"We don’t get a chance to do that many things, and every one should be really excellent. Because this is our life."
"I want to put a ding in the universe. "
"… You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something – your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life."
"Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become."
"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."
All of these quotes are from one of the greatest minds of our time, Steve Jobs -- a brilliant, insightful and successful genius who passed yesterday, way too soon. His tenancity and innovation will be missed by all.
Jobs was a man who had a dream and followed it throughout his life. He never waivered or compromised -- he pursued his passion; created a legacy and built an empire. To me, he was a true inspiration and example of can happen when you do what you know you were put on this earth to do.
Yesterday afternoon (and prior to hearing the news of Job's death that evening) I gave notice to my partners at work to let them know I am finished working there and will be out by 10-31-11. I physically and mentally cannot continue to do something I am not passionate about, simply to pay the bills and receive health insurance benefits. I just can't do it.
Amazingly enough, I have not had one ounce of anxiety since I made the announcement. None. No anxiety after I met with my partners; none last night; and not even a tiny bit when I woke up this morning. I don't know if I'm in shock or if my angels are saying "Hallelujiah -- she finally did it!" and are rejoicing in my decision to quit. My guess is the latter :-)
All I know is deep inside my gut I know I've made the right decision. Little things confirmed that decision.....yesterday afternoon my studio mate Dianne sold several of my fused glass items to someone who walked into the gallery. Last night I slept soundly through the night for the first time in months. Today, I woke up feeling relaxed and energized. And right now I'm HAPPY -- yes, content; relaxed and happy.
Yesterday a brilliant genius departed from this earth and it is my hope that my inner muse can connect with this man's muse to guide me in my forthcoming journey and meet with an equal success. Tall order? Perhaps....but I'm putting it out there.
As Steve Jobs would say -- "....have the courage to follow your heart and intuition...."
Now I'm off to put my own "...ding in the Universe."
