“Be ruthless for your own well being” – Holly Butcher
This evening while reading Internet news, I came across a story from a woman that recently died at the young age of 27. She died from cancer and chose to share her story about what really matters in life. The words were encouraging and bold, but what struck me most about her words, was the timing.
How does someone set a part the time, along with grasping the courage to write departing words, not only to a few good friends, but to the world, or why did she even care?
Of course social media makes it easy, but it still requires the sheer will of someone, especially someone on their death bed to care enough to leave a message that is meant to inspire, encourage and give a little direction on what really matters in life, at the end of the day.
So as I ponder on her quote above, I think about my time here on earth of almost 50 years. I am grateful, yet equally frozen for a moment thinking on what I easily take for granted each day of my life.
The air I breathe, the family and friends I call my own and the meaningful life I live each day can easily be lost in the rigor of my daily routine. Holly Butcher, with great poise, dignity, a passion for life, along with a respect for death, attempted to point that out for us all.
I take her words, like never be late to visiting a friend, and spend more time enjoying moments versus capturing them on a screen to heart.
What is your life?
Do you spend more time worrying about what will or will not happen, versus living in the now? Each moment we have matters so much and the more time we spend neglecting the essentials of life, like sharing, giving, loving, healing and appreciating others, we miss so much of why we are here.
And perhaps that is the issue. Not knowing why we are here. Without that understanding, life has no purpose, no significance and no meaning. However with Holly’s words, I am encouraged.
Encouraged that someone I will never know had the courage and concern to write words that will forever impact the life of others across the world before she died.
I cannot match her words, nor will I try. I am simply reminded of what I have today and to be grateful for it. Every relationship, every morning I am blessed to see the rising sun and every obstacle I have been through, whether successfully or perhaps even with great failure. I am still here, alive, breathing and able to continue trying. Holly is not, like so many others .
What is your life? We are here for but a moment in time. For some, a lifetime may last 100 years, while for others it may be only a quarter of that, or even less. What matters is what are we doing with the seconds and minutes that we now have.
Do you find yourself complaining about what you lack, what hurts in your body, or how much money you wished you had? I get it, I really do, but I unapologetically say, none of that really matters in the big scheme of things. That is all frivolous and irrelevant when you place your life and the time you have to live in perspective.
Today and tonight I am grateful. Grateful for the air I breathe, my imperfect marriage, my healthy children (and their mother), my immediate family and friends that love with intention and passion in their own unique ways.
What is your life? Mine is blessed by God and I am grateful to Him for each day I have, and I must live it like it will be my last, as we all should.
Please read Holly’s story here – http://sosueme.ie/lifestyle/the-incredible-letter-everyone-needs-to-read/
Keep Pressing,
Hank G