Steve Jobs was speaking at Stanford’s graduation about how to live before you die, and much of what he says rings true as we usher in a new year.

He tells the soon-to-be graduates three stories from his own life to illustrate the importance of seeing and making connections.  He argues that you can’t ever really connect the dots by looking forward.  It’s only when we look back that the dots are there.  Think about how this is taking shape in your own life.  If this challenging thing hadn’t happened, then that ‘better thing’ wouldn’t have happened either.

This last year has been about seeing connections for me personally and professionally.  If it weren’t for this, that would have never worked out so well.

In looking back at the first year of our concierge practice, we can name its successes.  I am grateful that one of them is the opportunity to do what I believe is to practice great medicine for children and to love the work I do.  See how Steve Jobs explains it:

For my New Year’s resolution, I’m taking Steve Jobs’ advice.  “Follow your heart.  Make a difference.”

Do me a favor?  Resolve with me to do the same.  It is in the meaningful connections that we make with one another that we are truly able to make a difference in the world.

Gayle Schrier Smith, MD