Steve Jobs on Gratitude

We need each other

James Clear includes in his newsletter an email Steve Jobs sent to himself, remarking on how much we all need each other. It is also a brilliant call for gratitude.

"I grow little of the food I eat, and of the little I do grow I did not breed or perfect the seeds.

I do not make any of my own clothing.

I speak a language I did not invent or refine.

I did not discover the mathematics I use.

I am protected by freedoms and laws I did not conceive of or legislate, and do not enforce or adjudicate.

I am moved by music I did not create myself.

When I needed medical attention, I was helpless to help myself survive.

I did not invent the transistor, the microprocessor, object oriented programming, or most of the technology I work with.

I love and admire my species, living and dead, and am totally dependent on them for my life and well being."

Source: Email sent on September 2, 2010. Featured in Make Something Wonderful​

What is something in your life that you didn’t grow or create but which you are grateful for?

For me, I could start with Photoshop, a software program developed, maintained, and marketed by others, something I only have a partial understanding of but which has made my life richer for the past 18 years. I admit to swearing at it occasionally but I will be eternally grateful for it.

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In good times and challenging ones, practicing gratitude helps us recognize the good things in our lives and build resilience for the challenges that come our way. Gratitude journaling is one of the best ways to better understand yourself and deepen your practice of gratitude.

Any journal will do … however, here are two we are biased toward:

Gratitude Miracles, a 52-week journal filled with inspiring quotes and the science behind 13 amazing benefits of gratitude. Available from amazon.com:

Or, Gratitude Mojo, a 26-week, workbook format, which comes to you free with your annual paid subscription … including one copy for a friend because having a Gratitude Buddy makes the journey better.

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