death shaping life

steve jobs died.

it's been cool to watch people pay tribute to the man's life and legacy. i've enjoyed reading steve jobs quotes and watching old apple ads from youtube...

having been in a battle with cancer for some time, he spoke (beautifully, i thought) about how death was shaping his life:

"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart." ~Steve Jobs 

i do wonder. what if we all have something very precious to lose?  and what happens when your heart leads you in circles?