Rowena Kincaid knew better than most how precious – and fragile – life is.
The BBC journalist was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago, and documented her battle with the disease in an acclaimed TV programme called Before I Kick The Bucket.
Earlier this year, Rowena wrote “a letter to cancer” in which she addressed her disease and vowed not to let it win. Part of that letter read:
“If you’re waiting for me to give up, give up the life you’ve taken chunks out of, give up after fighting you so hard and so long, you are sorely mistaken! Thanks to you, I now have an even bigger fire in my belly, a huge lust for life, and have the mental strength of an Amazonian.
“I finally know my worth. Blame yourself for the strength I set upon you, you made me this way. Even though you affect me physically, you will not define me, and when the time comes and you shoot me down, I know I will have given my all, and done myself proud.
“So cancer tell me, do you know who you are dealing with now?”
Sadly, Rowena passed away earlier this month, aged 40. Before she died, she wrote another letter that she wanted read out at her funeral. In it, Rowena said that she wanted to share her thoughts on life and what it means, having seen her own so cruelly robbed from her.
“If there is any wisdom I can share with you it would be this,” Rowena wrote in her letter that was read out by her sister at the memorial service.
Rowena’s 10 bits of advice – which were shared in an article by the BBC – are as follows:
1 ) Be forever kind to yourself. Know your body and listen to your gut instincts at all times.
2 ) Follow what it tells you and have faith in what you feel from it, it’s there to protect you. I listened well and it looked after me for as much as it could.
3 ) Acknowledge your weaknesses, as to do so is also a strength. To fight them or focus on them is a waste of time. So concentrate on the positives, then more positivity and strength will come your way.
4 ) Remember a problem is only as big as you make it, no matter how bad it seems there are always solutions, and can always be overcome. It will only last as long as you allow it to.
5 ) You can do what ever you dream. Don’t stop yourself from living it, as it will only be you that does – You are the boss of your life, you have more control than you realise.
6 ) Slow down sometimes and look around. Life does move fast and time is not your friend.
7 ) Make time for the small things, the things we take for granted, as you will be surprised how good that feels. Do that thing you’ve always wanted to do, why wait?
8 ) Love, but don’t fall in love with the idea of love.
9 ) Everyone you meet in your life will teach you something, whether they are in it for a short time, or forever. What they teach you, in time, you will see is a gift.
10 ) Always and never forget; to believe in yourself.
All images via Facebook.
