Tomorrow Is Not A Given
Posted: Tuesday, September 28, 2010
by Grace O'Malley
How many times have you heard people around you say things such as, "I'll organize the garage tomorrow," or "I'm not in the mood today, I'll fix the sink in the morning," or "This just isn't the right time for me, maybe tomorrow," or even "Tomorrow I'll tell him/her just how much they mean to me and how much I love them. Tomorrow will be our day."
And just how many of you have said similar things as well?
*waits for the hands to go back down before continuing*
What if, unbeknownst to us, today was our last day? Would we feel as though we've accomplished what we set out to do? Have we told those closest to us just how much we really do love and appreciate them? Do our children know how proud of them we are? Do our parents know that, despite our often rebellious natures, they did teach us well and we truly were listening? What about our spouses? Do they know we've never stopped loving them, and instead have fallen further in love with each passing day? That we have fought to live each day to the fullest, that we love them more than life itself, and that they are the greatest thing to ever grace our respective lives?
If the answer is "no" to any of those questions, we should be asking ourselves why that is.
Each and every day is a blessing. Tomorrow is not a given. All our days are numbered; therefore we should strive to live each one of them to the fullest. It goes without saying though, that life often throws curve balls our way, and that some days it is all you can do to survive without bashing the heads in of those who invariably make us want to rant, rave and scream. But, we can at least let those we love know they are loved, and that our lives are richer because of them. We can put a smile on the face of another, be it a stranger, a friend or a family member, whether we are feeling cheery or not. Who knows? We may find ourselves in a better mood because of such actions.
Tomorrow is always an unknown. For better or worse, we never know what it may bring. Instead of putting things off we know should be done right away, why not take care of them the moment they come to mind? Organizing the garage, fixing the sink, or taking out the trash may not be a big deal to most, but that is not the point.
If we so easily put off the little things, the big things will then never get done. Don't you think your parents, your siblings, your friends, your children, and your spouses would love to know just how much they mean to you? What if you continued to put off all the things you have always wanted them to know, waiting for the perfect moment, only to wake one morning and find they are no longer with you?
How then would you feel?
*waits for the hands to go back down before continuing*
What if, unbeknownst to us, today was our last day? Would we feel as though we've accomplished what we set out to do? Have we told those closest to us just how much we really do love and appreciate them? Do our children know how proud of them we are? Do our parents know that, despite our often rebellious natures, they did teach us well and we truly were listening? What about our spouses? Do they know we've never stopped loving them, and instead have fallen further in love with each passing day? That we have fought to live each day to the fullest, that we love them more than life itself, and that they are the greatest thing to ever grace our respective lives?
If the answer is "no" to any of those questions, we should be asking ourselves why that is.
Each and every day is a blessing. Tomorrow is not a given. All our days are numbered; therefore we should strive to live each one of them to the fullest. It goes without saying though, that life often throws curve balls our way, and that some days it is all you can do to survive without bashing the heads in of those who invariably make us want to rant, rave and scream. But, we can at least let those we love know they are loved, and that our lives are richer because of them. We can put a smile on the face of another, be it a stranger, a friend or a family member, whether we are feeling cheery or not. Who knows? We may find ourselves in a better mood because of such actions.
Tomorrow is always an unknown. For better or worse, we never know what it may bring. Instead of putting things off we know should be done right away, why not take care of them the moment they come to mind? Organizing the garage, fixing the sink, or taking out the trash may not be a big deal to most, but that is not the point.
If we so easily put off the little things, the big things will then never get done. Don't you think your parents, your siblings, your friends, your children, and your spouses would love to know just how much they mean to you? What if you continued to put off all the things you have always wanted them to know, waiting for the perfect moment, only to wake one morning and find they are no longer with you?
How then would you feel?
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Top-level comments on this article: (8 total)Yes Grace, I suppose we are all guilty of putting things aside. My mother and father have passed on I only wish I had the chance to talk to them today. Now that I'm more matured there is so much I could say to them that I put off in the past.Thanks for this articleI think that kind of thing happens to most of us David. We are so busy growing and dealing with life's issues we tend to forget those who raised us until it is too late. Thanks for reading and commenting. ~ Grace
Very though provoking...lovely piece....I need to make a few calls I think.Thank you for saying so Jill. Always good to have a reminder, no?~ Grace
Can I put my hand down now? Yep, I'm guilty of all the above. I'm not proud of it either. Guess I'll slink off now to tell those I love how much they mean to me.lol Yes you can put your hand down Dixie. Did you tell everyone?~ Grace
Beautiful article Grace!
It is all about being free or being consistent with thyself. I loved your last paragraph, very inspiring. Thanks for sharing.Awww thank you for being so kind in your comment.~Grace
Lorrie Davids just asked a great question on Q & A regarding our 'bucket list'. Making sure those I love know how I feel is number one on my list. I've done that and continue to do that. You're so right. We should never take tomorrow for granted, which we are all guilty of doing sometimes.I adore bucket lists! Your #1 is my #1 too. Life is short. Spread the love while we can. Good to see you around Brianna~ Grace
I think when it comes to telling people that you love, it's good to do it today, Grace.I'm sure you do it constantly too Jennifer.~ Grace
If you want to recalibrate how you value the breaths you breathe and rejoice in just being alive, the quickest way is to measure time differently. Compress it. Your article is wonderful, and rearranges my heart's agenda, automatically. Not bad.Awww thank you Christofer. I'm glad you liked it.~ Grace
enjoying this one again in Reader's Club - good article!
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