I'm off-grid and I'm not crazy | Esther Emery | TEDxBoise 

There I am!!! Thank you so much for all your support, folks. Cheers to the crazy and the not-so-crazy and especially the real. Much love, Esther

As someone who was raised in the 50's with no indoor toilet, growing 99% of our own food and supplementing with wild game (mom would cook anything we brought home) I want to say I'm proud of you. You are an example of embracing a lot of what being "free" is actually about.

Possibly the best TED talk I've seen. When someone speaks from the heart, from their actual experience, it moves us.

I could listen to Esther Emery all day!!

What a great speech Esther! I'm not off the grid yet, but 4 years ago I gave up TV. I found I could see the news if I wanted to online. The only show I watched was Heartland [great family show] and since I'm in Canada I could watch it on the website. I only pay cash for things, I own no credit card, no cell phone and I gave up makeup for almost 2 years. [I now wear a little just mascara] Since this time, I went back to school and became a non registered Nutritionist, my Spirituality grew leaps and bounds, I became an artisan baker [I use natural yeast] I also do some canning, make my own butter [when i can] I read, I never realized it was "freedom" i just knew it as a new "life".

Excellent. Last year I quit FB because I was tired of all the anger and fighting over politics. I went back on for a couple hours this past January 2017, realized it was all still the same and went off FB again and haven't been back on since. I was seeking validation from people that don't really have any connection to my daily life. I wasn't concentrating on what I think, feel, believe and want for my life. I need the internet for my career, and it is how I found this talk. What I can do, however, is limit the amount of time I spend online just as I limited my contact with people through FB.

Her videos on the Fouch-O-Matic channel are addictive. I watched one and found myself binge watching the rest of them over a three-day period. I don't even have a desire to live off the grid - I just love the story of this beautiful family that was brave enough to go for their dream. Love them! You will too check them out

An excellent presentation. Not only was it time well spent, it reaffirmed in my mind that less time online is far more productive and healthy for me.

I follow her channel, fouch o matic off grid. Her and her husband are SO interesting and are a great inspiration.

Esther, I watched every second of your TEDx talk, and it was tremendous! You are a very gifted communicator. Thanks for sharing your story!

I am a subscriber to both Fouchamatic off grid and Esther's channel. I find her and her family not only a joy to watch but a wealth of information and inspiration. This was great!

You just described the first 40 years of my life. The google maps is funny. I delivered mail for the post office in the 70's before UPS and computers. I went to work everyday ..on my bike, no phone, and my map was a necessity. Cell phones have really made many things easier . I remember having car issues and hoping I could flag down someone who could help me out. I guess I am lucky that my generation still do not care about Facebook or twitter for confirmation of our self-worth.

well spoken...just so proud to hear you speak of the life you have chosen...my professor once told me "it takes a lot of grace to say a little in few words..." ...my dear, Esther ,you nailed it!

Dude, I realized that I needed that validation too. That's why I quit FB.

😭😍thank you for sharing this. I'm going thru a true self revelation in my life. I need to "unplug" to discover who I truly am. I was born a decade before you and I find your stories a true inspiration to me! Thank you. 😘

We need more real people talking about being off grid!! Excellent talk!

GREAT TALK!! You are a natural teacher and parent. And that is the highest compliment I can bestow upon someone. We all learn from others. Family, neighbors, teachers, mentors all have given me the ability to work and live in the world. Your children will be much richer for the adventure you have undertaken.

This is fabulous. Thanks for doing this talk!

Been tuning in to Esther's and Fouchomatic off grid channel for a while and I love them!! Learning so much. There is a lot wrong with the world and their way seems so right. The kids aren't attached to phones and electronics. Def how I would like to raise my family when it is time.

Hey Esther! it's 2018, I'm 54 years old... I went without the internet for about 36 years... from my birth year of 1964 until about the year 2000... There was life before we were all wired in....

In this digital era, here I am watching this. While I am on my work from home setup, I still find the way to stay out of the online world. I slowly tried cutting of my social media usage and less screen time. I've been doing this for 4, 5 months? But I can say that it helped my clarity and productivity. I'm now dependent on myself, rather than the people around me. The fomo feels no longer exists in me. I am not hundred percent well mentally, but I can assure you that it gets better.

“I like quiet, I like small and I like real.” Well put; works for me as well. An obscure rural setting - North Texas

Excellent!! And if you didn’t get a standing ovation, you definitely should have. Esther, you rock. Great job. ⭐️

beautiful, I just started with deactivating my facebook in 2014, I recently deactivated my instagram which is insane as I'm a photographer, but I really feel better off, thank you for sharing such inspiring speech :)

Learned dependency. Remember that folks.

I like how you found a balance in technology and got away from the addiction of internet but still use it to your benefit! And how you have simplified your life. What a great message you have shared with us all!

It's interesting for me to see how younger people can have to make an effort to live without the internet. I lived without it for 50 years, in 2013 I got wifi and learnt how to use it. Now, in the little bit of life I've got left, I don't want to miss out on it! I think when you're old enough to have your life split into those two parts you also easily understand the difference between internet and reality. It is a tool, not life. I use the iPhone to find places but of course I still find them without it, too. But I simply enjoy how it makes life easier. I used to visit reference libraries for hours to find information; now I get more information in seconds without getting out of bed. Why would I want to live without that sensible tool?

Great job expressing an abstract, unique point of view. I am so pleased you did this TEDx talk!

I applauded her supreme efforts and fearless spirit, yet also felt the experiment didn’t really get at the guts of the problem as I see it (and perhaps I’m entirely wrong). I felt a sense that, despite changing her life, the need for feedback from others never lessened. It felt like THAT was the true problem. Perhaps the internet was only the vehicle. But she took a first step that most will never attempt and that is remarkable and speaks to a unique and brave spirit. So many lack the inner security of simply being and lives lives fueled by a terminal uniqueness that requires approval from others. I hear a shout out (mostly among millennials) that says, “See how original I am? See what a trailblazer I am? Pay attention to me!” There is a general societal insecurity (particularly in America) where so many deeply feel that they don’t MATTER without another’s feedback. It’s an “other-centric” approach to life that is always in the hands of others rather that an “inner-centric” approach which can truly lead to a satisfying life. We all fall victim to that at times and I’m no different. A deep insecurity, alleviated only by external forces is not a life. But learning to be one person among a community, with no need to rise to the top, no particular need to be provided with feedback about who they are, no need to be important, no need to base their sense of self esteem upon others opinions? THAT is admirable. That is a life worth living, in my opinion. The internet is not the problem. It’s our motivations for using it (for approval or fame vs. for information or learning, for example). And yes, I’ve spent a lot of time off grid without electricity, plumbing, internet, a phone signal and many other luxuries. That is how I get centered and how I gain perspective in my life. But it is, by far, not the only way.

Awesome lady, awesome family. When she speaks, everyone needs to listen to what she has to say.

"It's technology. And if we don't know that, I'm afraid we can't be using it responsibly." That sent chills down my spine. Thank you so much for your talk, Esther!

Esther, you are a fabulous speaker. I kind of knew that already, but even though you said the stage wasn't your element, I really think it is. Great job.

Great talk, Esther...thanks for it! Inspiring. I recently went on vacation for 3 weeks and went almost 100% offline...what an incredible break. I was able to make several adjustments to my personal habits for the better when I realized how much more time and space I really had! :) "I choose real...beautiful!"

I must say you choose the right path! You are a wonderful woman and just shine so bright. I mean this not in a sexual way, but in spirit. You beam when you walk into a room and your life is good for you and it shows. All the best to you....

Esther You guys have been so much a blessing to me and mine. We follow all your videos. This came at a good time as I been sick in bed all day. This right here is why I love my youtube fam. Thanks for this. God Bless Sis.

Great talk. Very fresh, original and inspiring. Thanks for sharing your story with us Esther!

You are very impressive! I didn't know a person could live off grid. I'm 58

"I choose quiet and I choose small, because its Real" .. awesome!

Outstanding. Live your life, as simply as possible. Your life is about you and not about those who just stumbled on your Ted Talk today as I did.

JUST WONDERFUL...AND I AM 75 YEARS YOUNG AND I STARTED MY INTERNET VOYAGE IN 1978...IT HAS BEEN A GREAT TRIP SO FAR......

Wow Esther, you are an awesome speaker. Glad I saw this. Janice

AWESOME JOB GIRL! YOU'RE AN INSPIRATION TO MANY!

This woman has a long journey ahead of her

You are such a great speaker/teacher/communicator Esther!!! So glad I found you and your family! One of the best features of being on the web! :)

Isnt it ironic without the Internet... I would not be hearing all this and not knowing the beauty of life off grid.... So I'm watching and maybe one day who knows ❤️and Easter you have a beautiful house now that Nick built with the wood from your land you really are living the Dream.... There has been no video s about the fouch family off grid for a long time now... I really hope you are all well and just to say I miss you ❤️happy new year 2020..... ❤️

I was 14 (a lifetime ago) when our family home got dial up sponsored via my mom's work. She would not let us teens use it for fear we could chat to strangers in chat rooms. We lived 5 miles out of a small town of 8000. My days were extremely lonely as a kid growing up, and I spent most of my time in the woods, or down by the ocean. I spent hours alone on hikes or bike rides in the forest. Spending time in nature gives a lot to the soul. I had a relationship with the spirit in the land, it was rich and nourishing, yet at times left a feeling of desolation. A part of me is drawn towards that lifestyle, but I am a single person, and worry to feel alone doing that. Sure not finding a mate on tinder any time soon though!

loved it... but I knew I would. your blog and youtube are very inspiring to me... I already live offgrid so I enjoy community with you.

Esther - more power to you and your family! Quiet = good; Simple = good; Real = good....and , the line "...technology masquerading as reality..." is a keeper!.

I just love this lady and family's youtube channel. :) You did great through the nerves, mama!

51 Year old,living in the UK,brought close to tears by Your spirituality and genuineness.Travelling a road few understand,or who indeed,WANT to understand.....Regards,Starman.

Been following the Fouch-o-matic channel for a while now. Already knew you have good storytelling capability and you have taken it one level up with this talk. Faced your fears and did not let the silence of the watching crowd get to you. Impressed.

WOW!!! I am so impressed to see you made it to TED. But, then again I am not really surprised. You and Nick are people to look up too.

Congrats, Esther! Home run! You knocked it out of the park!!

That was awesome! Also, I've been watching her videos for months.

Couldn't have said it any better. I grew up always having these technological mediums and realized also that i crave a lot of validation. I have a lot of soul searching to do, but just wanted to say thank you; this means a lot and was very helpful. Also huge fan of Fouch-o-matic!! keep on living!

Brilliant, Esther! This was a great speech. I'm more in the "How" camp than the "Why" camp thanks to you. I think you're an excellent example of someone who knows true freedom.

You & your family are so grounded and I appreciate all the great advice you've given so freely. Yes, you are very down to earth in your approach to life and have proven that we can all do this. Thanks for sharing this positive, real life story!

Thank You For sharing, Esther, Your passion for simple, Intentional life style, Is what I am also looking for. The1000 year flood hit or home in August and took everything we ever owned,46 years of everything. We are finally back in our home, And now I don't want anything except exactly what we need. I feel where you are coming from, Esther. We almost lost our lives and now all I want is simple living and time with my Hubby and family . I enjoy ,so much listening to you ,You truly inspire me. We must be kindred souls of sorts. Please keep the videos coming. They are for a reason.

Well said!....like so many things...less is truly more!

Much love to Esther! Keeping it real always. Great talk, beautiful poise. Nice Job and the heartfelt message was much appreciated. Thanks.

+Fouch-o-matic Off Grid Love love this!

thank you Esther great ted talk i am also a faithful u tube watcher you and your family are a breath of fresh air i can't wait to see how your house turns out .

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this!!!!! I follow you on your channel and I'm so proud of you!!!!! Your amazing!

Fantastic listening experience. Thanks.

Like so many things in life, less is truly more!

I just spoke to this lady and her husband on their channel. These are real people living real lives.

Very impressive and heart warming Esther. Glad to have seen your talk. Hope you can educate on how to get off the grid.

Love it! I wish EVERYONE would Wake-UP and appreciate their time, life, and family more.

Just awesome Esther, you are one super talented Gem! Thanks for touching my soul with your gift of words.

I'm a subscriber at your channel but only just got to watch this. Great job!! It was such a good talk!

Excellent job.

I appreciate you speaking about how validation affects who we are. This happens to me IRL, not just online, and I'm struggling to be more honest in who I am. I think a big part of being "real" is finding a small and trusted group to belong to, which may be why the great mass of people online can work against us. I will definitely rethink my connectedness, and may try to live with a smaller emotionally-connected footprint. Thanks.

Thank you for sharing your story. I love this so much, it is truly inspiring to live off the Internet and discover more about yourself and have quality time with your love ones. It brings a different perspective and meaning in life. Something that I will start to do.

Beautiful words from a beautiful lady.

Thank you so much about your lecture . I'm thinking about off grig living last 10-11 months.i know that soon or later I'll go for that.thank you for putting one more stone for us to build better life

Excellent job..I live in Washington and working hard to pay off land ..creating permaculture farm, with hydro electric.. Your talk was really nice. To hear one of us..say what needs to b said..

I thought I recognized you. Fouch O Matic! Your family inspired me a couple of years ago with Yurt living. It's so nice that you share your experiences for those of us who have plans. Thank you for sharing

Way to go Ester. You did a great job. Love your vlogs.

Wonderfully done, Esther. Loved every second. Peace

I Dig it! There is a lot of philosophy tied up in how we live. Mine is an attempt to make the Bible comprehensible to a lost world. it may be too big but I never been afraid of too big. And having meaning to life is important. A life without meaning, is not worth living, to steal from Socrates who said, " the unexamined life is not worth living. I agree.

Thank you Esther for this. I have been realizing lately that I have been spending so much time on the internet, since I plugged into it, that I wasn't spending enough time doing things that I love. So its time to unplug but allow myself some time, in the evening to catch up with internet things. I have let it overtake my life. Its now time to get my life back. 😃

I loved this talk, I really did. However, there is a lot of unspoken privilege involved. There are thousands of people living off the grid all over the world. They are called poor people, usually in rural areas

Well done! 10/10 success!

Excellent! Thank you :) Love the ending "I choose quiet...I choose real".

Thank you for sharing your experience. That was very well put, thought proviking and touching. I don't think your crazy I think what you've accomplished is brilliant and very real!

So well stated!!! Thanks for the inspiration

I deleted social media over a year ago, have never looked back. I don’t miss it at all, everybody should do it!

Wow Esther Great talk. You made some very interesting points and enlightenment. Thanks for sharing

One of the best Tedx talks I have seen X

Thank you for such a profound and interesting talk

Some people just want fame !!!! Iwas born n raised off the grid until age 12 . just like millions of human in other countries thats how life is ....

You got to ask yourself. What's your vicinity. 100 miles, 200 miles.

Love you Esther

Good job, public speaking and getting to the point! you got skill Ester!

Great speech. I read Thoreau about the same time you went off the net and also went off the net for around a year. I read a lot of mind expanding books and did a lot of soul searching, but as a creature of habbit I found myself back on the internet and back to old social anchors like debt, vanity, vice and conformity. I think that the net isn't my Achilles heel, but the distraction from a life I'm too scared to leave behind is. Your videos aren't distractions but inspirations, just as reading Emerson isn't a distraction but reading the newspaper is.

Just figuring out that you are Carla Emery's daughter!!! I have her book in my living room.

Very powerful, meaningful presentation by Esther Emery. God, she's brilliant. She could be a Ph.D in particle physics, or a brain surgeon. Or an off-grid homemaker, mother, wife and public speaker. She has found her bliss, and she has followed it. She has chosen quiet, she has chosen small, and she has chosen real. Just brilliant. Many valuable points here that I am taking to heart. However, I honestly don't see anything wrong with being validated by certain people on the internet whom I've deemed to be important in my life. Also (hahahah...very minor point), in the Greek language, "moussaka" is pronounced like, "moo- SOCK'-uh" (accent on the "SOCK"), not like "moose-uh-KAAAH' " (accent on the "KAAAH")

Bravo, Esther.

Wow, great talk, Esther! (from one of your youtube fans)