0 | 5.10.2011 | 4 months agoPreparedness
In the newspaper industry there is a common practice for obituaries called “preparedness.” It’s the practice of writing an obituary in advance for prominent figures so newspapers are prepared to share the facts of their life immediately after they pass. Britney Spears, Barack Obama and (of course) Steve Jobs have prepared obituaries.
In real life there is no such thing as preparedness. Whether we know death is imminent or a complete surprise, there is nothing that can prepare you for the loss of someone you love. Even if you loved them only from afar.
While we don’t get preparedness, we do get reminders from time to time on just exactly how short life is and how meaningful we can make it for ourselves and others. I know If I look in the mirror tomorrow and ask myself if Thursday were the last day of my life, would I spend it the way my calendar has planned for me the answer would be a resounding no.
When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: “If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.” It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” And whenever the answer has been “No” for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.
Steve, thank you for not listening to other people’s dogma and for inspiring so many people to do the same.
