Me Me Me Me Me

I’ve been nose to the grind stone in a Celebrant Training Challenge this week. On day one we were asked to really think about ourselves, our values and why we’re celebrants. I thought I’d share what I came up with…here we go.

Day 1 – who am I?

1.     What are my values in life? What is it you stand by?

 My family and friends mean the world to me. I will do anything for them. Once you have me as a pal I’m there for you for the long haul. I’m loyal, kind and empathetic. I’m a good listener and problem solver. I value honesty and sincerity. This is because I always do what I say I’m going to do, even if it means putting myself out of my way, so I expect it in others too. I also believe in hard work and diligence. I’m not afraid to put the hours in. I really care about every ceremony I put together. Possibly too much as it means I can take a long time crafting them – I need to work out how to care, but not take as much time over things…time is money after all. Although I am most certainly NOT motivated by money and am more likely to short-change myself than others. I value community and inclusivity. I value people with all their quirks and idiosyncrasies. Conversation, camaraderie and human interaction makes the world go round. I love that this job allows me to revel in all three.

2.     Describe yourself in 15 words.

Warm; approachable; funny; vibrant; kind; open; happy; professional; organised; Northern; down-to-earth; creative; interested; empathetic; smiley.

3.     What makes you different?

I feel extremely lucky to be able to say that people tend to be instantly drawn to me, feel at ease in my presence and as a result open up to me very quickly. I don’t know what it is or what I do to illicit such responses. Train journeys back home to Newcastle; Grannies at bus stops; in the queue for the ladies; even normally grumpy London taxi drivers – you wouldn’t believe the amount of life stories I’ve heard! I have now had the joy of meeting lovely couples who have done exactly the same.

4.     Why are you a credible celebrant?

Let me introduce you to 12 year old me – getting 10 out of ten, plus ten bonus for all my English essays; bringing the house down as the Pantomine Dame Widow Twanky in the Dancing School production of Aladdin; giving regular readings in the local church, loud enough that even old George at the back could hear.

Let me bring you forward a few years, to a 28 year old me – working as a creative in an advertising agency; coming up with ideas for scripts; writing and then singing jingles, cos that was the best way to sell them in; taking client briefs and thinking of lateral ways to answer them. Always being asked to do the big presentations. Singing in the work band.

And to me now. Forty-seven. (gulp!) Forging a new career as a celebrant. Swapping client briefs for couples’ hopes for the perfect ceremony; crafting their stories and hoping I get full marks; standing up in front of friends and family to perform with warmth, humour and a massive smile on my face.

Because all the years that have gone before have led to this new chapter. When I told a good friend I was becoming a celebrant he said to me ‘Oh you were born to do that!”. I think and hope he might be right.