I had the honor of attending TEDx Engage this past Saturday. Once again, I was awed – just an amazing event with open, innovative, and fun people. It takes time to digest the stories, but here are a few of the quotes that resonated with me and might get you thinking, as well:

• We are not defined by loss but rather by how we respond to it.
• Value your ideas and be fearless in your ability to bring them to the world.
• You have to learn to love the bigot and hate the action.
• Every thing (good and bad) resides in each of us. It’s what we water.
• Folks, we are ALL related.
• What would happen if we did everything we do with energy and enthusiasm…as if it was the most important thing in the world?
• We cannot correct people into wellness. We have to love them into it.
• You never know when the next conversation you have is the most important you’re ever going to have.
• Live a magical life.
• Write with your heart.
• Story and writing can change lives.
• I wrote myself out of cancer and into being a writer.
• Amazing things happen when we play music.
• We all have to lift the sky.
• There will be challenges in life, but you have to step up and do them.
• Maine eats $3 billion worth of food each year. We only produce about 11 percent of it.
• I’m African by birth. I’m American by citizenship. I’m global by values and principle.
• We’re all students. We can learn from each other.
• Start a conversation.
• Ignorance is the enemy of love.

Obviously, this is just a glimpse of TED, ideas worth spreading. To watch TED Talks, visit www.ted.com or http://tedxdirigo.com. But, beware, you might just get hooked!