I’m going to share a secret with you, every once in a while, my brain needs a pep talk. (Okay, in the spirit of full disclosure, my brain needs an entire cheerleading squad to bonk me over the head with their pom poms and megaphones just to get my synapses warmed-up.) That’s why I’m overjoyed I can go a site and watch mind-boggling speeches to get my capricious grey matter in the mood to be creative. If you haven’t visited TED.com, you have to go, trust me, your synapses may even send you a thank you card.

Check out this speech by Elizabeth Gilbert on the topic of genius and creativity. If it doesn’t motivate you, I give up, you’re obviously brain dead and someone should start writing you off on their taxes as a dependant. There are over 500 Ted Talks and more are added each week. Some are funny, some are inspiring and some are so remarkable you’ll feel compelled to share them with your friends. Kinda like I’m doing right now.

As I slowly make my way through the site, here just a few of my favorites talks so far.

Julia Sweeney

JK Rowling

Jill Bolte Taylor

Ken Robinson

Rory Sutherland

JJ Abrams

Amy Tan

Jamie Oliver

Jennifer 8

I’m grateful for TED.com because is a place where some brilliant people are able to share their thoughts with me. And here, I’m able to share some of my favorite TED talks with you, and hopefully you’ll return the favor in the comments section.

That’s why I’m grateful for TED.