Steve Jobs narrating "The Crazy Ones". He understood. He was one of them ... the crazy ones that is. A misfit. A nerd. A visionary. A Buddhist with an ego. A man who had his own ideas, and didn't much care what anyone else thought. He absolutely knew who he was and where he was headed. He followed his heart. He was a leader. He gathered his tribe around him and went to work.
His address to the Stanford Graduating Class of 2005 will stick in my mind forever. Part of that address included this quote. "Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart." He inspired me.
Steve Jobs died today at the age of 56. Too early. Too soon.
Recently, during an address at another function, knowing full well he stood toe to toe with death, he said this. "Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything - all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important.
Why is it then that we are afraid to be all we were meant to be. What would it take for us to break free from societies 'conditioning' and reach for the stars, become the leaders we were meant to become, gather our tribes around us, grasp our dreams and live our very best life. Sounds easy. I've been working on it for some time. I often ask myself what it would take for me to simply take that giant leap forward to exactly where I want to be ... damn the torpedoes ... no safety net ... the Universe will catch me. I'm still searching for answers. I guess that's why Steve Jobs inspired me. He wasn't afraid.
Steve Jobs was born out of wedlock, put up for adoption at birth, dropped out of college, then changed the world. Not exactly what you might call 'born with a silver spoon'. What excuses are we using. What lies are we telling ourselves. Think about it. I am.
Today I want to use one of Steve's favorite quotes. It happens to be a Wayne Gretsky quote.
"I skate to where the puck is going to be. Not where it came from." Wayne Gretsky
8 comments:
Hi Donna. I attempted to leave a comment yesterday but it went by way of the cyper thief. I'm still having computer difficulties but wanted you to know I think about you every day and know your doing well for only a week or so. I'll be eager for you to start your exercise therapy which will move your recovery along. Perhaps by Monday, you will be in your studio surrounded by all your tools to create and art pieces to inspire you.
Bear hugs with love,
Carolyn
Hi. I feel the same as you about Steve and it doesn't really matter if he is a hero or jerk. I am glad he learned early to follow his heart.
How are you? How is the healing? Sorry I haven't visited. We have had company and I am trying to finish other stuff. How long have they told you it will take to heal? My brother in law is thinking about having his knee done.
I see you are having fun with your new tools.Great leaves. Take care..hugs..Donna
Hi Donna. He was really a great man, my husband was always a great admirer of him, too. Nice that you brought a tribute to him. Hope you are feeling better! Take care of yourself, hugs, Valerie
I so admire his story and his accomplishments. I love it when a common person makes it Big. I hope each day brings you added strength Donna.
thanks for this, donna. You have me thinking. xo
wow...inspuration post today. Really got me thinking. Thank you dear Donna for that!
Hi Donna, Thank you for your beautiful email and your words are so true I am deeply touched that you took the time you send me those wise words. It was a very sad day for us all when Steve jobs passed away a true visionary and a man who followed his dreams and his heart he will be missed by all.
Marie
Hi.
Thanks for the quotes. Made me look up Steve Jobs at wikiquotes and I've found some very interesting quotes by him.
I copied the "remembering that you are going to die..." quote instantly into my journal as I have to get some thing done that I don't like to do. Will help me to do them an head for the things I love.
Post a Comment