No One Wants to Die

Like most of you, I've been focused over the last 24-hours on paying homage to the life of Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple and modern day Newton.  

After watching his 2005 Stanford University Commencement address, I am overcome by a singular message, "No one wants to die."  For Jobs, his world came to a stand still when doctors diagnosed him in 2004 with a rare form of pancreatic cancer and told him that he had 3-6 months to live.  In those moments, of "getting his personal affairs in order," he knew that he had lived an amazing life, but still very much wanted to live. 

He regularly asked himself the question, "If I were to die today, would I be happy doing what I'm about to do?"  If the answer was "no" for too many days in a row, he knew that it was time to make a change.

Jobs was blessed to live for seven years following his diagnosis and his mantra of, "Stay Hungry...Stay Foolish," probably ensured that he followed the call of his heart on a regular basis.

So, what is the call of my heart and am I answering that call regularly?  Because the truth is, I want to live.  I don't want to go through the motions.  I want to watch my children grow and witness who they become.  I want to grow my marriage and build my partnership with my husband.  I want to live out my purpose.  And as much as I want to grumble about how all of that would be easier with more money...the truth is, it wouldn't.

Jobs' life was a roller coaster of triumph and loss.  He was at the top of his game and in the trenches for the world to see.  But he never stopped believing.  You can't go wrong investing in what you are passionate about and that which brings you and ultimately, others joy.

Hats off to you Steve Jobs for making the world an amazing place and for having fun doing it.  Thanks to you, I smile whenever I turn on my iPod, iMac, and Macbook.