How I found meaning from a devastating tragedy, restored purpose and hope, and experienced a greater appreciation for all that I had before the tragedy and all that remained after, by understanding the purpose of grief, intentionally walking with grief instead of running from it, and accepting the gifts it offers. Everyone faces grief. But not everyone chooses to listen to it and learn from it. Holly Higgins is a mother who received the phone call every military family dreads. In 2010, her son, Senior Airman Daniel Johnson, was killed in action while serving as a bomb technician in Afghanistan.
That loss could have shattered her spirit. Instead, it shaped her calling.
Holly is a Gold Star Mother, a storyteller, and a guide for those carrying invisible wounds. She serves as a Story Coach and Program Leader with Task Force Pineapple, where she helps Families of the Fallen turn their pain into purpose. She’s also the co-author of Wounds to Wisdom—a title that reflects her own journey. Holly doesn’t pretend that grief is easy. She teaches that grief is a teacher. No matter what the source of your grief, if you’re willing to learn from it, it can restore meaning, connection, and even joy. In her talk, she shares what grief gave her… and how it continues to guide her. 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
More from TED
- 11:05A Gambiarra Move o Mundo. | Alexandre Cristino | TEDxRiodoSulUm verdadeiro multi-habilidades que um dia achou que isso era problema… mas hoje entende que é justamente essa versatilidade que faz dele um empresário diferente. Ex-coordenador do Núcleo de Inovação da ACIRS, já ajudou a organizar TEDx, Startup Weekend, mentor em vários programas e, claro, nerd de carteirinha: fã de RPG e convicto de que o Gandalf dá um banho no Dumbledore. Hoje, ele vem falar de um tema que é quase patrimônio nacional: a arte da gambiarra. Afinal, será que ela é sinal de desleixo ou de genialidade? Preparem-se para rir, pensar e talvez até perceber que aquela gambiarra na sua casa pode ter muito mais inteligência do que você imaginava. Estive um bom tempo no agronegócio, sou economista (com carteirinha e tudo), fiz um MBA em Marketing na PUCRS, trabalhei como assessor de comunicação, fundei a Remake Vendas com meus dois sócios e atualmente sou entusiasta de IA e me aventuro como dev iniciante.Ser bom em várias coisas, mas não excepcional em nenhuma me tirou o sono por um bom tempo. Hoje consigo entender o quanto essa característica é importante pra mim enquanto empresário.Falando em ser empresário... Sou curioso e inconformado pra caramba. Acreditem, isso é ótimo (na maioria das vezes).Já fui coordenador do Núcleo de Inovação da ACIRS, ajudei a organizar o TEDx Rio do Sul e estive envolvido em algumas edições do Startup Weekend Rio do Sul. Sobre SW, esse evento tem um lugar especial no meu coração. Já fui participante, organizador e mentor. Também mentorei no Reuni e atualmente sou mentor no CINF (onde já trabalhei também).Nerd de carteirinha e fã (DM e jogador) de RPG de mesa, acredito com todas as minhas forças que o Gandalf é bem melhor que o Dumbledore. 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
- 19:24Treat Yourself Like Someone You Love | Adam Roa | TEDxKlagenfurtWhen his viral poem “You Are Who You’ve Been Looking For” touched over 250 million people worldwide, spoken word artist Adam Roa was thrust into the spotlight and a personal crisis. In this incredibly moving TEDxKlagenfurt talk, he shares the raw truth behind the poem’s success: he didn’t yet know how to love himself. Adam blends spoken word and raw storytelling to share what it really takes to rebuild a relationship with yourself. With vulnerability and poetic insight, he reveals how self-love isn’t a switch you flip but a relationship you build. Day by day. Breath by breath. Choice by choice. Adam Roa is a globally recognized spoken word artist, transformational coach, and creative visionary. His viral poem “You Are Who You’ve Been Looking For” has inspired over 250 million viewers worldwide. Blending art and personal development, Adam helps individuals and organizations unlock creativity, deepen relationships, and build aligned, purpose-driven lives. As founder of the CREATE Community and host of The Creative Path Podcast, Adam is an advocate of authentic self-expression and conscious leadership. 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
