“Great acts are made up of small deeds.” -Lao Tzu
“‘Tiny’ is the new big. I’ve seen this phrase used in context with iPods, cell phones, purses, cars, businesses, and even houses. It might not be a phrase you’d think to apply to purpose and success, but I’ve found that the smallest of things can sometimes have the most power. Today I’d like to share with you a little of my journey to Tiny Buddha, as well as three tiny truths for a meaningful, successful life.”
And thus began my presentation for Bonfire Heights in September. I’ve been waiting to share this video because my name is misspelled in the opening, but I’ve decided to embrace my inner Lorie and share it with you now. If you’ve been struggling to create a sense of purpose, these three tiny truths may help:
(Note: This is around 23 minutes, so it might be best to watch later if you’re at work!)
Parts of this presentation came directly from my book Tiny Buddha: Simple Wisdom for Life’s Hard Questions.
About Lori Deschene
Lori Deschene is the founder of Tiny Buddha. She started the site after struggling with depression, bulimia, c-PTSD, and toxic shame so she could recycle her former pain into something useful and inspire others to do the same. You can find her books, including Tiny Buddha’s Gratitude Journal and Tiny Buddha’s Worry Journal, here and learn more about her eCourse, Recreate Your Life Story, if you’re ready to transform your life and become the person you want to be.
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Though I run this site, it is not mine. It's ours. It's not about me. It's about us. Your stories and your wisdom are just as meaningful as mine. 
Thank you so much for sharing. This video is very inspiring, and came at an amazing time. In 20 minutes the entire direction of my thoughts has changed. It is so true that when you are open to receiving, life gives you little gifts to put things in perspective.
Namaste.
You have great material, but need to work on organizations skill while presenting. I read your posts everyday and I greatly enjoy them. Most days, they counteract within my day. Thank you.
Hi Lori, I thought this was fantastic and loved the whole story about how Tiny Buddha came to be. It just shows how the concept of taking tiny action to achieve big things can work. There was a lot of good stuff in the presentation so I look forward to watching it again to get the full benefit, but I particularly liked what you said about not having to have it all figured out!
Thanks,
David
A part of being honest is also a certain right to make an unwanted mistake about the questioned issue, however, an issue, whereon even This Planet by no means approves of me that I can hide that much, too much from you, for only there is it my opportunity to exist as ‘just’ myself, that is, it’s Mars that I depend on & e.g. vice versa to exist as a symbol (etc.) of a good way of thinking, so I can find out & so on, greetings, ‘J.A.,’ guitartie@yahoo.ie.
This meant so much to me. I am so grateful for you. 🙂
Very nicely said, Lori. I love when you said something like “You don’t have to have everything figured out to have a meaningful life.” I just left my childhood religion and am in the process of figuring out how I want to live from here on. Thank you.
Thank you so much! It is totally about my life now and every thought is about me.
Lori, great presentation! It was especially nice to hear the voice behind the wisdom of Tiny Buddha. By the way..I watched this at work!
Thank you.
Hi Lori,
I have been a follower of Tiny Buddha for a long time now, and this video has inspired me to make my first comment.
I was so touched by your entire presentation. It is so easy for me to think that everyone has it figured out, that everyone is doing great things or achieving a picture-perfect life while I am still struggling to figure everything out. For me, it is so easy to compare myself to others and feel somehow small, insignificant, or behind. I feel so incredibly inspired to hear stories from people (like you, and other posters on this blog) that show how, in reality, we are all still figuring it out, trying our best, and making our life work as best as we can at any time. Your site is a huge reminder to take life one step at a time. I cannot thank you enough for sharing your story with me, and all of us.
Thanks so much for this video and all the work that you do.
Debbie
You speak as eloquently as you write Lori! Thanks for that.
I’m so glad this helped you Brittany! Namaste =)
Thanks for the note David. I was excited to share my experiences and touch upon the power of tiny steps. That’s certainly made a big difference in my world. I’ve never had it all figured out–and I suspect I never will!
Thanks Michal. If you have specific feedback for me, I would love to read it, as I’m new to speaking. You can email me at email(AT)tinybuddha(DOT)com.
Thanks Maz!
I love what you wrote about us trying our best, making our life work as best as we can at any time. That’s definitely been a helpful philosophy for me–focusing on each tiny step and trying not to concern myself with where it’s all leading. It makes it much easier to enjoy the process and keep going, even though I still have very little figured out!
Incidentally, just sharing this video was a tiny but huge thing for me, as writing is more my comfort zone than speaking. Thank you for taking the time to write. =)
You’re most welcome. =)
Thanks so much! I hope it was a nice little break at work. =)
You are most welcome! I’m glad you found this helpful!
You’re welcome Maren!
Wow thanks Madison. What a lovely thing to read. =)
Hi JA,
I’ve been kind of confused by your comments–and I can’t tell if their coming from a person, or if they’re somehow spam! Can you please reply to this comment so I can clear that up?
Thanks!
Lori
Lori,
What an eloquent and inspired presentation! Your sharing and action inspires big things in so many people.
What a great way to use your life. 🙂 Thank you!
-Angela
Thank you Lori for sharing your journey and insights. I first saw your posts on Twitter a couple of years ago and then connected to your Tiny Budda website. Your journey is inspiring. You lead by example and for me, this is what encourages and inspires me to find and live my life based on my passions. Namaste
Thanks so much! Your comment put a huge smile on my face. =)
Lovely – congrats on the talk and some wonderful stories there which left the head nodding and the heart smiling…
Permit me to be bold and a little bit of advice for when you next speak with a mic: hold it with one hand and ensure that hand is held to your chest with the mic obviously pointing up. This will ensure the sound guys / gals can manage the levels simply as your current practice has a lot of movement with your head and mic, causing dips and peaks in the sound volume and quality (or insist on a lapel one).
Namaste 🙂
I love reading Tiny Buddha, and happily have pre-ordered the book. Happy to support this good work, and thank younso much for bringing this to us all.
Lori – well done!! What a wonderful presentation! I thought you delivered it perfectly 🙂 Your messages are, as always, inspiring, heart warming and truly endearing 🙂 I wish I had been there in person as I can feel the energy just from watching the video! Thank you for choosing to share your wisdom with the world 🙂 Sarah
Thanks so much Sarah! What a beautiful compliment on my presentation. I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
You’re most welcome. I hope you enjoy the book!
Thanks so much DK. This is wonderful advice! I was definitely moving that mic all over the place. I’ll keep this in mind for next time. =)
Thanks Jenn. I’m so glad this encouraged and inspired you!
I’ve been reading your blog for about a year now, and I enjoy it so much. I just wanted to say, it’s so great that you posted this video of yourself because I love being able to put not just a face, but a person behind all the words you write. Hope I get to meet you in person some day!
Thanks Tanya! It would be wonderful to meet in person some day. If you’re ever in LA, let me know. =)