For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: ‘If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?’ And whenever the answer has been ‘No’ for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.
– Steve Jobs
Does the culprit stare you straight in the face, or are the demons long buried deep in a well sealed with a heavy lid? Does an unsettling realization surface in your consciousness when you try to resist? Do you secretly desire a flash of insight, a clearer understanding, a map?
Mirror, mirror, on the wall we query, hoping for reassurance, validation, the ok that we can continue in the safety and confines of inertia. With any luck or divine guidance, what reflects back to us from the kind mirror will be a gentle nudge, a taunt, a dare – today might be the day to start! Start what? I’m guessing you already know the answer, or if not fully formed you are at least aware that something in your life might need to change. For example, I confess that I, along with many of my colleagues and students, occasionally practice the dark art of perfectionism masquerading as procrastination. The fix could be as simple as sitting down and actually writing the story, or sketching, or painting, instead of thinking about it. Could be a notch more complicated, such as taking a risk or two in the service of greater joy and fulfillment in your personal, family, romantic, or professional life? Or might be as challenging as unsealing the lid that covers the dark abyss, allowing you to free yourself from useless trash in the past and transform it into gleaming treasure.
The trick with mirrors is to learn to use them like a true escape artist – as a catalyst for confrontation, as a way to see from different angles, as a study in reflection(s). I am certain that Steve Jobs spent many hours in reflection before arriving at the magic answer ‘No’ but his mirror trick caused the change(s) he understood in his psyche that needed to happen and we are now the recipients of his spectacular legacy built on vision, risk, creativity, and drive.
A word of caution when approaching the mirror – the person who looks in the mirror is the same person reflected back. It doesn’t matter if you choose a triple dressing room mirror where if you glance either left or right you see an endless hall of images that multiply into infinity, or if you prefer to experiment with a floor or ceiling mirror. You might opt for a wacky funhouse mirror, or a cheap piece of foggy glass. But even if you peer at your reflected self in a full length elegant wood framed one with soft rose lighting, the perception you bring to the mirror will determine the outcome of the trick. Beware of Illusions! You must be open to the dialogue of true reflection, free of distortion and the trap of false beliefs. When you engage with the mirror, mirror, on the wall, don’t confuse “the fairest of us all” fairy-tale version with this “Apple” trick. The clock ticks. If you realize something needs to change – slip the knot, chart the winds, and prepare to alter your course… thank you Steve J.
How true — wise words for all those courageous enough to tackle inner and outer reflections. It's so easy to get stuck in the habit of creating (living) in the way that has already proved successful. But it's more authentic and fun to stretch the limits and explore new territory. Thanks for the reminder keep pushing forward, even when it gets more challenging!
Did you ever notice that reflection in reality is always timeless ?
That every change is immediately reflected back, wherever the clock maybe ticking, not in reflection.
Unless "somebody" starts comparing the reflected images in time .
Comparing the image with what he/she saw say last year noticing e.g. ageing.
That is called comparing, not reflecting.
The beauty of reflection is seeing exactly what it is now and that it could not have been different, not even one yota.
it is just necessarily exactly as it is now.
The wisdom lies in being content with it, whatever it appears to be.
Seeing the beauty in whatever is reflected in reflection.
That to me is true reflection.
Love your eye, looking at us, looking at you,
Just the right quote from Steve Jobs to show my husband today as we were discussing this very topic. Thanks, Marla.
Great food for thought! When I look in the triple mirror every morning I have never thought about the fact that I am going to do the same thing today that I did yesterday and the day before, and the day before that! But, thank you Martha and Steve, I will never look in the mirror again without the thought "Am I doing today what I want to do?" We will see what happens next!
At least today I am up and finishing my writing at 6.30 in the morning! Or, could that just be that I have a class tonight and am running out of time?
No, I am doing what I want to do for a change.
I love the challenge in this!