The impact of choosing differently | Sydney Duarte | TEDxSugar Creek Women

What if changing the world starts long before grand gestures, leadership titles, or global movements, and begins with a single choice? In this deeply moving talk, Sydney Duarte shares a powerful truth: every moment presents a choice between fear and love. She invites us to explore how our presence, actions, and energy shape every room we enter and every person we encounter. Drawing from her experiences as an international artist, activist, yoga retreat leader, and community builder, she introduces "La LUZ" (your inner light) and shares how small acts of courage, compassion, and connection can create ripple effects far beyond what we imagine. Through stories of resilience, healing, creativity, and leadership, this talk offers a powerful reminder that meaningful change doesn't begin somewhere else; it begins with how we choose to show up today. This talk will challenge you to see the extraordinary power hidden within your everyday choices. Sydney Duarte is a globally recognized Muralist, Speaker and Retreat Leader whose work transforms spaces and sparks connection, creativity, and collective healing. As the owner of Duarte Designs and co-founder of the Piece for Peace Movement, she blends visual storytelling with multi-sensory experiences that invite audiences into play, reflection, and action. Rising from childhood adversity to international recognition, Sydney uses her art and voice to inspire others to expand their imagination, engage their community, and take part in bringing light to dark spaces by being a Force for Good. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx