Live Like You’ll Die Tomorrow

If tomorrow never comes, will the people you love know how much you love them? If tomorrow never comes, will you have done what you really wanted to do in your lifetime? If tomorrow never comes, would you live today differently?

One day, tomorrow will not come. We all know that. We just assume that today will not be the day that this truth comes true. What would you do today if you knew it were your last? Maybe you have not thought about it very much. I have. Every day for the last few years. So perhaps I can suggest a few things.

1. Write letters to your loved ones

Tell them you love them. Tell them what you love about them. Tell them the specific shared moments you remember. Tell them how much you appreciate the little things they do that you usually don’t bother to thank them for. Tell them whatever is in your heart.

When you’re gone, your loved ones are left with only memories, and maybe photographs. But if they have a letter or note in your handwriting, they will have part of you to keep forever. Write a letter today. Start with the person you love most. When you next remember, write to the next person. And so on. Give it to them at once, or seal it so they will get it when you’re gone.

2. Forgive the unforgiven

You may be a rare saint who is at peace with everyone in your life. Most people are not and usually there is a person or a few that you refuse to see or speak to, even though you know that you care about them. Make a decision to forgive them, whether you tell them or not. Just throw out the negative thoughts you keep having about them, and replace them with thoughts like “He was trying his best” or “She is just showing love in her own way”.

You don’t have to set off fireworks to announce your magnanimous action. Just smile the next time you see the person. Or send them a birthday or Christmas card. Or include them in the next gathering that you’ve been excluding them from. It doesn’t really matter what the gesture is. They’ll understand. And whether or not they respond graciously, you will be at peace. Their response is their responsibility, not yours. Maybe they have issues with forgiveness too. You can show the way.

3. Spend time with those you love

No matter how busy you are, you can spend five minutes with someone in your family either in person or on the phone. And that doesn’t mean watching TV together. Ask them about their day and really listen. Offer to do something for them and ask them to name the task. Or just sit and look at them and if they ask why just say you love looking at them. Essentially this time lets them know how much they mean to you.

You’ll be surprised how much you can learn about people you think you know well when you really stop and pay attention. Try to notice something about them that you never noticed before. We all want somebody to witness our lives. You can be that witness for somebody today. And that person will feel less lonely because for five minutes, they really mattered to you.

4. Take a step towards your dreams

If you always wanted to write a book, then write just one page. If you want to pursue further education, fill out an application form. If you want to have your own business, sketch a rough business plan. If you want to marry, join a dating agency or website. If you want to be lean and fit, go for a jog. If you want to grow a garden, buy one plant. Just do something.

You see, chances are that tomorrrow will come for you. Just one more time. And maybe a few more times after that. So if you do a little bit everyday, those small steps will add up to a continuous and fruitful journey. And day by day, year by year, your dreams will start coming true. And you will love your life.

And if tomorrow does not come? Then you would have done what really mattered today. You would have lived a day worth living. That’s the only way I want to live. And I hope you will too.

This is Part 3 of the series:

Dance Like Nobody’s Watching
Dream Like You Will Live Forever
Live Like You’ll Die Tomorrow
Love Like It’s Never Going To Hurt



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Posted by Daphne | August 28, 2008 | in Think Deeply


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8 Responses to “Live Like You’ll Die Tomorrow”

  1. BT
    December 4th, 2008 @ 11:49 pm

    Hey Daphne, I enjoyed your writing tremendously. Many of your posts have touched me and enriched my life. This is one of them. Keep up the good work!

  2. Daphne
    December 7th, 2008 @ 5:17 pm

    Hi BT,

    Thanks for your comment. I’m glad that my writing means something to somebody. It gives me a reason to keep writing! Thanks again for your kind words.

    Daphne

  3. Henie
    January 16th, 2009 @ 6:04 am

    Hi Daphne…

    What a powerful share this is indeed!

    You know, it is in the awareness of this that each and every day, I kiss, hug and tell my son how deeply I love him as though it was going to be the last…I have always thought that anything could happen between now and then…some people think of me as morbid but I just bless them!:)

    I always look forward to a moment in my day when I come and languish in your site…btw, I think you will enjoy my latest blog…”The Little Big Things:)

    Thank you!

  4. Daphne
    January 16th, 2009 @ 10:07 am

    Hi Henie,

    You’re a wonderful Mum! I have no children but have always had kids in my life, and agree that you cannot tell a child too often that you love them. I heard it takes 5 positive statements to blot out each negative statement the child will hear in their life. So by doing this you are making your son strong to face what may come in future – in school, at work etc. He will be safe from many arrows. It’s a great thing you’re doing.

    I’m off to check your latest blog now!

  5. Kim
    February 27th, 2009 @ 5:21 pm

    Our office is currently realising just how true this is. A collegue went home yesterday because he was not feeling well and died from heart failure in the afternoon. He leaves behind a wife and 2 small children. It was completely unexpected and sad for all who knew him.

  6. Daphne
    February 27th, 2009 @ 6:18 pm

    Oh dear, Kim. I’m so sorry to hear about this. It must be devastating for the family, and the poor wife suddenly being a single parent… I don’t know what to say. I’m sure your office is doing everything it can to help. Let me know if I can do anything.

  7. Mazhar Nawaz
    February 18th, 2010 @ 10:35 pm

    Dear Daphne enjoyed reading every word. I appreciate your honest views on Live Like You’ll Die Tomorrow.

  8. Daphne
    March 11th, 2010 @ 4:00 pm

    Dear Mazhar,

    Thank you for your comment. I know my reply is late, but I’m so glad that you liked this post. I remind myself everyday to continue living this way!

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