I know you know this, but it bears repeating: There's no guarantee you'll be here tomorrow

A co-worker of mine passed away very unexpectedly recently. She was in her early 50s and had been having some health problems, but nothing that seemed to be life-threatening. Until it actually was.

Here today, gone tomorrow.

I know you're aware of this. And I know no one wants to walk around thinking about their own mortality all the time. That's now how we're supposed to live anyway.

But please understand there is nothing that says you're guaranteed a place on this earth tomorrow. Or even an hour from now.

Then understand what that means for how you should live. Tell people you love them, don't wait to work toward achieving your goals (whatever they are), don't allow a single day to be meaningless.

I don't want to sound like a cheesy motivational poster or anything, but right now the stark reality of this truth is hitting me hard.

It should probably hit all of us hard every once in a while.