Why we should turn towards stoic optimism | Julia Sturz | TEDxLSE

Growing up deaf, following an erroneous medical procedure, Julia often found it difficult to avoid contemplating: what if it hadn’t happened? By embracing stoic optimism, she learned how to face up to reality, accept that some things won’t change, and find happiness in her life. She believes this philosophy can help all of us (deaf or not) overcome challenges in our daily lives - take a listen to find out how. Julia is a second-year Economic History student at The London School of Economics. At three weeks old, a medical error left her completely deaf. Julia will talk about the unique path she has carved for herself, from being the world’s youngest child to receive two cochlear implant processors. Despite implants only restoring partial hearing, Julia’s unflinching philosophy of stoic optimism has helped her overcome obstacles not only in relation to her setback. 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

[@khalidamin5594]

Beautiful. Simple, concise and perfect.

[@darcy5823]

The exact same thing happened to me, same cause, same result. I was 4 months old with spinal meningitis when I received the medication that caused my hearing loss, but only on my left side. That was in 1971. Oddly, I didn't know I was partially deaf until my early 20s, I just know kids treated me like I was strange. I probably didn't socialize well because of all of the cues I missed. They gave me an implant 6 years ago right before I lost my insurance, so I used it for about 4 months then stopped when I wasn't under an audiologist's care. I've always loved stoicism and her story is so relatable to me, very inspirational! Edit- so I'm 51 rn, my hearing is a little under 50% of what others hear. Hearing is a struggle, I've never been able to echo-locate anything including which direction a speeding ambulance or honking car is coming from. I grew up in the States, live in Canada now. I've never been called disabled by my doctor's or been approached with any services. I'm also a nurse, so engaged with health care. Did I miss out on resources my entire life? I mean I never really knew I was different, my parents never told me I had a hearing loss (not out of a decision, mostly just neglect) so I just thought everyone else heard the way I did. I think this video is giving me an identity crisis!

[@musegaya]

I just want you to know that you inspire me 👍