I just viewed your TED talk. You said sometimes the universe conspires to make things happen in you life. For the last 30 years I have been involved in community theater as an actor and director. Six years ago while visiting my daughter in central Florida, we paid a visit on this newly remodeled theater in town. I mentioned to the then manager what a wonderful place for live theater. NEVER! Was his response this is a movie theater. Fast forward six years. The city, owners of the theater, were looking for ideas for more activity in the theater. I presented them a plan and am now the Artistic Director of the Valerie Players in Inverness, Florida. We have a full performance schedule for 2021 and 2022 and have been blessed with an amazing pool of talented people. At a young 73 I’m doing what I really want.

Thanks for watching everyone. I hope you’ll be inspired to do the thing you love. It’s never too late.

I want to be loved and accepted. I want to heal my trauma and meet a healthy and caring partner. I want to become a mom. I want to paint seascapes and live in a beautiful home, and above all I want a life of peace..!

"Success to them was living without fear, was living in a free country." How insightful. And much we take for granted everyday.

“I know what it is that I want.” -Oprah This hit me so hard. I needed to hear this. As a constantly indecisive person who likes to consider all of the possibilities and keep their options open, I realize that not ever choosing to truly go after something, all I’m doing is spending my life dreaming, and playing around experimenting here and there, but never fully committing to to what it is my heart calls me to do, because what it it doesn’t turn out the way I dream? Then what will my dream be? But what if it’s exactly as amazing as I imagine, or even better? I’ll only know if I try. Here goes everything..

No other celebrity could have created the same empathy that Rita did. Life is too short to be unhappy.

I just now asked myself that question and now I’m crying. What I want? I want to sing and write songs at my age and get paid for it. Wonderful Ted Talk.

Wow, Rita…. This wasn’t what I THOUGHT your TED Talk would be about! Im a Disney Artist, always looking for INSPIRATION while I paint, and this was such a deep, personal, powerful, well spoken, masterpiece of a presentation. Thank you for sharing it with us all…… 🙏

I’ve been there, thinking I didn’t have the right to ask myself what I wanted because life had been pretty good to me. It seemed selfish. Then as life continued to unfold I realized how mediocre my life had become. So I started asking for more and allowing myself to want more. It amazes me that someone like Rita had similar thoughts. It feels very validating.

At 29, sitting at a sand dune, I decided not to go home before nowing: ‘what is it that I really need.’ The next week I started a 3 year study, two years later an other job and achieved my goal 5 years after that. Ten years later the same question got my answer and this became reallity 5 years later. This braught me 25 years of a fantastic life in health and freedom. So, she is right: tell the universe and it will take care of you in realisation.

As I read the comments, most are very positive, and then some are not. I think as a woman and I am the same age as Tom Hanks, (62) I was raised to live my life as a housewife like my mother. I was taught to darn socks and I do beautiful flower arranging as well as I am a great gardener. I am a delicious cook and I keep a beautiful home as well I was taught to always look great when my husband came home and to cater to him. I remember in school being asked what I wanted to do at 15 yrs old. I wanted to be a teacher. Well because Viet Nam had produced so many teachers, there was a glut on the market. So I went into the health field like my big sister. I did ultrasounds. I was a great wife but 16 years into it he left. I am retired but feel an emptiness inside me. But I asked myself this very question about a year ago. I am going to start some art classes soon. I do not expect to be a Da Vinci but I do expect to feel free and joyous to be doing something for me. I think that is the message. To find your passion and follow it and love it. To be willing to take a choice and go with it with no expectations except to enjoy myself. I have never taken a class for fun in my life and I taught clinical ultrasound in conjunction with UCLA at a Los Angeles County Hospital for many years. I am educated but my entire life I have spent raising a family, taking care of others, and I never thought about what I wantedjust for me. If asked I would have said to be a loving mother and wife and a great technologist. It is wonderful that Rita was given such great opportunities but I think her message is about letting yourself open up and finding something that excites you and allowing yourself to just go with it. It's not about how successful you will be. The success is in the joy of finding yourself. And if you do find you are sucessful by money or fame, it is because you asked yourself this question and went with it! But don't go into it expecting anything except self satisfaction and growth in yourself. Everybody is unique so comparisons shouldn't be made. And the thought of singing on Broadway would terrify me!!! Wouldn't it you?? Thank you Rita and I get it. To just ask the question is not an easy thing but until you ask you may never have a dream to follow. Best wishes to you and Tom and may you both heal and come home real soon!

There comes a time for acceptance. The reality of life is that no matter what you want. It may not work out. Do you live the rest of your life in resentments, or accept what you have and love it. That's the miracle of life. To love the life you've been given, make amends to those you've hurt, and be who and what God has given you. It's glorious.

What I have realized what I want is not to live life ego based. To live a centered, spiritual life where whenever I am "triggered" or upset, I ask myself what is upsetting you about this situation. All the problems I have are centered in me. Instead of reacting, I say Bless you, change me. When you practice acceptance, you don't feel resentment. When you identify with others, you don't feel resentment. When you tackle a problem one day at a time, you don't get overwhelmed. When you become solution based, every problem becomes a lesson. And living in today, a daily blessing. Everyone of us has the seed of God (which for me is a spiritual energy) and when I turn inward and connect with love and acceptance of myself, I spread love and kindness, and I attract so much beauty into my life. I speak from experience because ever since I let go of my egotistical behavior my life has changed. I want peace, serenity and love. I can overcome anything with my connection to the world living around me. I become part of it.

I really admire you, Rita! Thank you for the encouragement to ask, I am a jazz singer. During my childhood days I took voice lessons then pursued operatic music in college and after college switched to Jazz! The stories told in jazz tunes with interesting chords captured my attention. I married and gained 2 stepchildren. My jazz aspirations were set aside to tend to family life and pay bills. I kept up my training and had a summer gig at a restaurant with a guitarist. Fast forward to age 62, and my voice has been silent. I want to make a jazz album. This is what I am doing. I wrestle with my emotions such as am I good enough, will folks want to hear what I want to stay, is this a waste of hard owned money? I'm doing it anyway. This is important work for me. The process of doing this project has so much to teach me. Singing brings me great joy!!! The universe brought me to this talk as an encouragement to press on!!! Thank you.

I want freedom. I want to touch people's lives. I want to create lasting change that will live on after I'm gone. I want to bring a voice to those who don't speak. I want to be able to wake up and not feel stressed before my feet hit the floor. I want to wake up and not hit the snooze. I want to go to bed feeling proud. I want to truly enjoy how I spend my day. I want the freedom of being able to go places and do things that I want to. In short, I want freedom and I want to truly matter.

“Sometimes the people in your life know what you should be doing before you do...” yes! 🙏👍🏼❤️

Wow! Stumbled across this while trolling UKposts. I know what I want. I’m 62 and have wanted it since I was 5. Thanks for the push I needed to go for it.

Great talk, Rita. At 53 I don't even know what I want anymore...sigh. The only dream I ever had was to be an actor. I moved to Los Angeles in 1985 and pursued my dream...but it never worked out. I let that go years ago. I don't have passion for anything at this point. As you experienced, life is fragile, so it's time I did more introspection. And, we are all very glad that you beat cancer and that you and Tom are well from COVID19!

Wow - great stories. I've been a songwriter my whole life - but didn't have the courage to face an audience with my songs until my mid-forties. It's been a frightening, joyful, invigorating journey.

I watch lots of inspirational videos, but Rita Wilson is the best one ever. Thank you for giving me the inspiration to really ask myself what is it that I want.

What a story, should make a film about it. What an amazing thing to have parents like that.

She speaks directly from the heart with such sincerity and inspires through her family’s story and her own serious challenges. She has been able to handle things because she is pursuing what she really wants. It is why I recently left a lifelong financial planning career and now do improv at age 59. Watch this if you want to live your life more fully.

This talk is amazing! Looking back at my own career, "what do I want?" is a question I ask ever so often. I will say this question popped up at least once every year for the last 10 years. Each year I asked myself this question, each year the answer is clearer than the year before. Sometimes finding the answer to this question will lead to clarity questions I will ask my mentors about the specifics of what I think I want and what I may need to get there. Part of the actions that happened after- I got on 2 TEDx talks myself. So, I am happy to incorporate asking myself what do I want at least every year. I believe that will help me in building on my professional successes.

Wonderful and inspiring, Rita. Thank you!

I am just now seeing this, Rita, and what an inspiration you are! You are amazing and beautiful inside and out! Thank you for sharing your incredible story!

I love this so much. I’m gonna share this everywhere. Thank you so so much

Hi Rita, I had no idea of your background...wow..It made me reflect about my own story..I'm now 46..live with my parents who are born in Iraq..I'm now since January 2020 my Birthday month..I want to do what I really want. ..I'm allowing myself to ask this question..Over and over...til I reach the place I want ..It is to write ..to sing..to design ..About a month ago I came across a book in the library ..Saw Tom Hanks..title 'UNCOMMON TYPE' NOW READING..then..heard you guys got virus...So I wanted to wish you a full and speedy recovery..all this talk surprises me because I can't believe how much of this is leading me to realize my dream. RITA..One day at a time. .guys..I love you. TOM ..YOU ARE MY FAVOURITE ..Thank you.....

What a great talk. I was listening on my headset while I was walking my dog and didn’t even know it was Rita Wilson. It wasn’t until I got home and saw who it was and I was like wow that’s Rita Wilson’s story? So happy that your dad had the courage to come to America and your mom came back too. They raised you to be a very brave woman. Why anybody would put a thumbs down on this video is beyond me. I’ve been asking myself, “what do I want” for a long time and I just can’t figure it out.

What a lovely talk you’ve given here! Thank you so much! Your parents are amazing!!!! And so are you! Blessings BE🙏🏽💜🙏🏽

I am an immigrant, and I have wonderful children! The children of immigrants,first generation are very special! They are able to understand both worlds, and deep appreciation of both worlds. We immigrants are so grateful for AMERICA.

What an incredible story. Thank you, Rita!

I love her. I like how she handled her health scare several years ago.

This is so incredible. I teared up when you say .....music!!! Ugh I so feel you.

I really appreciated this talk. I wrote a poem years ago titled “To know what i want”

Subtly powerful 💥🙌 My whole life I've asked myself this question as a way to get through my childhood & pull me forward into a better life than where I came from. After the last few years of changing careers & becoming a realtor, the long hours /really hard work, I've stopped asking myself this question. Really asking myself this question. Thanks for the space to remember the value of staying connected to what we really want. Ps. I'm proud of you Rita for all that you've done, including surviving cancer ❤💛🧡❤

Thank You so much Rita for your honesty. At the age of 64 I want to write short stories and be printed for others to read. May not be great ? yet to have them in print would be a great feeling for me. Never too late is my thought at the minute for anything.

What an inspiring talk, thank you Rita! You are an amazing woman and you’ve given me the inspiration to figure out what it is I want. Your talk was truly life-changing for me and I hope you continue to share your story and motivate people.

Hello Rita, after listening to you and hearing how you and your family came all this way to have a better life, I realize now, that it's never too late to search my soul and figure it out for me. What a remarkable inspiration you are. I cannot thank you enough for this huge eye opener.

I'm going to call my agent tomorrow and tell them what I want. I didn't realize it was that easy.

Thank you so much Rita for this precious gift you gave all of us.

OMG. Im crying. What incredible stories of courage. Thanks for sharing! I love your music.

Rita - I had to revisit your TedTalk once again in 2022. Your honesty and humility are very inspiring. Thank you!

When I told you how much I liked "Bigger Picture," the joy in your face was incredible. Thank you for the inspiration with this Ted Talk. Maybe you'll read the screenplay when I finish it....

Really inspiring talk.. so proud of those who do what they love. 💖

Thank you so much, Rita! What an inspiring story! I’ve actually been writing songs and stories my whole life, and just this past year started believing I could do what I want. I’ve now been copyrighting book drafts and songs, even put one song up on UKposts sung by someone else...didn’t get much traction yet, but I’m not giving up. Love your willingness to do what you want reminding me to do the same! Thank you! J. V. Lauren

Just wrote on my whiteboard, " what do I want?". Thanks Rita!

What a blessing to have a husband and daughter like that. So many take that for granted.

Don't leave with your song still in you! Do what your heart beckons you to embrace. Life is too short to live outside the moment, on hold. You don't need permission, just your passion!

Lovely story. Thanks for sharing. I just had a bi-lateral mastectomy as well. Still getting used to the change and it has been difficult. Prayers for your health and long and happy life.

Great question for reflection, it sounds simple but many of us never have courage to ask. It is never to late to asked. You never know what is getting ready to bloom.

May you and Tom have a speedy recovery...you are both angels

As an Albanian living in Bulgaria, I didn't expect to hear so much about my countries in this video! Thank you!

Heaven have mercy! I needed to watch this. 🙏🏽✨❤️🙏🏽❤️ So grateful this popped up on my feed!

Honest, smart, funny, compelling, vulnerable, inspiring and deeply poignant. Brava

We applaude YOU, Rita Wilson! YOU have given us all 'permission' to seek "What it is we want!" Thank you!

Tom Hanks and family are some of the luckiest people in the world. Rita is an American treasure.

Rita Wilson's TED talk was by far the most inspirational talk I've ever seen or heard. Thank you!!!

Such a great speech. Music makes me happy too, though I still haven't done what I need to do to get paid to be in a band. I wondered listening to this if you question yourself about the things that feel too easy and are more satisfied with the victories that didn't come naturally or had obstacles. Acting doesn't come easily for a lot of people and seems to me like you would need the same courage to act in a scene that you would to perform music. But you say it was scarier to display the new skill than the one you had always been developing over childhood, and it seems it was the skill added later. I think my takeaway from this presentation is that it's OK to drop the inhibition that comes from trying to satisfy everyone else and to remember that only you really know what your goals should be. I'm glad they didn't always doubt you and you have a wonderful family who supported your change in performance emphasis. Thank you for the encouraging and reassuring message. I hope you're resting well and not getting too bored while the whole country is anxious or recovering from sickness.

I woke up this morning thinking that I wanted inspiration. I have had this voice in my head for some time now that I need to take a renewed and authentic look at what I want really? It is such a timely and incredible coincidence that I came across your talk on youtube this am. Thank you very much Rita Wilson for telling your story and making me realize that I am on track to get what I want. Julie

Listen to the feelings that cast doubt on your need to suffer.... May you realize dreams greater than those you've dared to have.

Rita, greetings from Vancouver Island, Canada. Your talk came up on my screen happenstancially--when I thought I was logging into another video. But what a gift! Your talk touched me and has given me serious food for thought at a time in my life that I'm at a crossroads. Thank you so much and God bless! x

Was really great watching this. I used it as a motivation for my team as a part of my staff meeting. I love Chicago it such an empowering and funny show but with so much depth. Really enjoyed it. We were moved to hear about your diagnosis of cancer, especially as we work with children who have cancer, and how you dealt with that. We smiled when you asked your husband to be sad for a long time and then the celebration of life part. We wanted to hear you sing but I am sure i will find a video on line. Wishing you well and thanks for revealing a small part of your journey with us.

Thank you Rita for sharing your story with us, you gave us an inspiration not to give up and live the life we want❤

Thank you Rita!! I adore you and I appreciate you sharing your story and the stories of your parents. I AM in the midst of asking mySelf this very question and I feel the magic of my imagination running wild. My husband of 22 years passed away 7 years ago. I have been on a Quest to release the woman I am as separate from him! I feel where I had fear of possibilities, I now have an enormous expansion that is breaking through!!! I am going big for the second chapter of my life! BTW…Mama Mia is my 25 yr old daughter’s happy movie and music. We play it all the time!!! It’s been said to me that I resemble you, so you have a special place in my heart!! xx. Amazing talk!!!!!

Really enjoyed this Rita!! Thank you for sharing!

That was brilliant.!!!! I want to be able to stand up and talk in front of an audience . to make a difference in someone's life.

So Glad I found this talk! Thanks Rita, for Sharing and Conjuring up our thoughts of seeking what can fill us with joy and Passion !

You’re SO beautiful and inspirational 🌸✨👏🏻🙏🏻thanks for this TED talk, I was moved to tears by the end!! You really took your fears and turned them into courage! So brave! And I agree it’s never too late! Gonna go for what I want! Thanks Rita🙏🏻🙏🏻🥰 Much love 💗

Kudos, Rita, for having the strength to do what you really wanted to do! Great message - you’re very wise.

At the funeral I'd want Tom Hanks to scream "Wilson!!!" But jokes aside: inspiring talk and great stories!

Rita, you're an inspiration. Thank you for sharing.

WOW!!!! That’s all I have to say! U have inspired me, @ 61 yrs. old I am humbled by your talk. Thank you, Rita. 🙏🏼

So inspiring thank you. I am going for it at 65. It’s been a long time coming. Its about following your heart and doing your passion. 💕🙏

Thank you so much. 🌹🌹🌹 I’m 68 and have been involved in music mostly singing since I was 6 in one way or another. I always thought it was my passion . It always made me feel so good. After years of working at it, pop, folk , a little jazz, on to opera, with two pop records that I wrote released on Decca when I was 17 and raising a family, I have started to song write again. It’s something I work at a little every day, and I’m teaching myself to record at home. It is pure chance that your talk popped up on my screen ! I was not looking for anything remotely connected to music, in fact I had no idea that you were a singer! My excuse is that I live in New Zealand so I hope you will forgive me.😁🌹 anyway...I loved your story. To be honest I have many days where I wonder if music is/was my real passion. It seems that I spent most of my life at it, but seem to have lost the passion somewhere along the road. Your words have really given me much to think about and hearing your story has touched me deeply. Thank you so much 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

Thank you Rita for you love, your light and beautiful smile..Inspiration to all. I will be asking the question

Nicely done Rita! I think we all want different things at different periods of our lives, and you showed us that as long as we are hanging out with the daisy’s instead of the roots, we SHOULD ask ourselves “What do we want?” By the way, I have always loved you and Tom’s work! Keep inspiring us to follow our dreams. Some day I want to act in a movie. that has been my dream since I was in sixth grade and life has happened and given me so many blessings. I sort of feel like you where I have so much already, why rock the boat, but some day soon I will have nothing but time and maybe then I will try my hand at acting and see if that is my next joy. Thanks so much!

This is incredibly inspiring! Thank you so much! ❤️❤️❤️

Wow, it was really inspiring. Thank you!

Shavon Smith, you executed this message. Transparency and a pure heart of giving not for recognition, but out of love. You blessed me beyond measure on this message!❤️❤️😢😢

What an amazing journey. Thank you so much for sharing. I am truly inspired. Sending many blessings your way.

"Maybe you want to a poet . . ." as if she's speaking directly to me.

Beautiful, Greta speech Rita - loved the story of your parents

Thank you for sharing your story. I don’t know that I have a passion, but I hope one day to find peace. Be well!

My husband, a CD Juarez native, focused on Rita...long long time ago. This talk raises us Rita. That thing you do...journals, hip deep in our home. Will.. Tuning into your latest compositions.

I've heard the question posed several ways. Your version coupled with the backstory of each parent, is love inspiring. You came from moxie, you are moxie and we can be too!

I know what I want, just not where to begin because I want to do about 100 different things. I do love Rita Wilson. She is so.....real.

Incredible! So organic, a sweet auto-reflexive narrative, historic-meets-now, meeting a over a cuppa of two old cronies, a wonderful experience yet powerfully life-shifting: 'what do I want' !!loved it!

I needed this at this precise moment, on this precise day. Thank you sweet sister. ❤️❤️❤️

What an incredible story! Thanks for sharing it, Rita!

Tom is such a lucky man. I hope the two of them stay safe and healthy....so glad they recovered. This talk is very inspiring. Thank you, Rita!

Wow. I love this. I love to sing. I don’t have a natural beautiful voice. I love to sing. Thank you for this message. I’m 67 and love the entertainment field. You are amazing. I thank God that He brought you through your cancer. My prayers are with you in Australia as you and your husband heal from the coronavirus.

I LOVE RITA, TOM AND NORA! ❤️

Thank you for sharing your deeply personal journey. It's truly inspiring.

Wow, very engaging and positive story from beginning to end. I know it is more than a story, it is about your journey and going outside your comfort zone. I am about to turn 60. Already recreated myself numerous times. Still, I am ready for the next chapter! Thanks for sharing.

Thank you. Such a beautiful, inspiring talk. Love and light🌅🙏😍

I love this talk!!! Many people squashed their dream by their parent's opposite opinion then they're put in their corner.Thay's true thing which happen anywhere. So You should think"What you want to do no matter how old you are"

What. A great example of being alive at the highest depth of artistry! How beautiful and classy.

It’s simply impossible to not love this woman! Great storytelling…and a message full of insight, inspiration, and hope.

I needed to see this....thank you so much for sharing your story. I hope you are feeling better and hubby too. 💖

Thank you Rita, I hope ur well!!