Ok, kids. This post is going to seemingly swing from one end of the spectrum to the other. Some of you may find this boring, others might even consider it to be somewhat offensive. If you find it so, you have my utmost apologies.

I was on break.com the other day and I caught the following video titled “Court Reporters Worst Nightmare”. At first viewing I thought it was funny. Then sad. Finally, I was fascinated:

I was amused when she raised both hands and almost unintelligible, evoking the image of a court reporter staring in disbelief. I was saddened because, in reality, she was virtually unintelligible. And then I was fascinated because through it all she seemed…happy. Annie seemed happy.

Anyone can see that this woman has some mental issues. You can joke about it and make fun, but this woman still seems to be in relative bliss. She doesn’t seem to know that she was giving a deposition or that she may be taking part in something that may be a legal nightmare for her or someone else.

She was happy, answering questions with glee.

I’m a member of TED and the above video reminded me of Jill Bolte Taylor’s speech from February of 2008. Yes, this is a LONG video. Talks at the TED conference are supposed to last 18 minutes. (If the video doesn’t work you can view it on the TED website)

Neuroanatomist Jill Bolte Taylor had an opportunity few brain scientists would wish for: One morning, she realized she was having a massive stroke. As it happened — as she felt her brain functions slip away one by one.

Her description of experiencing a stroke is almost the exact opposite of what I would fear. She depicts her perception of herself and the world around her during her stroke as something beautiful. And when I think of Annie in the first video, I imagine how wonderfully simple and amazing her world might be. I am in no way saying that I wish I was mentally ill (and some of you may say I am anyhow) nor that I want to experience a stroke but for all the pity and despair that I might have initially projected onto Annie’s video I am reminded of Dr. Taylor and her description of being temporarily mentally handicapped.

So, now I open the floor to you – how do you interpret either video? What are your thoughts?