say a hearty THANK YOU ❤️ and keep it up, people like you are magical and inspirational. Just like my son Noah was.

[@joannecooper6054]

Thank you for sharing Waymond. Noah would not want you to stay in that closet of sorrow. You can live for yourself and for him. Surely he is not far from you ever. It’s just that we don’t know how it works. Trust your heart to hold him. Take a deep breath and go on living.

[@sarahmurphy1951]

Beautiful talk and beautiful person. ❤️

[@renagadetechtog655]

Wow..... What a beautiful soul. Thank you. Best wishes from Scotland

[@dee_dee_place]

This really hit home. In the last 3 years, my health has taken a big hit & I'm finding it very difficult to do even the smallest of things. I have to change my ideas of what my life should be, based on what it was, & transform it into what it is now. Suleika, thank you for sharing your story & the stories of others who have transformed their lives into the here & now, & have learned to live their best life. I needed to hear your talk today. Blessings to you always.

[@maurawhelan3530]

Read Suleika’s book! It is wonderful.

[@pennysmurf]

Thank you for sharing this. I am a 42 year old man living with sickle cell disease. I recently lost my mother to cancer. She was my rock. My relationships have been spiraling out of control. I'm in a world trying to compete with normal people when my life is anything but normal. It sad to say but at my I am lost. Trying to run my business when i don't even feel like living some days is hard. I spiritual life is taking a beating as well. I really am lost. But I like the idea of throwing myself into the unknown and seeing how things will look on the other side of my fears.

[@ember2657]

Im soo sorry about your loss... one small step at a time

[@dorothyjoycassilles1056]

Im praying for you, not just saying. I will put you on my prayer list.

[@chingeeang8018]

Dear Pennysmurf, I am sorry that you were going through this 2 years ago. How are you doing these days? I hope you are well. We are here rooting for you :) Kind regards, Ching Ee

[@joannecooper6054]

Good luck. Being grateful everyday for this new opportunity to learn about life is such a gift. When death is not far away living can become super present. And that’s really all any of us have. Wishing you courage in your journey ahead.

[@cwbyjnkies]

Acceptance is everything. I have felt guilt for surviving my cancer while so many have died from theirs and at some points throughout the last few years have mentally crippled me into a sort of depression. Her words are so profound and helpful.

[@soniatriana9091]

What an honest presentation! It is an extremely meaningful LIFE message to everyone!! And, more so now, that I just learned she battled Leukemia once in 2021/2022. She definitely went on to live a meaningful & happy life after this Ted presentation. And having John Batiste as her life’s partner, now husband, definitely signifies she was true to her words! She truly understands what living is!!

[@brianagonzales7648]

What a beautiful woman she is. Her eyes still seem sad but they have so much depth and mystery!

[@juliet-m31]

This is so real and heartfelt. Shame about still being not "normal " PTSD and grief. I'm so grateful that she shared her story and journey through it all! ❤️

[@barbaradavis393]

One of the greatest gifts I received while supporting my husband in his fatal cancer journey was the ability to help others. I gained validity from having been through it. I also learned how to talk about it without seeming fake or condescending.

[@blackhealthtalk]

How are you holding up now?

[@paulinefollett3099]

I have an incurable disease and I thought I would be dead many years ago. However, I have chosen to live the best life I can, despite the odds. I just live in the now.

[@carstena1069]

Fighting I’m with u!

[@alyakkash5817]

Pauline Follett use black seed OIL! It cures everything but death! May allah be with u

[@ngannguyen-dm5zc]

She's insanely beautiful! Her speech' s inspiring too!

[@lamartilla1845]

3:25-3:52 THIS! Made me laugh/cry so much (well, the entire talk did, but this section was gold!). I also nearly died in 2016. I do sort of fear the cancer coming back in some other form. I literally have loved ones constantly asking those types of “why don’t you drink the celery juice and 90 min. of yoga a day” questions. LOL. Thank you for the talk...God bless you.😊

[@blackhealthtalk]

Not the celery juice XDDDD

[@SevenLegsProds]

Breast cancer survivor here and I feel this to the core. Thank you for sharing your story, which parallels mine and so many others’ in so many ways. All the best to you.

[@user-ev8my7ew4y]

I cryed a bit ) This spring my friend 21 years old very beautiful girl died from cancer. Very sad (

[@dondressel452]

I watched her journey on utube Such a young strong intelligent woman I hope she has many more wonderful years of living

[@simone222]

I love the sakura or cherry blossoms. Because they remind me that life is lovely yet ephemeral and that I have to make living worthwhile. I nearly died of severe complications from chickenpox as a young child. Blessings of health to Ms. Jaouad. I also wish her success in her endeavours.

[@pamyuhnke8143]

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. A good friend gave me this book. The title caught my eye. This book got me through so much. The unbelievable honesty was so therapeutic. I've bought to for a least a dozen people. Reentery is still the hardest part. Whenever I get overwhelmed I read that part of the book. More than the unconventional love and the awe I received, I needed, and still need, the room to struggle and figure out who and what I am now.

[@emilythesongbird2306]

Thank you Suleika for this powerful and poignant talk! I am so touched by your vulnerable share and the wisdom of the recovery process. It takes tremendous courage to walk your path and then trust your intuition to guide you to how to heal and integrate all that you've experienced and learning. Your words will continue to touch the hearts of many people who are suffering in various stages of sickness, to give voice and permission for them to express their truest experience and emotion. Deeply grateful for your presence.

[@deborahdabblesaround]

This is such a beautiful ted talk. No matter what hardship we are going through, we must realize that we are not alone and bring light to each other lives in times of brokenness💛

[@claudettebarsh9306]

One of the best speakers with an amazing story, God bless her and her family.

[@marva8928]

Thank you Suleika for such an inspiring talk. Many of us may not be ill but are broken in other ways and as a result, we shut ourselves away waiting to die. Thank you for the reminder to live our lives regardless of whatever happens.

[@Vampirebear13]

Your comment sounds like me Marva. But instead of shutting myself away, I've been marginalized & shunned it seems but I spend each day, just waiting to die. I'm alone & everyday just gets worse. :-(

[@lishengsun9883]

@@Vampirebear13 hang in there bud

[@amandahugginkiss55]

@@Vampirebear13 hey, I hope you're getting by or even a bit better? Life is terrifying and I hope you have someone to talk to. I'm all alone most of the time, lately, myself.

[@Vampirebear13]

@@amandahugginkiss55 TYVM for your so very kind reply!!! No things are getting worse instead of better. Where do you live? Would you like to talk on the phone? I live in Ohio & my name is Mark.

[@josephdip715]

@@Vampirebear13 I'm sorry to hear that. I hope you're getting better. Life is a journey, sometimes a battle. Totally unexpected. Sometimes you focus on the destination, and forget to focus on that journey. When you fall, it allows you to get up stronger. It allows you not to lean on your own understanding, give in to faith and believe in something bigger than yourself give in to faith and believe in something bigger than yourself and find your purpose. I hope you have people to talk to.

[@_NAED_]

You've "got" more, beautiful Suleika, keep fighting on, you with Jon.

[@belmundoable]

15:34 THIS. First You Have To Learn How To Accept Your Body and It's Limitations.

[@sharonr.5906]

Still working on this one

[@StinkyTrump4Prison]

Finally someone who tells the truth without candy coating reality. She is lovely, intelligent, obviously great with words and honesty; she will find her place in _life_ once again. 🌼🌈🧬✌️ _Life & death is a crap shoot._

[@suncat9]

This was one of the best TED talks I've heard, and I've heard a great many.

[@marynit8785]

It's no wonder this beautiful woman and Jon Batiste found one another and married. Happy long life together.

[@johnl4469]

Damn, this girls parents must burst with pride every day since she was born.

[@jasenkavukelic5047]

John L This is such a beautiful comment!

[@johnl4469]

Thank you!

[@JacobMichael]

What a grounding, well executed talk. Thanks Suleika for sharing. This is a side cancer survival that I've never considered -- and I'm pretty sure most people don't. This will be a life line to so many people. Sending you and others on a similar journey positive energy :)

[@leticiaperez9543]

One of the most inspirational ones I've seen. As someone who has seen the worst cases of an illness in a loved one, this hit home and if there is anything I have learned is that suffering can sometimes be one of our greatest teachers.

[@JASONMCDONALD2]

This talk was beautiful and real. Life and struggling with illness is simply messy and never perfect.

[@CaraChartrand]

I've read her book and it's as powerful and gripping as her Tedtalk. I couldn't put it down - highly recommend

[@droolpuppy1398]

She is such an inspiration! Thank You Suleika, for this. I needed it so badly.

[@marciesalkowski8139]

Great to see her!! As a fellow survivor, my chemo was short team but wow four years.... 💕thank you so much for this

[@annod2003]

Sulieka. We love you and Jon. Keep up the good fight. He needs you.❤

[@vahangood5999]

I always said, "Death is easy, Life is hard." I have no fear of death... Life - that's a different story. 😉

[@FarlowL]

Thank you so much for sharing. I too am a survivor and took the same path you did. You are inspiring!

[@David__]

Thanks for your bravery & courage for being real + sharing your story Suleika :)

[@kellygoodman4773]

Recovery from a grueling cancer battle never seems to be talked about. I was never told what to expect, how long it would take and how to put your life back together after you have changed completely... because you are one person BC (before cancer) and another after. It is something I am considering writing about. She certainly inspires me.

[@jazzbirdbecky]

Praying for you Su❤️🙏💫

[@beaniechloe]

Thanks a lot for this inspiring speech that means a lot when the heart feels messy.

[@indiangirl874]

Thank you so much for surviving..you have a beautiful soul..may you achieve more than what you really deserve

[@2live4give]

Thank you for having the strength to be authentic; with your fears and hopes. That you were able to encapsulate your years of struggle into 17 profound minutes deserves applause 👏. Bravo for sharing your journey with vulnerability and humor. I’m 72 and I, like so many others, admire your unique power of expression and your spirit. You have so many who cheer you on the road less traveled.

[@Campanula8859]

It shows us what is important in life and how resilience works and that relations are THE force for survival.

[@jamesgleeson6538]

Wonderful delivery Jaouad of a topic rarely explored and appreciate the journey you have shared. I have only had a mere glimpse of a challenging series of events and have learnt something today. Appreciate your humour in delivery as well.

[@tyytsejam]

This is powerful. I’m glad a friend sent this link to me. I am a transplant recipient. Heart and kidney. This spoke to me in so many ways. I look forward to buying your book.

[@pringgdawtharchay7665]

I love this TED because I can learn a lot of Knowledge and also see different people in the world

[@CUInMySights]

Thank you from the top of my heart, bravo!

[@dsupremescorpion3336]

I can feel her pain..i was in severe depression for 8 years..it was devastating.

[@eileendoherty2836]

This is 2022 I’m really hoping your doing ok 🤗❤️🙏

[@blackhealthtalk]

@@eileendoherty2836 Yes @D SupremeScorpion I hope you are doing okay as well

[@CristinaVolentiru]

From the part of everyone who have, had or is having un unfair contract with life, a big thank you.

[@jeffchin8111]

Oh man, very moved and inspired by her words, and her amazing journey through the meaning of life! Thank you for the sharing. May your great perspective of life continue to bring joy, meaning and fulfilment to you and your loved ones!

[@chingeeang8018]

You too, Jeff Chin! Hope you are well these days :)

[@neighbor-j-4737]

Concise, insightful, well wrapped. Excellent explanation of things most folks find so difficult to express. Your scars are the roadmap to freedom, and the evidence of things unseen. Today is today. Battleworn or no, live today. Overcoming takes many, many different forms. But by all means, overcome...

[@priyankavinchurkar612]

It takes walking a mile in someone's shoes to understand what they went through. How difficult it was. I don't know what cancer feels like or surviving cancer feels like. I just want to congratulate you for winning this very personal war of ongoing emotions and rising again.

[@divyamurugesan5557]

Truly Inspiring. Kudos to you Suleika. Stay strong. ☺👍

[@lulucolby8882]

Thank you, Suleika Jaouad, for your beautiful words and spirit.

[@bbrosser694]

Thank you for sharing your full story of your health and then your losses during that time. You are an amazing person who knows how to really notice and appreciate others here on earth, and to help others find their best pathway.

[@blackhealthtalk]

This talk was sooo amazing! Absolutely! Hitting all the heart strings!

[@pamelawarwick6005]

Amazing Ted Talk! Reading her book now. What a journey you have gone through and what an inspiration you are! You certainly have had a positive impact on so many lives and continue to do so. A life full of purpose, strength, truth, intelligence and fortitude. Cheers to you and your relentless courage and beautiful spirit!

[@franccci]

I LOVE THIS TALK SO MUCH THANK YOU💖

[@julest5767]

thank you and love to you and Jon

[@jadarideleon2855]

Earlier this year I was involved in a car accident putting all of my life in pause. It pained me to see my friends from college complain about work when I hadn’t been able to read in months. Not being able to even go to bathroom on my own made me like a burden. Things I had never paid much attention to made me symptomatic and drove me to bed. For the first months I put all my effort in recuperating and getting back to college, being on the right track to graduate on time. As a first gen student making the decision of leaving school pained me even more than my physical limitations. I lied to myself about being ‘back’ and ‘ready to roll’. What I hadn’t realized was that that same those same efforts were delaying my improvement. Every step forward felt like a was giving ten steps back. Once I was able to walk again I thought my life had come back to normal, but like you said there was no normal. The sole reason for my recuperation was making me sicker and I recently fell into a deep depressive state. I had never felt so alone, so lost, and purposeless. Although my “journey” aka my recovery is not yet over, I do think about what’s next. How will I fully get back to the person I was before? I want to thank you, not just for sharing but for doing it in such a graceful manner. This past week had been really hard and I am so glad I came across your video. There so many things I’ve been told in the last couple months that honestly began to lose meaning and well I just got tired of hearing, but this was exactly what I needed to hear. That I’m not alone, that are many others in their own way feeling like I am now. I wish I could put it all in better world but I am glad you were able to and in that I’m finding clarity. Thank you!

[@chingeeang8018]

Hey Jadari, thank you for sharing what you went through - it is heartbreaking to hear that you were in that position two years ago. How are you doing these days? I hope you are feeling better. Can't wait to hear from you soon. 💌

[@AngWelch0522]

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing your story.

[@storkdoctor11]

Thank you for this gift.

[@MariaMunoz-rz1nz]

A few days ago I watched your documentary with your husband. Now we know that you had to battled it again. So listening to you talking about the experience you went through 5 years ago I hope it gave you strength and perspective. I really don’t have the right words, I’m not very eloquent, all I can say is that you have touched my heart, and for that I thank you ❤

[@NadineLouiseB]

One of the best talks i have ever sceen . Thank you 😊

[@kn7615]

Stage III/Grade II Survivor, here ~ EVERY word she is saying is my experience, too. Thank you Suleika; sending love

[@bonnieikamas1201]

God bless you and Jon❤️🙏🌹🌻

[@cbviau1332]

Amazing woman. No wonder Jon Batiste fell in love with her. They are matching pairs in the realm of tender, loving, mercies. Many blessing to Suleika. Let us pray: May our heavenly father, Jesus, heal your body of this cancer and grant you perfect peace in your struggle for health and wellness. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen and amen

[@shannonbowman5990]

Thank You. ❤

[@spa11199]

...in the in between place... I love how eloquent, clear beautiful she is with words. Thank you, Suleika ❤️

[@JoeJoe-ng9qb]

Thank you for this. A number of us are here after having seen our partners in life through their (our) journeys. This is the discussion that helps move us forward if we're stuck after the floor falls out from beneath.

[@lorrieshearer3810]

Your one incredible person. Thank you very, very much for this story. God bless you. Your absolutely beautiful inside and out.

[@maryfeigner4373]

She is absolutely brilliant ❤ I am feeling like what was a foggy thought about recovery and the “in between” place has now become clearer thanks to her talk.

[@chandratyler9567]

Suleika you are an amazing speaker and easy to listen too. You are also very beautiful.

[@priyeshkolte8350]

sulieka is an epitome of beauty and courage. where ever you are right now know this, that you have one more admirer......

[@lanceflanagan]

Her eyes are amazing

[@dalemartinez1086]

So happy that you have Jon.

[@lyndaturner9294]

Thank you for sharing your story with us!