We all know that life is a precious gift that should be cherished above all else, but it’s easy to lose sight of that fact as we struggle through our daily routines.
Sometimes it takes a heartbreaking letter from a dying woman to remind us not to stress the small stuff. Holly Butcher, a 27-year-old woman from Grafton, New South Wales, Australia, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on January 4, 2018. Before she died, though, Holly decided to leave her loved ones with the life advice that she had learned as she battled a rare form of bone cancer for the past few years.
Her incredibly wise and moving message is now resonating with readers all over the world.
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On the day of her death, Holly’s family shared her final message on her Facebook page.
“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.
I always imagined myself growing old, wrinkled and grey- most likely caused by the beautiful family (lots of kiddies) I planned on building with the love of my life. I want that so bad it hurts.”
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“That’s the thing about life; It is fragile, precious and unpredictable and each day is a gift, not a given right.
I’m 27 now. I don’t want to go. I love my life. I am happy.. I owe that to my loved ones. But the control is out of my hands.”
In spite of the sorrow she feels for dying before she’s had a chance to accomplish everything she dreamed of doing, Holly’s words manage to inspire hope. She discourages people from complaining about things that ultimately don’t matter, urges everyone to get outside and appreciate nature, and tells us to eliminate anything that doesn’t make us happy in life.
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“Also, remember if something is making you miserable, you do have the power to change it – in work or love or whatever it may be. Have the guts to change. You don’t know how much time you’ve got on this earth so don’t waste it being miserable. I know that is said all the time but it couldn’t be more true.”
Holly talks about spending less on material things and more on experiences, spending time with friends, and enjoying life.
“Listen to music.. really listen. Music is therapy. Old is best.
Cuddle your dog. Far out, I will miss that.
Talk to your friends. Put down your phone. Are they doing okay?
Travel if it’s your desire, don’t if it’s not.
Work to live, don’t live to work.
Seriously, do what makes your heart feel happy.”
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Holly ends her note by asking everyone who is able to donate blood, stating that her short life was extended by an entire year thanks to generous blood donations from strangers.
It’s amazing that someone so young can provide us all with such insight; it’s up to us to take her advice to heart and do what we can to live our best lives and be grateful for every moment we have on earth. Read all of Holly’s wise words below, and don’t forget to share her message with everyone who could use this reminder.
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