In the end it's all about LIFE

 In our business we are asked daily, "how can by business compete in the shortest period of time and I want you to make me the most successful (designer, musician, artist, tech guy, writer) online." At year 10 of my own success in design and branding I find the request somewhat weary. Oh sure, a number of wonderful merchants and start up's have a desire to "do good" and many are, but the under current is about the money. How to a make it, make alot of it and do it like it's all that has ever mattered.

This is at the core of how we again and again vet new projects so that hopefully we're bringing into the world only those new ventures that care little more about quality and integrity and less about being insanely successful. 

I'm teased by my staff often that I am too "new age-y, too concerned about the good" and I get it. Being "mindful" and emotionally invested in what we do can be silly to some, but to me, a person who strives to not only produce high quality work but also release it into the world with the belief that what we do somehow makes things just alittle brighter, alittle nicer. Call me crazy but doing good matter to me.

So that's why this post that I am sharing (originally shared by Elaine Prince, ) seems fitting. 

I hope we all go out each day striving for all of the amazing things that make our life richer and that definitely included monetary gain, but I hope more so that we realize in the end, it's the end and for me, I want to leave a legacy of memories my child and his children can hold in their hearts - not save in their bank accounts. 

From Steve Jobs on his final days.

I reached the pinnacle of success in the business world. 

In others’ eyes, my life is an 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 on the sick bed and recalling my whole 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 impending death.In the darkness, I look at the green lights from the life supporting machines and hear the humming mechanical sounds, I can feel the breath of god of death drawing closer…

Now I know, when we have accumulated sufficient wealth to last our lifetime, we should pursue other matters that are unrelated to wealth… Should be something that is more important:Perhaps relationships, perhaps art, perhaps a dream from younger days ... Non-stop pursuing of wealth will only turn a person into a twisted being, just like me.God gave us the senses to let us feel the love in everyone’s heart, not the illusions brought about by wealth.

The wealth I have won in my life I cannot bring with me.What I can bring is only the memories precipitated by love.That’s the true riches which will follow you, accompany you, giving you strength and light to go on. Love can travel a thousand miles. Life has no limit. Go where you want to go. Reach the height you want to reach. It is all in your heart and in your hands. What is the most expensive bed in the world? - "Sick bed" …

You can employ someone to drive the car for you, make money for you but you cannot have someone to bear the sickness for you.Material things lost can be found. But there is one thing that can never be found when it is lost – "Life".

When a person goes into the operating room, he will realize that there is one book that he has yet to finish reading – "Book of Healthy Life". Whichever stage in life we are at right now, with time, we 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. - Steve Jobs.