What If Tomorrow Doesn’t Come?

We all live our lives assuming that tomorrow is a given; that we will always have more time. Time to pursue our dreams, patch up relationships, and do the things we’ve been putting off.

But what if tomorrow doesn’t come?

This question can make us feel uneasy or even scared, but it can also inspire us to live more fully today.

This question became painfully real for Holly Butcher, a vibrant 26-year-old from Australia who was diagnosed with a rare form of terminal cancer. Knowing that her time on Earth was limited, Holly penned a letter that has resonated with millions across the globe.

She titled it her “Note Before I Die."

In it, she shared the wisdom that comes from having to face one's mortality head-on. Her words remind us that we don’t have as much time as we think and that we need to seize the moments we have right now.

Holly’s letter isn’t just about death. It’s about life—how to truly live in the face of the inevitable.

What she left behind is more than just advice; it’s a call to action for those of us still fortunate enough to have more time. As Holly wrote: “It’s a strange thing to realise and accept your mortality at 26 years young. It’s just one of those things you ignore. The days tick by, and you just expect they will keep on coming; until the unexpected happens.”

Her words reflect a truth we all overlook: life is fragile. We never really know when our time will be up. And while that might seem like a depressing thought, it’s also a liberating one.

If we let it, the awareness of death can inspire us to live more purposefully and passionately.

Let’s explore some of Holly’s insights about living and focus on the things that matter most.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

How often do we find ourselves overwhelmed by the little inconveniences in life? Traffic jams, a rude coworker, or a phone call interrupting our favourite TV show can derail our entire day.

But these things don't seem so important when you’re staring death in the face, as Holly was.

In her letter, Holly wrote, “I just want people to stop worrying so much about the small, meaningless stresses in life and try to remember that we all have the same fate after it all, so do what you can to make your time feel worthy and great.”

She’s right. So many things that stress us out are trivial in the grand scheme of things. And yet, we let them consume our energy, distract us from what matters, and steal our joy.

Holly’s words remind us to let go of these minor frustrations and focus instead on the bigger picture: relationships, experiences, and life's simple pleasures.

Prioritise What Matters Most

What really matters?

Holly’s letter is a call to action to focus on what’s important while we still have the time and opportunity. She urges us to appreciate the people we love, the experiences we enjoy, and the beauty in everyday moments.

“Those times you are whinging about ridiculous things (something I have noticed so much these past few months), just think about someone who is really facing a problem. Be grateful for your minor issue and get over it. It’s okay to acknowledge that something is annoying, but try not to carry on about it and negatively affect other people’s days.”

Holly’s letter asks us to change our mindset. Instead of focusing on what we don’t have or what’s going wrong, we should focus on what’s right in front of us. What do we take for granted? The people in our lives, our health, the freedom to choose—all gifts.

And sometimes, we don’t realise their value until they’re threatened or taken away. Holly’s words challenge us to stop living as though time is infinite and start making the most of our relationships and opportunities.

Live Without Regret

Regret is a heavy burden, which Holly touches on throughout her letter.

But what stands out most is her emphasis on living in such a way that when your time does come, you won’t have a list of “I wish I hads” hanging over you.

She writes: “I want to do everything I can to ensure I enjoy my time and be as happy as I can be… Whinge less, people! And help each other more.”

Living without regret isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about making choices that align with your values, pursuing what brings you joy, and saying “yes” to opportunities that matter.

It’s also about letting go of the fear that holds you back. We spend so much time worrying about the risks, about what could go wrong, that we sometimes forget to consider what could go right.

Holly’s words remind us to live boldly because when the end comes, we want to look back and feel proud of our lives, not regretful of the chances we didn’t take.

Cherish Your Body

Another poignant point Holly made was about the importance of appreciating our bodies for what they can do rather than criticising them for how they look.

“Be grateful for your healthy body—even if it isn’t perfect. Take care of it and embrace how amazing it is. Move it and nourish it. Don’t be so caught up in trying to have a ‘picture-perfect’ body at the expense of truly living.”

It’s easy to get swept up in the culture of perfectionism, where every wrinkle, stretch mark, or extra pound feels like something that needs to be “fixed.” But Holly’s perspective, born of a body failing her despite her best efforts, is a powerful reminder to be kind to ourselves.

Instead of achieving an impossible standard of beauty, we should focus on what our bodies enable us to do—like run, dance, hug, and breathe. We should honour and cherish our health while we have it.

Give More, Take Less

At the heart of Holly’s letter is a message about generosity—the joy that comes from giving to others.

It’s not necessarily about grand gestures or material wealth but rather about the small, everyday acts of kindness that can profoundly impact someone else’s life.

“Give, give, give. It is true that you gain more happiness doing things for others than doing them for yourself. I wish I did this more. Since I have been sick, I have met the most incredibly kind and giving people and been the receiver of the most thoughtful and loving words and support from my family, friends, and strangers. More than I could ever give in return.”

Holly’s reflection on giving reminds us that life isn’t just about accumulating things for ourselves. The real meaning comes from what we do for others, whether offering a listening ear, lending a hand or simply being there for someone in need.

When we focus on helping others, we find purpose and fulfilment.

Tomorrow Isn’t Promised, But Today Is

Perhaps the most powerful takeaway from Holly’s letter is the reminder that tomorrow isn’t promised.

And while that can feel overwhelming, it’s also an invitation to live with urgency, to make the most of today while we can.

Holly said it best: “You might have had a stressful day, but be thankful you’re here to experience it.”

We tend to think we have an endless amount of time that we can afford to wait to chase our dreams or repair relationships. But the truth is, we don’t know how much time we have left. That doesn’t mean we should live in fear, but it does mean we should live with intention.

We should live so that if tomorrow doesn’t come, we can reflect on today and feel proud of how we spent it.

Conclusion

Holly Butcher’s letter is a profound reminder of what matters in life.

Her words challenge us to stop worrying about the small stuff, cherish our loved ones, and live without regret. We’re reminded to appreciate our bodies, give more to others, and, most importantly, live fully today because tomorrow isn’t promised.

Her letter wasn’t just about facing death; it was about embracing life. And that’s the message we should carry.

Until next time, remember life is short, so make the most of it. Take chances, love deeply, and be grateful for every single day.

Dion Le Roux

References

1. Butcher, Holly. “Note Before I Die.” Facebook, January 3, 2018, https://www.facebook.com. Accessed March 2023.