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.

– Steve Jobs

Apple founder Steve Jobs died last week. My mom did too. She was far from a modern titan of industry and icon of innovation. She was a simple woman from South Carolina who arrived in New York City at age 10 to start her life on her own. She got to work.

Decades later I am at the funeral for this simple woman who lived simply for others. Her generosity and big heart was renowned in our small circle and she was a surrogate parent to many a lost soul. That was her legacy. People tell me that I seem to have inherited her big heart. Now my charge is to take that heart and put it in service to where I want to go as an entrepreneur.

And what will be my legacy? If ever I got the fire lit under me to turn my vision into a thriving enterprise, it is now. No negative thoughts or “ho hum” response will damper my spirits – as they had in the past. I was too sensitive even with all that armor I wore. Now I prefer going bare and going for it all. That is my natural state and in that state I will honor that which is my inner nature.

There is NO reason at all, Mr. Jobs, you are right.

Mom, rest in peace.

World, here I come.

The moment you can visualize being free from the things that hold you back, you have indeed begun to set yourself free.

-Unknown