Living in the city of Brisbane, Australia, the beautiful Holly Butcher was in perfect physical shape and was passionate about sports and quality of life. She had been in physical education for a while before joining the nutrition course, had a healthy diet and body care routine, and represented her home state of Queensland in squash and hockey competitions until the time of her diagnosis.
The Australian nutritionist fought a rare bone cancer (Ewing's Sarcoma) and left at the age of 27 leaving precious teachings about life, love and happiness. Below are ten of Holly's pieces of advice, which were released at her request by her family and shared around the world:
1 – About everyday problems:
“I just want people to stop worrying so much about the little things and petty tensions in life and try to remember that we all have the same fate after all this. So do what you can to make your time amazing. In those moments when you are regretting ridiculous things, just think that someone is really having a problem. Be grateful for your little problem. It doesn't hurt to acknowledge that something is irritating, but try not to continue to carry it around and negatively affect other people's day."
2 – About health and perfect body:
“I tried to live a healthy life, in fact, that was probably my biggest passion. Appreciate your good health and body functioning, even if it's not your ideal size. Take care of it and accept how amazing it is. Move it around and nourish it with fresh food. Don't obsess about it. Remember that there are more aspects to good health than the physical body. Work with the same intensity to find your mental, emotional and spiritual happiness as well. That way, you can realize how insignificant and unimportant it is to have that perfect body that social media wrongly portrays.”
3 – On breathing:
“Once you do that, go outside and take a deep breath. See how blue the sky is and how green the trees are; is so beautiful. Think how lucky you are to be able to do that: breathe.”
4 – About our concerns and complaints with the body:
“Your fake nails might have broken, your breasts are too small, or you have cellulite and your belly is bouncing…it's all so insignificant when you look at life as a whole. I'm seeing my body disappearing before my eyes and there's nothing I can do. And all I wish now is that I could have one more birthday or Christmas with my family, or just one more day with my partner and my dog.”
5 – About work and physical activities:
“I hear people complaining about how awful the job is or how hard it is to exercise: Be grateful that you are physically capable. Work and exercise can seem like such trivial things…until your body won't allow you to do either. Work to live, not live to work.”
6 – About life:
“This is a life thing; it is fragile, precious and unpredictable. And every day is a gift, not a given right. I am 26 years old now. I do not want to go. I love my life. I am happy and I owe it to my loved ones. But the control is out of my hands.”
7 – About money:
“It's a strange thing to have money to spend at the end…when you're dying. It makes you think how silly it is to think it's worth spending so much money on new clothes and 'stuff' in our lives. Buy something for your friend instead of another dress, beauty product or jewelry for the next wedding. Nobody cares if you wear the same thing twice. Spend your money on experiences or at least don't miss out on experiences because you spent all your money on material things.”
8 – About mobile:
“Try to just enjoy and be in moments instead of capturing them through your phone screen. Life is not to be lived through a screen, nor is it to get the perfect shot…enjoy the moment, people! Stop trying to capture him for everyone else!”
9 – About the opinion of others:
“Seriously, do what makes your heart happy. Say no to the things you really don't want to do. Don't feel pressured into doing what other people might think is a fulfilling life…you might want a simpler life and that's okay.”
10 – On change and happiness:
“Remember that if something is making you unhappy, you have the power to change it, at work, in love, or whatever: have the courage to change. You don't know how much time you have on this earth, so don't waste your time being unhappy!"
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In January of this year the Australian Association of Nutritionists: 'Dietitian Connection' announced the establishment of a new award that will be awarded annually called the 'Carpe Diem Award' i.e. 'Seize the Day' and was created to honor the legacy of nutritionist Holly Butcher, from Brisbane, Australia.
Dear Holly, gratitude for leaving such wise teachings and gratitude to the family for sharing your letter.
