Steve Jobs knew how to live while he was dying. I hope that I can learn a lesson or two from his life. I had never heard his speech to the Stanford graduates until today. Serene at The Elegant Bohemian wrote a post today that contains the text to his Stanford speech. If you haven't read it yet, I urge you to do so.
When one of your contemparies dies, it is a rude awakening to the fact that our time is limited here on earth and that we are not guaranteed any specific amount of time here. I have been pondering this idea for a couple of weeks. I just finished the book "The Glass Rainbow" by one of my favorite authors, James Lee Burke. If you are not familiar with Mr Burke, the book is about one of his most memorable characters, Dave Robicheaux. In the novel, Dave has been thinking that his time on earth may be over soon and Mr Burke is keeping us in suspense as to whether or not he will die in this novel. That caused me to start thinking about what I am doing and how I look at aging. Then Steve Jobs died and reality smacked me between the eyes.
As Steve Jobs said "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life." We should stop comparing ourselves to others. The media bombards us with messages that we aren't pretty enough, thin enough, don't have white enough teeth, have gray hair that needs dyed, and wrinkles that need filled or removed. Why can't we just be happy with who we are and just try to be the best we can be without comparing ourselves to others? I think it is easier said than done, but I know I am going to try. I am going to try to stop beating myself up because I am not thin and because my face is no longer firm and young looking. I am alive and I am going to try to do my best every day until my last one.
Steve Jobs has been compared to many like Henry Ford, or Thomas Edison. He was a visionary and we have all benefited from his vision. Rest in Peace, Mr Jobs and thank you for following your heart and loving your work.
Beautifully said, Debbi. Steve Jobs was born just three months before me, so I really felt like we were (age) peers. Dying at 56 sounds shocking to my ears, but you are so right - we aren't promised length of years.
ReplyDeleteI love Dave Robicheaux! His books have made me cry and laugh and think. Pls don't kill him off yet, Mr. Burke!
I was reading about him today. He dropped out of college and pretty much got lucky that his interests were in synch with major advances in technology.
ReplyDeleteLovely post Debbi.
ReplyDeleteDebbi, that was one of my favorite lines in his speech. That we should stop living someone else's life. And it's just so true! Trying to live up to someone else's expectations, standards and for their approval. In light of our mortality, truly, what have we got to lose? Lovely post Debbi! Big honkin' hug to you! ~Serene
ReplyDeleteSteve Jobs was a great inspiration to me and most of my colleagues at Adobe. He will be missed, and his death is a reminder to not waste time.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize RoseAG went to Reed College! Steve did get lucky, but that's what often happens when passions and opportunities align.
Thank you for the comment on my post....it helps to know I'm not the only one having problems!
ReplyDeleteThis was such an inspiring and encouraging post. I love hear you saying that, because that's just how I would like to live, also. It's easy to get dragged down when what you really want is to fly! And on another note, thanks for the prayers for my mom. Today was her best day yet. She is starting to move around with her new hip! Debbie http://thriftygirlvintage.com
ReplyDeleteI am so touched by his death, such a great and humble man.
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I hope you are better of your health problem, so this post came into my heart and the message conveyed that this man is so true ..... please take care!
ReplyDeleteI his phrase, 'Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish.' Thank you for your beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteI was very sad. What a great post! Life is too short. You are beautiful just the way you are my sweet friend! Kiah
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