I’d like to share a story with you that inspired me deeply…

This story reminded me of how absolutely imperative it is for us to prioritize our health, relationships and overall mind-heart-body-spirit balance WHILE we’re passionately pursuing our business goals and dreams – NEVER at the expense of them…

I recently had dinner with a dear friend who was good friends with Steve Jobs, the legendary visionary who changed the world. 

My friend had a conversation with Steve a few weeks before he left his body. Steve was reflecting on his life; and shared his sentiments from his personal writings. 

“I reached the pinnacle of success in the business world. 

In some eyes, my life is the epitome of success. However, aside from work, I have little joy. In the end, wealth is only a fact of life that I am accustomed to.

At this moment, lying in bed and recalling my life, I realize that all the recognition and wealth that I took so much pride in, have paled and become meaningless in the face of death.

You can employ someone to drive the car for you, make money for you, but you cannot have someone bear your sickness for you. 

Material things lost can be found or replaced. But there is one thing that can never be found when it’s lost — Life. Whichever stage of life you’re in, you will face the day when the curtain comes down.

Treasure Love for your family, love for your spouse, love for your friends…

Treat yourself well. Cherish others.

As we grow older, and hopefully wiser, we realize that…true inner happiness does not come from material things. 

Therefore, I hope you realize, when you have friends, brothers and sisters, who you chat with, laugh with, sing songs with, talk about north-south-east-west or heaven and earth, that is true happiness!

The 6 best doctors in the world are – sunlight, rest, exercise, diet, self-confidence and friends. Maintain them in all stages and enjoy a healthy life.”

I was on the edge of my seat, moved with a tear, as my friend recounted this epic story on Life’s Reflections, inspired by a conversation with one of the most brilliant minds in our lifetime. 

What does this story inspire within you? 

As I contemplate it, I am brimming with gratitude for the amazing friends and community all around me and for the awareness of…

WHAT’S REALLY IMPORTANT. 

This is one of the most essential questions that we can contemplate…

What’s most important in life?
What’s most important in my relationships?
What’s most important in business?

What’s really most important?

I invite you to contemplate these questions.

THESE questions begin to elicit your CORE VALUES and CORE VALUES drive decision-making. 

I’ve shared about CORE VALUES before in my blog, and I’ll continue to share about them because they’re foundational to living your most magnificent life with purpose, enjoying meaningful relationships and passisonately growing your business in a fulfilling way that contributes your gifts to people’s lives and our world. 

For now, consider, what have you been focused on?
What have you been making “important”?

And HOW will you choose to focus on what’s truly essential for you in every area of your life moving forward — your health, your business ventures, your relationships, your mind, your soul.

There’s no doubt that Steve Jobs fulfilled a colossal mission in this lifetime. He “put a dent in the universe,” as he said. As his time on earth came to completion, his clear, present reflections left us with nuggets of wisdom to align our hearts and minds so that, when we look back — in our final hours — that we can know, wholeheartedly that we have truly and authentically lived.

“Oh WOW! Oh WOW! Oh WOW!” — Steve Jobs, final words, 2011