What Will Be Said at Your Funeral?

In the past five months, I have attended four memorial services or funerals. Three weeks ago, I attended one. A few days later, I missed another. Eight months ago, my brother passed, and just four weeks ago, I was finally able to visit his grave for the first time. Today, I attended two more memorials.

The ages of those who passed? Between 48 and 62.

Death is inevitable. We all know this. It’s one of the few certainties in life. And yet, so many of us are unprepared—not just for our own passing, but for losing those we love.

I don’t mean to make this blog sad or heavy. That’s not my intent. But as I sat listening to eulogies and tributes today, I found myself wondering: What will people say at my funeral?

Will they speak of love, kindness, and impact? Will my children feel relief that I’m finally off their backs? What about those I didn’t even realise I’d touched — what would they say?

In other words: What’s my legacy?

And then, another thought followed closely behind: What have I done that I can take with me to the next life? [Yes, I believe in the hereafter and a day of reckoning.] Have I honoured my faith? Have I lived my values and beliefs? Have my actions been sincere? And, linking this to my life here, have I shown up for people in a way that truly matters? These reflections left me thinking about something deeper: How do we make the most of the time we have? How do we ensure that when our time comes, we’ve lived in a way that aligns with our values, our purpose, and our faith? 

For me, that’s where coaching comes in. 

Coaching isn’t just about career progression or business goals. It’s about being intentional with our lives — ensuring we don’t just exist, but truly live. 

Last week, I wrote about who needs coaching. Today, I realised the answer is simple: Everybody. 

Why? Because coaching isn’t just about ticking off professional milestones. Proper coaching doesn’t compartmentalise life, focusing on one area at the expense of the rest. It’s not just about making more money, climbing the corporate ladder, or collecting more qualifications. 

Real coaching encompasses the whole you — your health, your finances, your family, your community, your faith, your feelings, your career, your purpose. 

A Challenge to You 

If you’re being coached but only sharing select parts of your life, I encourage you to go deeper. Bring your whole self into the space. If your coach isn’t comfortable exploring those areas, challenge them — or find someone who will. 

If you’re coaching others, don’t shy away from the deeper conversations. The parts of a person they keep hidden—the things they lock away — are often the things that matter most. 

And if you don’t have a coach — someone to ask you life’s tough questions, to hold you accountable, to reflect your truth back at you — get one. Not just for your career. Not just for your business. But for your life. 

Because, at the end of the day, the way you live now? That’s what will be said at your funeral.