The Greatest Love Story Ever Told | Ericka Alston | TEDxHampdenWomen

I am what despair and abuse, abandonment, hopelessness and depravity look like, however I don't look like it on the outside, so you don't treat me like where I’ve been. Through a suicide attempt, I was introduced to recovery. Recovery introduced me to me. Someone I had never met. Once I was introduced to me, it was important that I formulate the best romance ever and find a way to give to myself what I had been responsible for giving to others all of my life, hope. Once I learned how to give it to me and always keep just enough to give to another woman, my sisters, my eyes and ears. I began living a life with a purpose. It's the best love story ever.
Telling my everyday story may inspire someone to share that she needs help with addiction, or give someone the freedom to share that she too is living a life of recovery. To shatter the stigma associated with drug addiction and recovery.
Professional, engaged, mommy. Intelligent, articulate and funny. Sincere, compassionate and giving. I am more than my title and more than my appearance.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@somethingclever7940]

I was that child who's mother said I'll be right back, it has now been 14 years. thank you so so much for all you do.

[@divinebeginnings3741]

purplestarburst unicorn You then have a BIG plan over your life 🔑❤️ Use the knowing inside you that YOU are special and HAVE something inside YOU that most others were not created , to peruse a Divinely Appointed assignment in Life 📦💌 Be Blessed and KNOW that in ALL things, any door that shuts, is for the purposes of needing the space for larger doors to open! Having that awareness, and trusting that Truth causes Favor to flood in to One's experience like rushing Living Waters! Trust that everything is ALWAYS working out for YOU, and then watch how the Universe show up for YOU with nothing short than exactly that! Never have I left a comment on KZbin before but was strongly drawn to your comment with a sense of peace and certainty of the plans and purpose over your life!! Ones of Greatness and Abundance!! 🌬💫🎯 That simple shift in perception causes a MASSIVE shift in One's reality and daily experience 🙌🏼💝

[@trarondahicks188]

So sorry

[@zeeluttybara5127]

I came to listen for a couple of seconds...2minutes max...I told myself...and I stayed the whole 21minutes...because its that compelling...well that was time well spent. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@keturahsamuels9305]

Same here!!!

[@kcadler8925]

Nice Ted Talk...Not sure about the tears. I would like to understand why some one with a family and a six figure income would start smoking crack? she lost me in the beginning.

[@MegaLadylove2012]

zeelutty Bara I imagined this was prior to starting a family or a six figure business. Get the point?

[@kcadler8925]

zeelutty Bara Honestly, I do not get the point. This does not make me cry or move me the way others feel. I do not understand how she was displaced originally. She had children (her words she had her first child at15). There was a break down early. Not sure she dispelled the "myth" addicts turn their lives around. I understand she did. Statistically, I did not hear how many crack addicts return to school, sit on boards, and why it suggested that "real people" hang out in the hood. Seriously? No... I have listened to this twice. Unfortunately, I don't get the trajectory of events that placed her in the addictive point. Maybe if I did I would understand the emotional pull this story has for so many of the responders.🤐

[@bluefidle]

Kc Adler I

[@sandybloggersf]

This is the first Ted Talk that made me cry. What a beautiful story about self love. Thank you for sharing so openly, Ericka. This story has inspired me to believe that it is never too late to wake up and start finding the greatest love story of all time. Let's love ourselves more.

[@luzfigueroa1550]

sffoodphotography Amen 🙏 to that the thing is that we look for love ❤️ in others and other things that we know it's not good but it feels good at the time. Crack doesn't discriminate.

[@jadehalliday6636]

I cried too! I think this is the most beautiful love story ever told 😍

[@pixpusha]

Had me snot bubbling and heave-crying. That private type cry.

[@taesjatv6309]

Same here. 😁

[@woparasinclair44]

@@taesjatv6309 oh really? I would love to have a conversations with you

[@catherinedavids3632]

I have been watching this Ted talk for years. I am 8 yrs 9mo in recovery. Still broken because mental illness. But Everytime I feel hopeless I rewatch this. I stand back up and keep moving forward.

[@virginiasantillan2267]

Jesus can heal what you can’t touch ❤❤❤ he loves you

[@nanaanan4731]

I hope that Erika Alston comes to this page periodically to check the comments. Thank you so much for sharing your story. You are a compelling storyteller and OMG, we really needed to hear this. What an inspiration!

[@heleenh6307]

She is an insanely good speaker. Amazing story.

[@kyannah9]

Heleen H she is amazing ❤️🙏🏾

[@bmason7996]

Speaking from her soul.

[@laurieberry162]

I can’t stand people who try to get people to hate themselves on purpose. Like psychologists.

[@nafdikyaaqsa]

Woah. I didn't expect that. These onions be strong.

[@ursoulspure]

:)

[@daniellepatrice7614]

My soul just opened 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾😪I was that child left behind by my mother because of her addiction.,,, I became the mother to myself and my brother.,,, I wish I had a place like that to go ... I'm writing my book and I pray that the Good lord blesses me to one day be a Blessing to others like this . ❤️❤️God Bless you

[@ursoulspure]

🍀

[@brindlebriar]

God damn, she has the gift of story telling. She could also tell her story on NPR's "This American Life." And I just have to say, she's beautiful and looks like she's 20 years old. How does she look that young with grown children? She's actually adorable.

[@ArtemusPrime]

This really needs way more views

[@trustandbelievewithasmile7060]

ArtemusPrime I know right u should share it

[@rowinggorilla9437]

I'm a cocaine & alcohol addict. You helped me

[@dakine4238]

Sending love your way

[@Cindy-vo9lo]

Rowing Gorilla, I was an addict, and when I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Saviour, I was set free and new "therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" -2 Corinthians 5:17 ❤

[@luzfigueroa1550]

Rowing Gorilla please,please try to get help much prayers going your way.

[@xolisapxo]

I really hope you get the help you deserve! God bless and i hope everything turns out for you!

[@christineowori750]

Sending love and hugs your way +Rowing Gorilla There's light at the end of the tunnel. I don't know if you believe in God but i'm going to pray for you

[@captainmango1355]

You are an inspiration! Thank You! I met a man who said "all crackheads should be shot!" I said wait a minute....you gonna shoot ME? He had no idea of the life I once led. He has since changed his opinion of those affected by addiction. I feel the best way to change the perception is by example - I'm living it one day at a time!

[@meganfujimori6378]

This made me cry. Ericka, you inspire me to be better.

[@francoislachelier3396]

Megan oi

[@sdfghjmqwerty4540]

THERE ARE TEARS IN MY EYES OMG

[@Adanwanyi]

Praise God. Extraordinary woman.

[@DjMaginity]

Well done! 😢 #MeToo 25 years sober 17 years clean I remember... 🎯

[@claudiabrown6329]

Thank you for educating me to another view of addiction. You were really funny and your tears were contagious for me. I have never been addicted to anything. But, I have a story, too where I looked perfectly normal and approachable. But, a piece of me was dying every single day. I have to find myself again. This is not something that is new for me. You probably have no clue as to what I am talking about, but we all have scars and struggles. Your strength is universal to everyone, whether​ you are an addict or not. Your kind of strength is forward, honest, self-serving, but you are able to give that strength to your kids because you are you.

[@osajohnson1957]

It's five years since you left that comment. Hoping you are doing well.

[@GoodbyeEli626]

Really wish she addressed how to actually help an addict who has been told they can "go to a meeting" WAS told they "don't have to do drugs" and WAS offered a completely paid for pass to a program to get them clean and back into society. This video seemed to only really serve to shame people who haven't had any first hand experience with addicts and as a result don't know what to do with them aka, "cross on the other side of the street." rather than help inform people what to do to help someone who refuses to be helped. The most powerful thing you can do to help an addict is help the people who love the addict. Teach them what to say, what to do, how to help reach their loved one. It's such a precarious edge between loving and enabling and it would be so helpful if she spoke on how to reach that.

[@jeff909860]

Thats exactly what big cities need. After school centers and recreation centers for children. --im totally going to be a human services major.

[@ariholt97]

How to install new spmc Kodi

[@luzfigueroa1550]

je0706. Great choice

[@kcadler8925]

je0706 Try Business as a major and a minor in Human Resources, so you can earn a living Ph.D. MBA JD

[@ktee2313]

je0706 please don't get a career in human service's its a joke, its not satisfying and all the companies care about is the money. The clients you'll help will manipulate you and like on you. all they want is cigarettes and soda...so unfulfillying

[@ktee2313]

I meant lie on you

[@antoinettasaunders1335]

This is AWESOME! Ericka so glad we crossed paths.

[@kackerlakensalat]

and like every great lovestory, it made me cry

[@nishthapanday7976]

just out of this world....beautiful beautiful beautiful

[@traciewarren1701]

She didn't say how the addiction began and I don't know. But I have family members who are addicted to crack and resemble her story. It could have been a friend who asked her to try it but however it happened, it's really difficult to break the cycle. Kudos to her for turning her life around.

[@kaitirhea3207]

What an amazing speech!!! Thankyou very much for sharing your story! It is very admirable and soulful!! I too am a recovering addict! I used for over 14 years. I am now almost 2 years clean :) I thank God everyday for giving me the strength to pull myself out of that lifestyle!! I have decided to become a drug/alcohol counselor, so that's what I am going to school for. Anyways, I just wanted to tell you that you are a very strong and amazing lady!! Your story brought tears to my eyes. Very touching!

[@f8themusicfreak]

It is, indeed, the greatest love story I've ever heard. ❤️

[@zonismith9367]

Very powerful it gave me chills listening to her. Very strong individual.

[@rosegold7870]

I'm binge watching TED talk videos right now and wondering "why haven't I watched these yet? these are amazing!"

[@mazvitamusendo]

I was glued to this like my life depended on it. So incredibly beautiful

[@EstherBlissHub]

Thank you for being the voice, Ericka. This touched an unconscious part of me.

[@morgancaptain5842]

Wow, strong woman!

[@GeorgeLRosario]

The best Ted Talks are those that leave you with tears in your eyes when they are over because they stay with you and never end. Will someone reach out to this beautiful young warrior and thank her for what she's done.

[@aimieanuar4969]

Woah that was great. The emotions that was being distributed was surreal. Lady you're an inspiration

[@kimwheatley8569]

YOUR story is HOPE manifested.....crying but so grateful for your story...YOUR passion...YOUR truth...inspiring a nation one human being at a time!!

[@friggindoc]

One love sister! You are extraordinary! I was the one that used to tell my daughter i would be right back when i knew i wasnt. Thankfully i have been clean now for many years. Keep doing your good work!

[@davincheyenne1456]

i cant believe shes in my city!!!! i want to meet her

[@nolacruz]

Great Ted Talk!

[@imadori1010]

this made me cry so hard so inspiring

[@qhaweqhawe8300]

jai Mzpicklez Me too

[@wendyekole7798]

God bless her. I appreciate her telling her story.

[@kimberlymurray5293]

"So I go to PennNorth...." she says and only one person claps. Thanks, Edward!

[@goddessjnu6055]

this is the most beautiful story I've ever heard I wish her nothing but more love

[@melri4392]

Thank you for sharing this I am truly grateful. I didn't know people who are addicted can truly change. I guess we are all simply steps away from addiction and being homeless. Thank you again for being so open in helping me see better.

[@d.b.4394]

I sent this over to my niece...I am praying this story touches her life! #inspiration!

[@lilyzemengist8091]

Best Talk ever by anyone ever. I am glad I spent 21:18 listening and watching this. Awe-inspiring in the true sense of Awesomeness!

[@gammiesglasses1188]

This IS THE GREATEST TED TALK EVER! GOD BLESS YOU! It was one of the hardest things you have ever done. And The Most Rewarding!

[@AtheneHolder]

Never been an addict, not American, can't relate..... but I have been that person who winds up the windows and crosses the street. What a lady

[@anyahosakue9098]

You are amazing. Im an addict on a journey of recovery. A series of events forced me into counseling and counseling has helped me realize that its alright to ask for help. Listening to you Erka has helped me realize that i have no need to be ashamed to admit that im an addict or was an addict cuz im recovering. Thank you.

[@skiniminonochie]

Thank you for so eloquently sharing your story and more importantly helping others to share theirs through changing it with self love.

[@dovetales3]

Our Fears are our worst enemy...not people.

[@waheen]

she been through a lot but work had to make it

[@honeybuzzard2843]

I've never believed once & addict, always an addict, I know of several people that kicked addiction, one of them is my brother. Truth is, people on drugs or those that appears to be on drugs should be approached with caution...like you said, you looked like JJ, but that shit made you think you where beautiful...that's the unpredictability of drugs, I ain't trusting that shit, and no one else should. I don't even trust people that appear not to be on drugs, even they can mess you up.My advice to EVERYONE..Myry to stay off the shit. I understand shit gets crazy & hard in the world. You gotta suck it up, and go through, without the shit.

[@wisescouncil]

Not that important, because the story is beautiful. But god damn her hair is so gorgeous, right? :)

[@trarondahicks188]

Yes. I love her hair

[@topgurl9313]

I've never seen sparkly hair outside of a party setting. It's very pretty

[@ankyfire]

Her hair and she herself is just gorgeous

[@pixpusha]

Yes, it is absolutely glorious!

[@sydneyrofe5450]

She is beautiful. Her story is so amazing.

[@TheRevealingOfKatiaJ]

I came across this at the moment I needed it. From what I was searching for, I knew the title was about self love. I was gravitated to it & I'm thankful. Those who haven't been lost, depressed but know you were created for greater, experienced that black hole (mentally ill, drug/alcohol abuse, physical/psychological abuse) you probably wouldn't get this. I myself was touched by grace with tears rolling. Thank you for this post! #ImInspired #StopWantingIt&DoIt "Advocate for those without a voice. Your/my steps have been ordered"

[@queenteline1015]

i love happy endings

[@kyriechalmers1736]

I know this is 2 years later but I hope Ericka sees this. I'm from Baltimore and my dad is a recovering addict. Well, off and on. He functions but he's not all the way there. But he started as a kid and I truly feel that if he knew you as a child and had a place to go to where he could get some love, he might have rethought to pick up that spoon. So thank you for being there now in this very moment. You have changed so many lives more than you know.

[@nursekatrina5466]

Beautiful!!!

[@marleearius4730]

Katrina'sWay I

[@1coco5]

Sharing this with every brother n sister I can... you just never know.

[@munchingmakenna5776]

Praise God for this woman! 🙂

[@quietlionwhp2609]

This is what extraordinary looks like. stay blessed.

[@rat-de9dv]

i don't think there are words for how much i love this omg!!! and when she said 'i am the executive director of the be extraordinary project.'

[@valkyria7769]

Her story is beyond gorgeous, but can we talk about how fabulous her hair is?!😍😍

[@graceolabisi]

In this day and age of performances and trying to live up to other people's standard, this is the realest person I've listened to in a while! I cried after this.

[@n.fer.2596]

What I'd give to have a mom like her. It makes me wanna be the person that she is for me for millions of people one day. I dont know if I will ever reach millions, but I ill reach many and I will make them safe.

[@caz2618]

What are you taking about she walked out on her kids, you are lucky she isn't.

[@n.fer.2596]

My family is horrible to me. That's not me trying to say I have it worse than others. That's just me being honest. It's really bad in my household. I would be proud to have a mom who had gone from neglectful to loving. Although it wouldn't cancel out her past faults, I would forgive her over time. And having a mom with a story and shows me love is something I desperately crave. My mom on the contrast has always been horrible and will never change. The only way she thrives is hurting me. Making me want to end my life. It's tiring. This woman cares and wouldn't do that to me. Therefore I would love to have her as a mom. Sorry if that came off as mean, that's not my intention.

[@n.fer.2596]

I'm 17 years old and my parents have already put in the deposit for my college. I am doing the best that I can. I'm going to work my ass off and earn as much money as possible and get out asap. I'm not trying to justify what she did by the way. But the fact of the matter is that she changed and I admire that. I wouldn't want her back then as a mother but now she seems to truly care and that love is what I'm after.

[@caz2618]

Don't waste your time looking for the love and acceptance of other people when you don't have it for yourself. When you love and accept yourself and just try your best for you then you won't crave everyone else's approval. You are the only person who can make you happy. If you don't love and respect yourself you will have a very hard time getting anyone else to. As you get older you'll realise your parents are just flawed people like everyone else and at least they are investing in your education.

[@n.fer.2596]

dylan the thing is I know that already. I'm at that step. I work on self love and I've actually just started to finally make friends that make me feel alive. I didn't know if I'd ever find them, let alone before high school finished but I did. But the thing about abusive parents is that for the rest of the time I'm around, I will get yelled at for hanging out with those good friends because they live far away and it costs money to get to them while I should really be spending time with the people they force me to be friends with. The same people that have been horrible to me my whole life. The same people that told me that it's not sexual assault because he didn't "mean it that way." He did mean it that way. Just like my parents did. I will be bullied for spending time with people who love me. And I know this all so well because it's the standard bs. They know what they're doing. That is the inconvenience of having abusive parents. There are no adults living with me that aren't set out to make me fail. It's active manipulation. They're arguing with each other now and I just heard a loud bang while writing this and I think my dad slammed something on the ground or someone slammed a door idk but it scared me. I wanted to go downstairs to eat but I'm too scared to now, possibly for the rest of the night. It would be convenient in the very least to have slightly below average parents who were shitty but didn't go out of their way to traumatize their child. Yes, there are a minuscule number of adults whom I can trust in my life but none have the power to make executive decisions over me. I know your advice is said with good intentions but the fact that you continue to assume that I'm being dramatic is very hard to absorb. Yes I am a teenager, and yes I am still learning. A little bit of parenting would be nice for when I feel scared or unsafe because of other outside forces. But when I go to my family crying about my trauma from being sexually assaulted instead of getting hugs and being told that it's not my fault I get yelled at to get over it because "he never inserted himself inside" me. We are genetically inclined to look to our parents for guidance. I did that for 14 years and it decimated me. I am 17, awake, and trying to raise myself. It's not that easy. I know you are trying to help with your advice but I would like to ask if you could put this all in a lighter manner. I can't help but feel you're assuming I'm over dramatizing things or making this all up and if that's the case I'd rather not converse with you. But if you are truly trying to help, first of all thank you very much. I always appreciate good intentions. And second of all, keep in mind this is all very real for me and certain language that points fingers towards me even unintentionally is hard to hear especially when it involves assuming something critical about me. Hopefully this has all made sense to you. If not I would be willing to clarify

[@nzurimalkia3181]

The nature of my job, I am grateful to see that she is clean and her children are able to see her everyday and enjoy her. I'm weighed down on how many drug overdoses there are and children are left parentless.

[@emilyvreed]

the power and strength of this woman is incredible

[@9tiin]

My heart is happy for you, dear sister.

[@s.v.6516]

THAT. WAS. AWESOME. 😢😊👏👏👏 There were so many messages in 21 minutes! Thank you for being OBEDIENT by listening and finding the courage to share! 😇

[@angelawilliams7606]

That was definitely a beautiful love story. No one could have told it better than Ericka!!!

[@lyshawilliams4478]

I needed this emotional release. I hate that i just moved from that area as i wuld have liked to be more involved w these organizations. I will cheerfully support from afar and encourage others to do the same.

[@wegahtah6278]

You make me cry & laugh @ the same time. what a blessed strong & courageous person.May God help you to help people who are in need .

[@iraross1811]

...this was EVERYTHING to listen to this true story! Thank you for sharing.

[@chantaejames9008]

Eye opening and compelling. thank you for being transparent

[@mrsquaqua8711]

That was Amazing. I love listening to her. Powerful.

[@liljanakaca2199]

Painful and beautiful at the end. Great contribution, cause you put your heart on.

[@lelabee1562]

Stumbled across this and I was wholeheartedly inspired and amazed at your story and your strength. God bless you!

[@madinaakberova5020]

This is a heart breaking story. Thank you so much for your courage and love!

[@barbara_yebuga]

So powerful. Thank you.

[@brookerobinson6814]

Damn it! I did not come here to cry! My allergies are acting all the way up... bravo to the greatest love story ever told💜

[@daphnedaniel7978]

No one nos the hurts an pains people live with..until they talk abt it one day..blessings to u..as u end up being happy

[@bernadetteallen5415]

Tears. Blessings to you and your calling. Sometimes we must go through so we can go back and get others.

[@aaronlarsen2495]

thank you i know the pain and have seen it continue through my children it is a pain i cant even describe

[@VikitoSt]

Loove this girl and love her story! It's inspiring!

[@helenavuckovic5242]

You make me cry! You, adorable, respectable, strong women. God bless you!

[@joycexx13]

WOOOW, This is amazing!!! God Bless her journey.

[@tashieschimchim6791]

this story was so inspirational. what a beautiful love story.

[@riverterrain]

I'm glad she shared! This message was inspiring and full of understanding and love. She is beautiful, extrordinary inside and out!♡

[@sherylbishop414]

truly amazing, thank you for your courage and service to humanity. God bless your inspiring story.....

[@KathyWins369]

Thank you for sharing your story and thank you for doing what you do.

[@helenrae1445]

The most inspiration I've had this week Thank you!

[@ladyj4gzus]

I am weeping right now... this is so beautiful..thank you for sharing

[@majamy7573]

Absolutely. heart-breakingly. soul-wrenchingly. beautiful.. God bless you!

[@ildiphoenix]

You are a beautiful and courageous person ,thank you for sharing your story !

[@DJCayjuynSpyce]

Beautiful story ❤ I'm glad that Ms.Ericka was able to overcome all that she endured and be a light in the lives of many.

[@sharonblake4536]

Hey lady, I so so proud of you!!! What a touching story.... may God be with you and continue to bless you!!!😚🤗😊

[@888altamber]

Good for you girl! This world needs to multiply more people just like you!

[@lateishaclement2537]

Awesome. Beautiful. I am so teary-eyed right now.

[@angelicakweku5293]

All I can say is wow!!! Touching! Brought tears to my eyes.

[@mustafayusuf6146]

Thank you Ericka for sharing with us your amazing. God bless you

[@Nati_lifestylemedicine]

What a great honest beautiful person! Keep shining!

[@capturedbyoz]

You are amazing, thank you for sharing your story!

[@utube0803]

Wow. I am crying! So Powerful!

[@bernybakkar5481]

This is, by far, my favorite TED talk! She is truly an inspiration. It was funny, animated and emotional. Beautifully articulated!