"Tomorrow is promised to no one"

Life is unpredictable. That's the essence of the saying "tomorrow is promised to no one." It reminds us that we can't count on the future to do the things we want or need to do. We tend to put off a lot—whether it's telling someone we love them, starting that dream project, or even just taking a moment to appreciate the world around us—thinking we’ll always have time later. The reality, though, is that we might not.

This idea has deep roots in history and philosophy. It’s been echoed through centuries by different cultures and thinkers. The Stoics, for example, often reflected on mortality as a way to live more fully in the present. The phrase itself has been used in various forms, but it’s particularly poignant in moments of crisis or loss—times when the fragility of life becomes all too clear.

Let's bring this to life with a story. Imagine a man named John. John had always dreamed of traveling the world. He was passionate about photography and had a list of places he wanted to capture with his camera—forests, deserts, bustling cities, serene beaches. But life kept getting in the way. There were always work deadlines, family obligations, and the general busyness of daily life. John kept telling himself, "I'll travel next year." Next year turned into the year after that, and so on.

One day, John received a call that changed everything. His best friend, Mike, had passed away unexpectedly. Mike was the same age as John and had always encouraged him to follow his passion. The sudden loss hit John hard, making him realize that the future is never guaranteed. In that moment, he decided to stop postponing his dreams. He booked a ticket to the first place on his list and began his journey. John went on to visit numerous countries, capturing the beauty he had always dreamed of and living a life full of adventure and fulfillment.

The message is clear and powerful: don’t wait. If there's something you want to do, start today. It doesn't have to be a grand gesture or a big life change. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn a new language, call an old friend, or try out a new hobby. Whatever it is, take the first step now. It’s easy to get caught up in routines and responsibilities, but it’s just as important to seize the moments that make life meaningful.

So how can you apply this wisdom? Think about what you’ve been putting off. Is there a conversation you've been avoiding, an experience you’ve been dreaming about, or a goal you’ve been delaying? Recognize that waiting for the “right time” might mean it never happens. Break it down into small steps if it feels overwhelming. Start with a plan or a phone call—anything that gets you moving forward.

Imagine yourself in a scenario: You’ve always wanted to write a book. You have a story that you believe in, something that you think could really touch people. But every day, you find reasons to delay. Work’s too busy, you’re too tired, you don’t know where to start. Now, think about the concept that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. The time to start is now. Set aside just 15 minutes a day to write. Those minutes add up, and before you know it, you’ve got a chapter—maybe even a whole book.

Living with the awareness that tomorrow is not promised can be daunting, but it’s also liberating. It pushes us to focus on what truly matters and to make the most of the time we have. So, start today. You’ll thank yourself later.