The Gift of Adversity | Marcus Aurelius Andersen | TEDxCoMo

This talk discusses how we as Citizens can use the Adversity that we face every day as a way to change the world in which we all live for the better.
While training to deploy with the United States Army Marcus suffered a serious spinal injury. During the ensuing surgery he died on the operating table twice. Subsequently he was left paralyzed from the neck down. Unsure of his future, Marcus went into a deep depression. In his darkest hour he had a personal epiphany that force him to see his injury as a learning opportunity. Through this Gift of Adversity Marcus was able overcame my paralysis and walk again. His message is that Adversity is a gift that demands our greatest efforts to rise above our current obstacles and to become better citizens and leaders.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@ronaldp7573]

Named after a great man and he has well earned that name.

[@marcusanderson140]

Thank you Ronald!!

[@jojobrosnan1081]

After losing three family members who died young in the last few weeks I have had to learn to deal with the loses. These videos, walking in the woods, and now facing adversity is what may pull me through. Thank you for sharing your struggles with us it helps others who are suffering live another day and learn to be grateful for what we have. I however miss my loved ones so much but I know I must go on. I hope this helps someone who suffered lose. Love and thank you again.

[@nighthawk7667]

Chin up, Have a great day from one stranger to another.💪😎🇺🇸

[@stacyrosmanhappyholistiche3467]

I’ve had the same experience and I’ve had 37 major operations. Changing the mindset and living through gratitude is so empowering and freeing. It’s actually healed me completely. It seems that we both made a magical miraculous recovery. I believe in magic and dreams to come true. Tenacity, dedication, motivation, determination, inspiration and education. Ultimately can be the biggest gift of your life. I didn’t think I’d ever walk again either. I was hit by car is a pedestrian and before that I was in a horrible accident. I totally understand everything that you’re saying. So much gratitude to you peace and love always, Stacy Rosman

[@buttimerconsulting]

You did a superb job, Marcus! Your story and the eloquent way you told it is truly inspiring. Your stage presence is solid and compelling! Well-done and thank you for the gift you gave us.

[@marcusanderson140]

Thank you for your kind words my friend! I loved your TEDx talk as well!!

[@alexsalinas32381]

Man his opening statement..... brought me to tears...... what a warrior.

[@stacyrosmanhappyholistiche3467]

Put those blinders on, and go full speed forward. Tenacity, determination, motivation, inspiration and education! You are a hero! Much gratitude, Stacy

[@tonycastaneda3390]

Stacy, well said 👏

[@fineshimaambo847]

Flashback to 171 AD. Literally came here because of the name and I didn't regret a second of it.

[@rajbeekie7124]

Hi Marcus, this presentation is beautiful. Thanks. Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius are my favorite stoic philosophers. Seneca's work on life is short also comes through in your presentation. Your presentation embodied the saying, "Feeling are an internal state. Things (adversity, etc.) and people are external. We must never let the external determine the internal." He is a wise man who does not wish for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has. - Epictetus

[@marcusanderson140]

Thank you so much Raj. I also love the Stoic writings, especially of Seneca and Marcus Aurelius. Indeed, it was this Stoic mindset that helped me focus on what I could control while working with as much intensity as I could muster to recover. My book and TEDx talk very much about Modern Stoicism.

[@yogurtandbananas4552]

Marcus your speech is like a hand pulling me out from the darkness...thank you very inspiring indeed..will be sharing this on my FB.

[@Maccafiveone1]

Snapped me out of a very dark place , many many thanks

[@infomarcusanderson5933]

I’m honored my words helped you my friend! 🙌🏻🙏🏻

[@arlinegeorge6967]

Adversity is our greatest teacher . With no choice, but it makes u stronger helps you grow. Thank you, bless you. All your dreams come true.

[@valserrato6583]

Very moving and inspirational story. Thank you for taking the time to speak about it. "In the end, we are only as strong as the adversity we have overcome"- words to remember.

[@marcusanderson140]

Thank you so much Val! I’m honored that my words made a positive impact on you! Reactions and comments like yours are why I did my TEDx talk and wrote my book in the first place! Thank you again 🙏🏻🙌🏻

[@user-gn1ms9et5c]

Hi Marcus! I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your story with us. It's just really incredible! Me, just like you, have read about probably more than I like to admit, cases of disabled people, or in other disadvantageous situations, just to try to be more appreciative and stronger myself but it never really worked in the long run.. I'm 21 year old, 100% healthy & fit old male hustling on my dream and I promise you... this video will have a long term change of perspective in my life. My intuition has never been screaming as loud as it is right now that something is the right thing to adopt, like the stoic philosophy. I'm aware I will probably have to read and re-read some stoic books and content in general but I will be forever grateful for hearing you today! Thanks man! Haven't experienced such a deep feeling of respect in a while, nor have I written such comments on KZbin but thought this one has to be written. Thank you again Marcus!

[@marcusanderson140]

Thank you my friend, I’m glad my TEDx Talk was able to wake you up from your slumber of mediocrity! I hope you maintain this path of excellence that I was able to inspire. If you like my TEDx talk, then you’ll be interred to know that my book “The Gift of Adversity” will be available on Amazon on October 31th. It tells the rest of the story that I didn’t have time to cover in my talk. I hope for and wish you the best my friend, keep working towards your goals and don’t quit!!

[@user-gn1ms9et5c]

I'd love to take a closer look into your thoughts, especially during your "handicapped" times and after! Keep up the good work man, highly appreciated, people are waking up to this kind of thinking thanks to people like you, I wish you influence millions of people with your message!

[@marcusanderson140]

Thank you, I’m glad that people are waking up to this as well!!

[@burnsaga]

Thank you Marcus. Great speech. Really helps put things in perspective.

[@Azmat1968]

Beautiful. To the point yet complete. Thank you for this service to fellow humans

[@Scottymotv8td]

Thanks for being so inspirational, we are blessed with the daily challenges that we sometimes don't see and feel

[@valerymkabeta3242]

I can relate to Marcus. And I have found that my defiance have been my redemption in the chances and opportunities I was given... I cannot thank you enough for what it cost for you to not give up!

[@marcusanderson140]

Thank you for you kind words 🙏🏻 I’m so glad that you found strength by defying the very thing trying to hold you back! Keep defying and improving!!

[@vinMAR3]

"Adversity is a gift we should embrace it." Take a step forward to your adversities.

[@Everything-is-Figuroutable]

Thanks for reminding us of how blessed we are. You speak very well too ! :-) Thanks for sharing your story with us.

[@marcusanderson140]

Thank you Kim Z! Indeed we are very blessed, and the more we realize this the more blessings we see! 🙌🏻🙏🏻

[@ShannonKnight]

Marcus , I would have panicked going through what you did. I watched Jill Kinmont Boothe, a champion ski racer's journey when I was younger and her struggle to recuperate from a paralyzing fall on an icy slope skiing was such an inspiration. Your story is very empowering and gives us hope. Thank you!

[@marcusanderson140]

Shannon thank you so much for your kind words 🙏🏻 I was absolutely terrified. But without genuine fear, we can’t discover our deepest courage. I’m grateful for my Adversity because it helped me discover my strength 🙌🏻💪🏻

[@vinilodigitalmediaadvertis4285]

Wow! Thanks! This is almost an epifany for me, and a great lesson for my life, God Bless You!

[@NickC769]

Beautiful speech delivered with mastery

[@greenarm]

This is a transformational premise. Thanks for sharing. If only in the midst of adversity we can ponder....

[@marcusanderson140]

Thank you for your kind words and I couldn't agree more! It's an important premise needed to grow!

[@chrsfavel5506]

A sincere thank you, you made an impact on my life at this moment in time in my life. Your words moved me forward a lil more. Bravo on this topic and speech.

[@marcusanderson140]

Thank you so much Chris, I’m honored that my words made a positive difference for you my friend! You are stronger than you even realize Chris, believe it 🙌🏻🙏🏻

[@Abheydeep]

Please accept my sincere respect and gratitude.🙏🏾

[@nighthawk7667]

You pulled thoughts out of my head and placed them online, I have food water and shelter and nothing is never good enough for me and ungrateful but I always help people that don't asked because I've always been able to feel others pain even if I didn't want to. Thanks man for your words.Glad you can stand up for us.💪😎🇺🇸

[@nighthawk7667]

INLINE.

[@fivebigideas9553]

How awesome wouldn't it be to have the same name as an ancient Roman Emperor? Well, Marcus does: Marcus Aurelius, the last of the 5 good Emperors (ruling nobly between 160-181 AD) who was also a philosopher! If you were to change your name to (or add a name) what one of your favorite heroes/role models are called, what would it be? (I'd probably pick something like Emerson or Leonardo!)

[@marcusanderson140]

Thank you so much my friend, I love the comment!!

[@CesarGomezPicasso]

Inspirational. One of the best TedTalks I've seen.

[@marcusanderson140]

Thank you so much for your kind words Cesar, I absolutely appreciate you!!

[@stormrider1375]

"In Italy for thirty years under the Borgias they had warfare, terror, murder and bloodshed, but they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and the Renaissance. In Switzerland, they had brotherly love; they had 500 years of democracy and peace - and what did they produce? The cuckoo clock." - From the 1949 film, "The Third Man"

[@marcusanderson140]

Thank you Scarbs!

[@Sacred.Wombwisdom]

Touched my heart and soul to do better each day! Thnk you 🌠💙🌠

[@marcusanderson140]

Thank you Tamara I’m honored to inspire 🙏🏻🙌🏻

[@andreaharkins6887]

Awesome and powerful. A good reminder for us all. Thank you. Nice: ""the martial art instructor who humbles you"

[@marcusanderson140]

Thank you so much that's quite the compliment coming from a martial artists of your caliber Andrea!

[@rinkysingh5452]

Absolutely great & awesome! ❤ Thank you so much for sharing your experience and story with us. 🙏

[@marcusanderson140]

Thank you Rinky I’m honored that my TEDx talk resonated with you! 🙌🏻🙏🏻

[@abhijitjadhav4418]

Its directly touching nto heart, Powerful message man

[@marcusanderson140]

Thank you so much my friend! I truly appreciate you! 🙌🏻🙏🏻

[@dr.vincewong]

Awesome TedX talk @marcusaureliusanderson ! 🙏❤️💪🧠😌😇

[@WalterStrongIIIthehuddle]

I keep watching this video to encourage myself that I am going to get through this period of being out work. Through the Lord help I will find another which help support my family financially.

[@stacyrosmanhappyholistiche3467]

Peace, love, happiness, compassion, joy, bliss,simplicity and gratitude sent to you. They save the toughest challenges for the strongest souls that can handle it and ultimately turn it into something positive. Empowered by adversity! This is who you are a real superhero! This lesson that we dealt with I hope you feel as I do has become my biggest gift because everything we have learned most people will never have This opportunity to experience the Depth, truth, freedom, limitless, unconditional self love, unconditional passion, and appreciation for every moment in life. What it really means and the simplicity of true happiness means. Peace, love, serenity of just being and breathing properly. Everything is just about pure unconditional love for oneself and that creates love for everything. That’s right and obstacles or opportunities. Inconveniences yes but what a gift it is to have the miraculous Magical recovery of your health. Health is all wealth and abundance! Peace and love, Stacy

[@ylmonkeyU2]

Thank you.

[@priyanshkumar4321]

Great, Superb speech🙏🙏🙏

[@alineuwiragiye7704]

My mind is my biggest enemy.

[@GouravSharma-jo8fc]

The mind is our biggest enemy and our biggest friend.

[@adeledull]

_thank you..._

[@marcusanderson140]

You’re absolutely welcome, I’m glad you enjoyed the TEDx talk! 🙏🏻

[@sydneywilliams3369]

This is awesome! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@marcusanderson140]

Thank you so much for your kind words Sydney!

[@stacyrosmanhappyholistiche3467]

Beautifully done!

[@rogerlaisiuwakk]

Inspiring

[@victoriaguidici5574]

I too have learned from adversity. He is very inspiring.

[@ShinkaTV]

Well said.

[@magdaline9627]

Powerful & inspiring

[@marcusanderson140]

Thank you! 🙏🏻 I’m glad that my TEDx talk inspires! 🙏🏻👏🏻😀

[@Satsui_No_Hado]

☯️ All one family - Bruce Lee. We should all live like this , we're all one family , we are all one ☯️

[@troyharrison7804]

Loved your video. Thanks for your service!

[@marcusanderson140]

Thank you so much, I'm glad my talk made a positive impact!

[@roshinslive]

Wow powerful and deep

[@marcusanderson140]

Thank you Roshin, I’m glad you appreciateed the strength and depth of my TEDx Talk! I truly appreciate your comment!

[@TWROC96]

Powerful!

[@marcusanderson140]

Thank you so much! 🙏🏻💪🏻👍🏻

[@tomhunt6588]

Nice man. Very real.

[@marcusanderson140]

Thank you so much, I'm glad it made a big impact on you my friend!!

[@Gameboob]

What adversity am I avoiding? And what would I do if tomorrow I was struck and paralyzed? What would I think of my past actions? How would I change because of this?

[@valerieangell7588]

Great talk...

[@rachelwilliamsglyda]

Incredible story, amazing individual, and such a powerful message! Thank you for sharing your experiences to empower others!

[@marcusanderson140]

Thank you so much for your kind words Rachel I truly appreciate it!

[@Drjenebyplasticsurgery]

Great job Well timed

[@marcusaureliusanderson5431]

Thank you so much Thomas, I’m glad my TEDx Talk was well timed for you my friend! 🙏🏻

[@nellydahl4952]

How were you able to move your arms and walk ?

[@BrianDonato]

I appreciate the content - people must take responsibility to overcome their adversity! I discuss this idea in the last video on my channel w/ a parenting twist - Though I have just 45 subscribers I hope people vibe with the message like I did w/ this video. Thanks again for the video.

[@shesamessteam8372]

Shared on fb SoulBeautiful

[@marcusaureliusanderson4548]

Thank you so much for all that you do!!

[@mynametrong5508]

Dam this was good

[@poojapandey613]

🙏

[@EdizauraeRodrigo]

Por favor alguém pode traduzir este vídeo para português?

[@MekonenMeteor123]

I’m gonna have to push back on this is toxic advice

[@RUGGEDBREED]

this bald man shaves his head so good, I wonder what razor did he use

[@jeremiahwilkinson9452]

done

[@JasonGafar]

Next up: Socrates Hitchens gives a talk. ;)

[@JM-fo1te]

Rip my ears

[@TheNanoSan]

Great talk! :)

[@nellydahl4952]

May be your injury wasn’t complete

[@vibefrequencyable]

Im considering fund raising to bring a poor palastinian student to the u.s. from his abject poverty in gaza....

[@stephenridley1153]

This approach to life might truly make America great again. Trumps Trump !!

[@sttran3460]

Anyone else felt a little weird when he basically said your current problems aren't valid because you haven't faced true problems? Just because there are worse problems in life doesn't just make my problems a non-problem. He basically using the "there are children starving in africa" fallacy. The implication is that anything short of starving children is not worthy of serious discussion. More precisely the fallacy is "arguing that expressing concern about a (relatively) small problem means that the person doesn't care about any larger problems.

[@stormrider1375]

"In Italy for thirty years under the Borgias they had warfare, terror, murder and bloodshed, but they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and the Renaissance. In Switzerland, they had brotherly love; they had 500 years of democracy and peace - and what did they produce? The cuckoo clock." - From the 1949 film, "The Third Man"