Unmask your potential | Turia Pitt | TEDxMacquarieUniversity

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Three years ago, I lay in a silent world – in a medically induced coma, for a month. I actually passed away three times on the operating table. Yet here I am, and incredibly grateful to share my story today. I was badly burned during the 2011 Kimberley ultra-marathon; there was no way I could foretell the day that would change my life forever.

Turia Pitt was named Cosmopolitan’s ‘Woman of the Year’ for 2013, short-listed for this year’s ‘Young Australian of the Year’ and the winner of the recent NSW ‘Woman of the Year’ Awards. She is a burns survivor, motivational speaker, engineer and published author.
She has a double degree in Mining Engineering and Science and graduated with first class honours. She worked as a model before landing her dream job with Rio Tinto at their prestigious Argyle Diamond Mine and moving to Kununurra with her partner, Michael. Their lives were turned upside-down when she was trapped by a grassfire in a 100-kilometre ultra-marathon in September 2011, and suffered burns to over 65 per cent of her body.
She completed the Variety Cycle from Sydney to Uluru, the 20 kilometre Lake Argyle Swim and a section of the Great Wall of China. She is a passionate ambassador for Interplast, a charity that provides free reconstructive surgery to people in developing countries. In 2014 she managed to raise almost $200,000 for this cause with a team of incredible women. In 2015, she will lead another group to the Inca Trail (Peru).
She undertook her MBA last year, hopes to compete in an Iron Man in 2016, is excited to have a family with her wonderful partner Michael and has aspirations to study Medicine.
Her memoir ‘Everything to Live For’ was published late in 2013.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[CharGC]

A much needed wake up call to those of us who waste so much time tearing ourselves down instead of appreciating our gifts and striving to be our personal best.

[ManchestersRedSide]

i teared up almost immediately. She's has no idea how mentaly strong she is. i can't begin to imagine the obstacles she's been up against post injury. What a beautiful soul. All the best

[mushkabushka]

the fire inside her burned brighter than the fire outside her- she is untouchable! God Bless <3

[aaronrivers]

I am a 58 year old male who has been going through depression because I have lost alot of my hair and I continue loosing it. I am otherwise healthy and physically fit. The bottom line is, I ain't got sh*t to be depressed about after listening to this inspirational and brave woman.
Go get em, Sister!

[lifesajoke]

I cant imagine the physical pain she had to endure. I burned my palm on a hot engine when I was a teen and I was miserable for month's. This woman is tough as nails.

[chandurbhanmd]

Turia, Do You Know Are Very Beautiful....You have a Beautiful Soul....And You are Just Beautiful..!

[pandabear]

I honestly feel she entered a different dimension because of her adversity. She sees the world way differently and has found peace. Something we all search for. Bless her for sharing..

[brionnawarren]

I love this. It hit home. My father was in an explosive motorcycle accident a year before I was born and he was severely burned. Similar to Turia he had the most amazing spirit. He was sooo goofy, kind, energetic, and unique. I'm so thankful that he was my dad. He's resting in peace now but the legacy he left will pass down through generations. People like Turia make this world better. Thanks 🙏🏾

[facetofacewithshell]

As a fellow burn warrior; I want to tell you how much of an inspiration you are. Thank you for sharing your amazing story.

[wimrheeder]

Im mentally scarred, this makes me ashamed of myself, but im grateful that i saw this, you are an amazing person, you and your family, thank you, sending you all love.

[JOHNNYHAULAWAY]

That boyfriend is a goddam Saint... and she is a badass

[mamathasreedanday]

This story surfaced many lies that I have been living in my life...love, relationships, compassion, me as a person in my own life, a whole lotta things in this light...very few people in my 26 years taught me the most important lessons of life within minutes...and you guys are one among them....thank you Michael and Turia for being your inspiring selves. Much Love 🤍

[juliex]

She is fucking awesome. I'm glad she has all those lovely people in her life too. I wouldn't have been able to live through that. She's so so strong!

[navalkumarshukla]

She is damn freaking awesome, like what a fantastic sense of humour, anyone could easily enjoy her company.

"I'm trapped by my body, but others are trapped up here in their minds" 👌👌

[ChelebelleOT]

What an inspiration Turia is! A beautiful soul and positive flowing energy! I fell 6 years ago. I had a shoulder surgery that has left my left shoulder, scapula, and arm in a mess. I can’t internally or externally rotate but a few degrees. I can’t lift heavy objects anymore and am in constant pain. I will admit that for a few years I had the negative mindset she speaks about. I’m crippled on one side of my upper body. I allowed it to get the best of me. I started to change that mindset this year. I can do what I can do to the best of my abilities. I won’t give up and I try every single day. Listening to Turia today was reiteration of this! I can do whatever my mind sets forth even with physical limitations.

[valgreenhalgh]

What an amazing, inspirational woman, as well as brave and beautiful. With the grit and determination she has, she can do anything she puts her mind to.

[annalitarose]

She is still SO beautiful, inside and out. What an amazing person, so inspiring.

[dreamsteddybearsmaster]

She is such an inspiration! Need to add her to my bucket list of must meet people in this life!

[Ali]

From watching her vids and reading her story it's clear Turia has always been very grounded, kind and considerate...shes the same person before the accident. She's inspiring because of who she has always been. So accident or no accident she's inspiring as a lovely human being which I'm sure her mum must take a lot of credit for. We live in a superficial world and only a few people (such as Turia) truly grasp what's important in life. I guarantee Turia enjoys life more than 90% of the population who are too busy being concerned with stuff that doesn't matter. Turia and a few others get it...that's what's inspiring.

[vincentpalermo]

This choked me up. Turia Pitt is my new hero! An inspiration to us all! I have more admiration & respect for her than words could ever