This year I've attended somewhere in the region of 350-450 funerals. I couldn't quite believe it when I worked that one out! It's been quite the learning experience in many ways. Practical, emotional, and philosophical insights.

And I tell you what...I've learned more about life and its value this year than at any point in my life.

1. There is Great Power in the Mundane and Every Day

When we come face to face with loss it is the simple, ordinary in-between habits that we miss the most. Don't underestimate the importance of those things you take for granted.

2. Don't Live For Legacy

How do you want to be remembered? What matters most to you? What impact do your decisions have on the people that matter most?

3. Life Can Turn on a Sixpence

I have come face to face with some very sad situations where people have been taken unexpectedly. The overriding philosophy that people seem to respond with is 'live your life with the knowledge that you have no idea what's around the corner'.

4. The Meaning of Our Lives is Defined by the Way Others Experience Us

Our own life's meaning is simple - it is found wherever we have an impact.

5. You Don't Need to Wait for a Crisis to Appreciate and Change Life

They say 'you don't know what you've got till it's gone' but we all have the power to know. We just need to look around for a moment and be grateful.

6. Time is Short but We Have Loads of It When We Actually Use it

Develop a Eulogy Perspective. Life is a gradual accumulation of experiences, relationships and moments over a long period of time. You can do anything you want but you can't do everything right now.