The Gifts That Keep on Giving

Steve Jobs, the well-known founder of Apple, was such a visionary whose contributions are too lengthy to list. The business that he and his team built has truly altered how individuals and businesses communicate and how the world utilizes technology.  

It was sad to hear the recent news of his passing, but it was also nice to see how so many people from all over the world paid tribute to Steve, his contributions, and his life. His personal journey reminds me of the gift that unconditional love, nurturing, and acceptance can have on a young life.

Steve was adopted at 5 years of age by a couple who took a chance on this young child, welcomed him into their home, and gave him the love and support to be creative. (For anyone who hasn’t heard his story, as an adult, Steve met his biological sister and later met his biological parents, although he did not a have a strong relationship with his biological parents. When asked about his “adoptive parents,” Steve was known to emphatically correct that they were “his parents.”)

His story touches on society’s tendency to impose standards of success, often overlooking children and adults with high potential who just don’t have the chance to shine or be nurtured. And to think that Steve Jobs, with all of his brilliance, didn’t finish college.

Another story comes to mind, the one of Emmanuel Kelly from the TV show, The X Factor. It’s a moving story about a young man and his brother, who were nearly overlooked but in turn were taken in and adopted by a loving woman who gave Emmanuel the confidence to pursue his dreams. His touching story and soulful voice brought many audience members to tears during his audition! 

These stories represent love, dedication, perseverance, acceptance, and effective effort, ideals of what I aimed to convey to my readers with my new book: The Power of Choice: Embracing Efficacy to Drive Your Career. With a personal responsibility oriented mindset and a supportive environment, truly anything is possible!

Readers, as always, I welcome your feedback and comments. Please share in the blog’s Comments section.