Recent ideas, articles and learnings

For the past few weeks I was immersed in creating and attending the memorial of my husband. Patrick passed away 16 months ago, at just 59. Taken too soon and with so much to love and live for, it was an occasion to mark his brilliant achievements and celebrate his life.

I chose carefully the speakers who would give an address of personal recollections, amusing stories and fitting readings of literature and quotes from his own work. The hymns and songs were selected with infinite care, reflecting his beliefs, his roots and his love of the early works of Paul Weller.

The memorial was magnificent and far transcended all expectations. It was an honour to create it – and I am glad it is behind us too.

Life now goes on. Ever changed, supercharged and different.

This is not going to be about the disorientating, eviscerating and – well – deranging effects of grief and loss. But it is a reminder, lest we forget, that life can change on a dime.

Eulogise your loved ones now, while they can still hear it

Tell the people who matter to you what they mean to you. Sing their praises. Honour their place in your life. The good stuff – the real stuff – shouldn’t wait until it’s too late to be cherished and relished.

Live fully and fearlessly on your own terms

Be aware of your own greatness. Playing small is so tiresome. Be proud of your contribution to family, friends, society and life. Believe it or not, you have put a dent in the universe.

Live without regret wherever possible

Even if you have goofed up or chosen badly, make reparations and unconditionally forgive yourself. We all think we have time. But choose to have moments instead.

When life breaks your heart, it opens your eyes

If there is a golden nugget in unexpected loss, it is this. The things we postpone, the conversations we avoid, the life we keep meaning to start – none of it is waiting for us tomorrow. It is inviting us today.

Life isn’t waiting for us tomorrow. It’s inviting us today.

If any of this has stirred something in you – a goal you have been postponing, a relationship you have been neglecting, a version of yourself you keep meaning to become – perhaps it’s time for a conversation. Book a 30-minute discovery call and let’s talk about what living fully on your terms might actually look like.