Today, I woke up to the death of Steve Jobs.
At the age of 56, he did what most entrepreneurs dream of doing – changing the world for the better.
Even though I didn't know him, I could help but feel saddened and tearful. Part out of respect – and part out of feeling that I'm so far from realizing my own change in the world and making the impact that I want to.
He's was 16 years older than me.
16 years.
When I think about that, and let it sink in, my head spins with the idea that every day must be important – it must matter. I can't spend my time getting caught in the thickness of thin things. One day, my life will be done here on earth, and what will matter are the gifts I've left behind, and the positive, lasting impact I've made on the world.
"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."
"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."
– Steve Jobs, 2005
Today, I woke up to the death of Steve Jobs.
Today, I woke up with a deeper realization of my own mortality.
