iLegend

As word of Steve Jobs' passing spread across Facebook and Twitter today, digested by millions through his revolutionary products that have reshaped the world, I did not know exactly how to react. I scrolled through my Twitter feed and my Facebook news feed, reading what my information graph and social graph had to say about such an incredible innovator.

Two things glaringly stood out. His remarkable vision that built Apple into what it is today. And his presence and message.

I am not smart enough nor am I qualified enough to write about Jobs' accomplishments in technology, product development, and invention. I am in awe of all of it.

His powerful presence and ability to deliver and live his message is what connects with me the most. My first experience with his presence and message took place in a corporate training class on public speaking. After our instructor let us fall on our faces with initial impromptu speeches, followed by the embarrassment of reviewing them on tape in front of the class, he shared a keynote from MacWorld 2007 from Mr Jobs that I'll never forget.

That video represents Steve Jobs' legacy quite nicely. A genius revolutionizing technology, communications, and entertainment on stage in a dynamic and powerful fashion. If I had watched that speech live, I may not have been as moved. Watching it two years later, knowing the impact that his announcements made on society, I was inspired. I YouTube'd as much Steve Jobs content as I could find for three days straight. Part of me hoped to morph into him for my final Public Speaking class test. Most of me just wanted more inspiration.

I re-watched a lot of old Steve Jobs' speeches tonight. His commencement speech at Stanford in 2005 really struck a cord in me.

Many of my friends and people in Twitter land shared snippets of this speech in their updates and tweets. And for good reason. His message is simple, but oh so powerful. Don't be afraid to take chances. Follow your heart. Find what makes you happy. Be foolish in your pursuit of your passion - in life and in work.

Think different.

He also acknowledges that you can't connect the dots to the future or in the present, only the past. You have to believe in something (faith, karma, a lucky egg) that will lead you on your way.

As I approach the dreaded age of 30, I can't help but think of his message and look myself in the mirror. The dots that have led me to this point in my life are clear. My girlfriend, my friends, my family, my job - all in a path of dots. What comes next is the hard part. The part where risks are involved. Leaps of faith that take you to places you've never heard or seen before.

I can only hope that I embody a tiny sliver of the courage, ambition, and passion that Steve Jobs demonstrated over the course of his life. A life that ended much too soon.

- Crafty Lefty