WHY?????

Why????

I often wake up at 3 am and ask why??

Why did I leave a well-paid teaching job to return to college and start my own business? Why did I throw away the safety of a 9-5 job and a comfortable pension????

My family thinks it's a bit of a mid-life crisis… The answer is that I am not really sure why.

I was a drama teacher for 30 years, and I loved it. I loved the people, the creativity, and I loved the summer holidays!!!!! But I didn't love the paperwork, the bureaucracy, and the constant feeling that I wasn't good enough; it was beginning to take its toll. The decision to leave was not easy. It was a mix of fear, excitement, and a deep desire for change. So one morning, I told everyone I was leaving teaching and handed in my notice that day. Then I knew I couldn't go back.

So why Celebrancy?

I have been thinking about it for a while. I love the idea of helping people through their most emotional days, telling their unique stories and letting the world know what makes them special. A celebrant is someone who officiates ceremonies such as weddings and funerals, and I love the idea of being that person. I love weddings- the pomp, the glitter, the smiles- and a room filled with love, so deciding to train as a wedding celebrant was an easy decision.

Funerals are different, and it took a lot of thought. It wasn't something to rush into, but in the end, I felt it would be an honour to tell someone's life story, to help and guide people through their most challenging day. If I could comfort them and tell their loved ones' story with love and dignity, then it would be the most rewarding job on Earth. The decision was made, and I enrolled in the course and knuckled down to studying. Being on the other side of the desk was a novelty, but I found it incredibly fulfilling.

So here I am embarking on this new phase in my life, doing things that are so far out of my comfort zone: writing eulogies and love stories, taking photo shoots, building websites, wearing high heels, and writing blogs!!! It’s exciting and scary, but I am starting to be de-institutionalised. I no longer get up and move whenever I hear a bell or walk around with a whistle around my neck!! Soon I will be able to introduce myself as Kerrie, your celebrant, instead of Miss!!!

Join me next week as I chat about why you should choose a celebrant-led wedding, and share some of the beautiful ceremonies I've had the privilege to be a part of.