Look Who it Was Random video

Making Happiness a Choice | Jacqui Barrett | TEDxRuakura

1,109 views · Published 13 November 2018 · 17:55 · Indexed 20 September 2026

Channel: TEDx Talks · 2018 · Nonprofits & Activism

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Nobody simply cruises through life, we all have our own trials and tribulations. And yet we all have the opportunity to enjoy happiness - If we know how and have the tools to do so.

Jacqui Barrett, under the pen name Jacqui Be is the  Author of the book “Just Do You - My Journey from Mad to Zen”, explains how she worked to make happiness a part of her life and how you can too.

TEDxRuakura is held in Hamilton, New Zealand. 2018 is our fourth year. Please check out the other talks from TEDxRuakura. Visit http://TEDxRuakura.com to find out about upcoming events.
 Jacqui became accustomed to a life of attracting attention, whether she wanted it or not. She began to shut people away by building a wall and wearing a mask, hiding her true, happy self in an effort to survive the scolding judgement she was often subjected to by others.
She spent her childhood often feeling like she wasn’t enough. As she grew older she fell into a volatile depression and was living a life of self-medication and self-harm. A life-changing experience allowed her to see herself for who she was inside: Powerful. Wise. Beautiful.
She evaluated her life and realised she wasn’t living. Surviving, yes. But not thriving. However, over time she noticed she didn’t need to change her whole life, just her perspective on it. “Happiness is not a choice unless we have the knowledge to make it one.”
https://tedxruakura.com/jacqui-barrett/ This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

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