The masterpiece of a simple life | Maura Malloy | TEDxIndianapolis

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  • čas přidán 11. 07. 2024
  • When asked how he created his masterpiece, Michelangelo said, “It was easy. You just chip away that which does not look like David.” What if our lives are our masterpiece? What if we chipped away all that was unnecessary, all the clutter and the busyness, and focused on that which really mattered - our passions and our relationships. In this talk, Maura Malloy invites us on her path to simple living - stemming from backpacking through India to budgeting in grad school, from embracing an artist’s lifestyle in New York City to settling down with a husband (and a baby on the way) in Indianapolis - introducing us to tools on how to discover your own personal masterpiece.
    Maura Malloy is a writer, actress, and teacher, depending on the day. You can follow her on Instagram @less_is_maura as she navigates what simplicity means to her, why she needs it and how it ripples through every area of her life.
    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

Komentáře • 234

  • @hashmo101
    @hashmo101 Před 8 lety +458

    "I became a minimalist when my passions and my goals became more important than my possessions. "
    Best line.

  • @johnjacob688
    @johnjacob688 Před 8 lety +246

    My parents were hoarders so I know what its like to grow up in a cluttered house. It's because of them that I hate having stuff, I only keep things that are essential.

    • @BenandJessQT
      @BenandJessQT Před 8 lety +12

      Same! I feel you!

    • @mysoutherngardeningjourney
      @mysoutherngardeningjourney Před 8 lety +9

      My maternal grandmother, b/c of going thru the Depression, kept EVERYTHING: newspaper clippings, TV dinner trays, egg cartons, etc., etc. When we would go to visit them, there would be stacks of paper and greeting cards on almost every surface. My mom and aunt had a horrible time decluttering for her when their folks finally had to go to a nursing home. Every once in a while, my mom (almost 80 now) will tell me, "I'm not going to do to you what my mother did to me!"

    • @SharonZ0423
      @SharonZ0423 Před 8 lety +8

      +Tor Jia Fu my parents are hoarders and that made me sick every single month growing up. I would have a fever and then a clod and then back to fever. After I moved out at 19, that sickness, flu-ish feeling stopped haunting me. I don't think I will forget this pain I suffered and I do believe that I am not close enough to my parents because of that. Hoarding is dangerous for children's health.

    • @SharonZ0423
      @SharonZ0423 Před 8 lety +5

      +Tor Jia Fu that's one form of minimalism ;) and also my current way of living. Saving money and having open spaces, who doesn't love that?

    • @KyanneSummer
      @KyanneSummer Před 7 lety

      Tor Jia Fu i am using iphone 4, i guess it is considered good thanks!

  • @michaelboyd1648
    @michaelboyd1648 Před 8 lety +174

    "Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away."

    • @fatimxh
      @fatimxh Před 7 lety

      Michael Boyd love this

    • @fatimxh
      @fatimxh Před 7 lety +1

      Btw imma a perfectionist so rly- thank u✊🏽🌙✨💕

    • @adilamararies
      @adilamararies Před 6 lety

      @Michael Boyd- Thank you for this line :)

    • @VivianixonArts
      @VivianixonArts Před 3 lety

      This was said by an artist..I forgot the name. Thank you

    • @ulanabdykalykov3731
      @ulanabdykalykov3731 Před 3 lety

      @@fatimxh п

  • @michaelwall6213
    @michaelwall6213 Před 7 lety +89

    "I became a minimalist when my passions and my goals became more important than my possessions."/"My bedroom walls weren't going to magically expand, I had to create space within the confines I was given."/"The power of pause and the art of conscious consumption."/"I don't want minimalism to shackle me, just like I don't want to be shackled by stuff."/I believe a home should be a haven."/"You just chip away until you see David." Words of wisdom to live by. Thank you.

  • @cjcurry2446
    @cjcurry2446 Před 8 lety +36

    "We all shares this world with other people, and having a healthy respect for the space you take up; is part and parcel to being a worker among workers during our time here on earth." Beautifully put, you're an inspiration.

  • @minister314
    @minister314 Před 4 lety +18

    Having a hoarder lifestyle made me feel deeply depressed and overwhelmed. I decided to downsize everything I had and now I feel great.

  • @AmyScottNewZealand
    @AmyScottNewZealand Před 8 lety +14

    Hi from New Zealand Maura - love your talk - particularly your quote "I became a minimalist when my passions and my goals became more important than my possessions". WOW - powerful & inspiring - thanks x

  • @BenandJessQT
    @BenandJessQT Před 8 lety +82

    This motivated me to stop watching CZcams videos and get stuff done right now. Thank you for the awesome talk, worthy of a TED, not just a TEDx
    Blessings to your new family

    • @mauramalloy7339
      @mauramalloy7339 Před 8 lety +11

      Thank you so much for the very kind words, Clarabelle! Blessings right back to you & yours.

  • @sburger1146
    @sburger1146 Před 7 lety +31

    Just what I needed with my morning coffee. Thank you.

  • @jburgett45
    @jburgett45 Před 7 lety +19

    Your talk both Inspired and motivated me - a senior who has accumulated many posessions which I've come to realize serve no purpose other than robbing me of space and serenity. When I am gone, I would rather people remember me for the kindnesses I have done for others - rather than the collection and accumulation of "things" which take up so much time to store, clean and protect. The recent death of a friend who was way too attached to all her "things" made me acutely aware that could have been me. She is gone now but her things still remain, taking up valuable space. Now her brothers are in charge of them. Ironic isn't it? Starting now, I am going to simplify my life starting with a total decluttering. Thank you so much! Congratulations on your baby! Lastly, your outfit was lovely, by the way!

    • @mauramalloy7339
      @mauramalloy7339 Před 7 lety +1

      Thank you for taking the time to watch & the congratulations! Best of luck simplifying!!!!

  • @juliawin8419
    @juliawin8419 Před 7 lety +50

    I'm an avid watcher of Ted Talks and this is by far one of my favorites! I love your passion and purpose!

  • @8488andrea
    @8488andrea Před 8 lety +27

    Amen! you summed up in 10 minutes what others only can do in way longer talks! hopefully we're all able to chip away the unnecessary!

  • @puluqemil
    @puluqemil Před 7 lety +15

    RESPECT!! Simle life, it is the only way to save our earth.

  • @Hansprivate
    @Hansprivate Před 7 lety +7

    I just started minimalizing stuff, mostly books and DVDs. I have a great start but I still have a very long way to go. It's a very liberating feeling.

  • @AStreaminLife
    @AStreaminLife Před 8 lety +22

    I love this so very much. I had never heard the Michelangelo quote before, but I will be using it to explain to people my life from now on. My husband and I realized when we got married that our ideal life was not what we were living. We too became minimalists and then took it one step further. Since travel is very important to us we sold our house, most of the things we had left and moved into our Airstream. We're already living a simple life and we're loving it. The next step begins in 2017 when we hit the road full time. We're continuing to chip away and realizing what is important to us individually and as a couple. Thank you for putting into words our journey as well as your own.

  • @jedwardbubbles2809
    @jedwardbubbles2809 Před 7 lety +30

    Chip away until you see David. Thank you for that line. It means a lot.

    • @madelinewhite9501
      @madelinewhite9501 Před 7 lety +1

      +

    • @inav6188
      @inav6188 Před 6 lety

      Jedward Bubbles , what means this phrase?

    • @liebesleid
      @liebesleid Před 4 lety

      @@inav6188 Not sure, but for me its about sculpting, where you chip away pieces. And David might refer to that masterpiece made by Michelangelo. Basically to sculpt David Michelangelo didn't add anything to the material, but rather took pieces off from it.

  • @90MysteriumFascinans
    @90MysteriumFascinans Před 7 lety +10

    Wow, she said a lot of things that call to mind Marie Kondo's book The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up

  • @hibiscusangel7376
    @hibiscusangel7376 Před 4 lety +3

    This is one of my goals

  • @blackpearl1t
    @blackpearl1t Před 7 lety +13

    Excellent talk every breath/word was used perfectly, efficiently thank u for sharing. beautiful talk on minimalism

  • @witchescauldron
    @witchescauldron Před 6 lety +7

    I needed to to watch this, right now. I feel calmer just listening to Maura. ♡

  • @growingintoyou8970
    @growingintoyou8970 Před 7 lety +2

    I had to listen to a talk from another Malloy. I teach my children everything should have a home so if you cant give it one, give it away. They are tidish teens, but it is about growing a respect for the spaces we inhabit. Thank you.

  • @laurad4822
    @laurad4822 Před 7 lety +2

    I simply loved this video. Thank you!

  • @saraholford6037
    @saraholford6037 Před 8 lety +20

    I absolutely loved this talk! It's nice to hear from a woman about simplifying your life and minimalism. Great talk!

  • @joycebrower8822
    @joycebrower8822 Před 3 lety

    Soooo good! I've been decluttering and this talk was a shot of inspiration for me! Thank you!

  • @sama2702
    @sama2702 Před 7 lety +2

    So glad to know that your journey started in India

  • @chaslillyhope9472
    @chaslillyhope9472 Před 4 lety +2

    Wow! Just simply beautiful ❤️

  • @aliciagc2539
    @aliciagc2539 Před rokem

    Mallory, you are wonderful. Thank you for your beautiful and simple message. Very powerful and meaningful.

  • @Mega6figures
    @Mega6figures Před 7 lety +1

    So sweet and authentic. I am chipping and creating.

  • @pahrens687
    @pahrens687 Před 7 lety +1

    Terrific message! Thank you!!

  • @lorenzaminghetti134
    @lorenzaminghetti134 Před 7 lety +2

    Awesome! So true and well said.

  • @BeautifullyCreatedByYAH
    @BeautifullyCreatedByYAH Před 7 lety +2

    I'm sorting through many clothes, shoes, handbags, home items and papers- whew! I'm decluttering for a minimalist lifestyle. Great video!

  • @luckyandblessed
    @luckyandblessed Před 7 lety +4

    Similar to Marie Kondo method of decluttering. Life changing.

  • @busybeeme100
    @busybeeme100 Před 8 lety +2

    What a great talk. Thank you.

  • @shalbykey
    @shalbykey Před 7 lety +5

    Brilliant! Thank you!!!!

  • @ChemistrywithDrB
    @ChemistrywithDrB Před 7 lety +4

    Great job Maura! One of the best Ted talks I've seen. Thank you for sharing your journey with us!

  • @revjeff6948
    @revjeff6948 Před 7 lety +1

    That was awesome and so well said. I actually took notes while watching.

  • @youtubeuser9938
    @youtubeuser9938 Před 3 lety +2

    Simple life is the best life 🇮🇳♥️

  • @FreedomChaser
    @FreedomChaser Před 4 lety +2

    Living More With Less 💛 Thank You

  • @slowbuynobuygirl7226
    @slowbuynobuygirl7226 Před 7 lety +1

    Great impactful talk, thank you. It was beautiful.

  • @clarafierro9394
    @clarafierro9394 Před 7 lety +2

    I realize the less is better, simplicity is beauty!

  • @maryamo6990
    @maryamo6990 Před 7 lety +3

    second time watching it after a few months! still amazing & so helpfull =)

  • @vanlalhruaiiswansi5182
    @vanlalhruaiiswansi5182 Před 8 lety +2

    Very very inspirational.....I visited your blog and I love the decor of your house and I will from now on visit your blog regularly for my inspiration :)

  • @mysoutherngardeningjourney

    Wow. That bit about sharing space with others - I'm going to steal that and talk to my DS about it. ;) Thx for that.

  • @paulah4476
    @paulah4476 Před 7 lety +1

    Well said I am a minimalist myself and find it very freeing

  • @belindahe5787
    @belindahe5787 Před 7 lety +2

    So inspiring 💗

  • @GetToDaChoppa-k5r
    @GetToDaChoppa-k5r Před 7 lety +10

    Consumerism is a big problem in the world especially since we depend on it for the economy. We need to find other ways to live.

  • @alecia8852
    @alecia8852 Před 6 lety

    Wonderful job at capturing the perceptible benefits of living with only the things that have true value.

  • @jamessteven5628
    @jamessteven5628 Před 6 lety

    Love this! Thank you for sharing!

  • @katalinalexa6058
    @katalinalexa6058 Před 5 lety +1

    Great!!!!

  • @kitetama13
    @kitetama13 Před 6 lety

    thanks for sharing! I grew up in a home(simple house)no tv,only books and a radio that's our only entertainment! Drawing is my getaway! I love your talk it's remind me of my little island in the middle of the south pacific!

    • @mauramalloy7339
      @mauramalloy7339 Před 6 lety

      I want to visit that island! Thanks for watching.

  • @katek57
    @katek57 Před 8 lety +4

    Loved this! Thank you.

  • @pinkpandamiranda
    @pinkpandamiranda Před 7 lety +2

    My favorite Tedx talk! :)

  • @Ghanaba23
    @Ghanaba23 Před 4 lety +1

    Awesome speech

  • @keena0202
    @keena0202 Před 7 lety +1

    great talk!

  • @Nate1975
    @Nate1975 Před 6 lety

    great quote at the end and analogy with our lives and David - genius

  • @BarbaraAnnB-yi5ew
    @BarbaraAnnB-yi5ew Před rokem

    Oh man, she got me at the moment she talked about the statue of David.

  • @KK-cb3bi
    @KK-cb3bi Před 7 lety +1

    ...good to know I'm not alone. Thank you. An education.

  • @mechellemcbride
    @mechellemcbride Před 6 lety +1

    This is such a great message to hear amd embrace in 2018...thank you!!

  • @g.anthonis49
    @g.anthonis49 Před 6 lety +1

    I go bananas in sterile, soulless, 'uncluttered'. The emptiness distracts me. An empty desk makes my mind wander instead of focus me at the task at hand. I love nature and most of the time it is chaotic yet very relaxing. I loved my grandmother's old wood stove kitchen with pot simmering away, with ashes and chairs around it. Being surrounded by books stimulates and engages me. Throwing away 'stuff' always makes me feel worse as I did so to please others and regretted it later. Often it turned out that particular thing, be it a book, a tool, a piece of recycled wood or clothing, a length of string, etc..., was what I needed in the project I worked on

    • @mauramalloy7339
      @mauramalloy7339 Před 6 lety

      Thank you for watching! Minimalism is definitely not for everyone!! My mother loves her books too, and I love that about her.

  • @katestyle22
    @katestyle22 Před 7 lety +1

    YASSS!

  • @bikinggal1
    @bikinggal1 Před 7 lety +1

    thank you!!!

  • @KathleenJean53
    @KathleenJean53 Před 6 lety

    I really love this talk. Life is seeking what matters most.

  • @veramer2898
    @veramer2898 Před 8 lety +14

    Amazing video thank u so much!

  • @zacharythomson2152
    @zacharythomson2152 Před 6 lety +1

    thank you for that speech - you are an inspiration :)

  • @mobk9774
    @mobk9774 Před 6 lety

    Maura - your talk gave me goosebumps. It resonated with something deep within me, my soul. Thank you from that place within. This was one of those talks that will make a difference. I will chip away...

  • @OurHumbleLife
    @OurHumbleLife Před 7 lety +1

    Excellent!

  • @nickbarbov6607
    @nickbarbov6607 Před 7 lety

    What a wonderful and inspiring talk!

  • @LenoraForest
    @LenoraForest Před 8 lety +1

    Wishing you joy and delight with your brand new daughter. Awesome talk.

  • @nathanielmarquez5356
    @nathanielmarquez5356 Před 7 lety +1

    AMAZING

  • @innovativeteacher-leader9029

    Great talk. I love it because it helps me in my decision of going minimalist.. Maura how is your baby progressing? :)

  • @ChrisKyle816
    @ChrisKyle816 Před 8 lety +1

    Good stuff

  • @TheMjuane
    @TheMjuane Před 5 lety +2

    Damn she must be an awesome mother

  • @hannahjoycheng
    @hannahjoycheng Před 5 lety

    Exactly! Life is inherently stressful, why should a home ADD to that? It shouldn't. It should be so clean, simple, and peaceful, and that takes decluttering and keeping only things that we love or need.

  • @05040727shert
    @05040727shert Před 8 lety +1

    Love your talk! I want to know what your baby shower registry list looks like. I need help to be a minimalist having a baby. Thank you!

  • @adco
    @adco Před 6 lety

    Very well said!

  • @DBHEPDB
    @DBHEPDB Před 7 lety

    Wow, Maura, your passion, heart-and powerful speaking totally reached, touched and moved me deeply. Thank you xoxo

    • @mauramalloy7339
      @mauramalloy7339 Před 7 lety +1

      Thank YOU so much for watching!

    • @jburgett45
      @jburgett45 Před 7 lety +1

      Not only are you a fine speaker, you are very gracious! By the way, your outfit is absolutely lovely!

  • @Runner8617
    @Runner8617 Před 7 lety +2

    WOW. "Chip away until you see David"

  • @icclepippa
    @icclepippa Před 6 lety

    That was really beautiful x

  • @jessikajane7279
    @jessikajane7279 Před 6 lety +1

    🙌🙌🙌

  • @nokvardz
    @nokvardz Před 7 lety +44

    only poor people know the real meaning of the simple life

    • @KyanneSummer
      @KyanneSummer Před 7 lety +9

      nokvardz they dontknow they know it though

    • @mauramalloy7339
      @mauramalloy7339 Před 7 lety +9

      I think you're right. Thank you for watching.

    • @Smithpolly
      @Smithpolly Před 7 lety

      nokvardz : What is the real meaning of the simple life?

    • @Smithpolly
      @Smithpolly Před 7 lety

      +First Name : Do you no enjoy any of the stuff you bought?

    • @annerass4494
      @annerass4494 Před 7 lety +5

      First Name Best Name There is a huge difference between having little because of poverty and having little by choice. I remember that when I was poor I was grateful and dependent o people who gave me clothes ans things Thea no longer needed for themselves. And as much as I adored their charity spirit for me it meant that I did not have one fully working thing, like a coffee machine, but two or three half way working ones. Or clothes that fit only a bit... And believe me that is when clutter starts taking over.
      So today as I earn well enough to make my own choices I notice that I have very little, but what I have is of VALUE TO ME.
      Poverty and minimmalism are two completely different angles at the same thing: Having a small amount of goods in your home is great when you got to really CHOOSE them (which of course may be gifts or charity shop buys) instead of having to STICK WITH them out of chronic fear of existence...

  • @tomcruz9749
    @tomcruz9749 Před 6 lety

    Hi!! Guys !! I could see there are lot many negative responses ,I guess u missed the point.I personally engaged in mindfulness since many yrs.,before I could come across this talk and results are amazing !!! Just try it..

  • @annea.1765
    @annea.1765 Před 7 lety +1

    wow

  • @horvathszilveszter
    @horvathszilveszter Před 6 lety

    Wonderful woman.

  • @meirsolomon5626
    @meirsolomon5626 Před 6 lety

    Oh My Gosh, this woman, when she talks about traveling and keeping trinkets to prove I've been there is ME! Ahhhhhh! Great video.

  • @Simplinalina
    @Simplinalina Před 4 lety

    🙏🏽

  • @betterapproachtolife.motiv3265

    It is about needs not wants. When i simplified my life .. happiness followed

  • @daniesavage
    @daniesavage Před 8 lety +1

    thank you.

  • @algirl80
    @algirl80 Před 7 lety +1

    Wow

    • @algirl80
      @algirl80 Před 7 lety

      ***** Aww, thank you!

  • @judithmoreno77ify
    @judithmoreno77ify Před 8 lety +4

    I'm the same way very simple I try to keep my place out of clutter.. Do I clean and donate every month ... My clothes are mostly the same style comfortable and simple and the way that let me go for a walk or run if I feel like during the day... But I have 3 teenagers... They don't get it that life it's simple! So I spend all my money on them they "need" everything and my place becomes a mess very soon after I get rid of the clutter... It's just not possible it's just like trying to change the direction of the waves on the sea 🙁

    • @cjcurry2446
      @cjcurry2446 Před 8 lety +4

      You will never be able to change the waves of the sea, but if you learn how to ride upon them; you'll eventually start to navigate the course of your own direction.

  • @scaredofmice8658
    @scaredofmice8658 Před 7 lety +1

    My priorities have changed so much now I only wish it happened sooner

  • @marcholmes9437
    @marcholmes9437 Před 6 lety

    This was great :)

  • @chandlerbing7326
    @chandlerbing7326 Před 8 lety +3

    My family looks at me weird because I organize all of my things.

  • @rae-annknapp7342
    @rae-annknapp7342 Před 6 lety

    I would love my house to look like the old apartment in those photos...I need to go clean my desk!

    • @mauramalloy7339
      @mauramalloy7339 Před 6 lety

      It's such great inspo to go back to. Thank you for watching!

  • @umbraunicorn8107
    @umbraunicorn8107 Před 7 lety +1

    my passions are more important than my possessions. my passions are more important than my possessions.

  • @Nicole-fj3pt
    @Nicole-fj3pt Před 7 lety +1

    2 minutes in and man can I relate

  • @rene29200
    @rene29200 Před 7 lety +1

    👍❤️👍😎

  • @urosbr
    @urosbr Před 6 lety +1

    Great timing! I'll go to london for a week and was wondering how am I going to puck everything in such a small bag :D, thanks for the tip!

  • @gandydancer8049
    @gandydancer8049 Před 4 lety

    Nice

  • @leszekwilczynski6453
    @leszekwilczynski6453 Před 2 měsíci

    Your talk is masterpiece😂

  • @annmariewalker5500
    @annmariewalker5500 Před 6 lety +1

    I just had a baby 3 months ago...this video came just when I needed it...what do you do with all the baby 'STUFF" or even kid "Stuff"...I hope you've been able to master this issue ...or maybe we need another talk on living simply with children. Thank you for your insight!!!!!

    • @mauramalloy7339
      @mauramalloy7339 Před 6 lety

      It's a challenge, I agree! I think this talk helped curb all the gifts, to be quite frank, so there's that. I really, really pause with clothes and toys, because she really DOES prefer boxes, cotton balls and empty food containers. REALLY. Then I take her lead, and I just keep pausing. It's hard in those early months. She never ended up taking a bottle but at first I was like, order new bottles, maybe it's the wrong one! But I'll give those away when we are done w babies. Annmarie, your babe is a babe, and you are probably really tired, so also remember to be gentle with yourself and trust that you're going to figure out what & how much feels right to you when the time is right. Congrats on your abby!