This summer I have found myself reflecting a lot on the ‘shape’ of the summer holidays. Despite the momentous change that's about to occur for me, the holidays have, for the most part, followed the usual pattern. The first couple of weeks were manic as I tried to achieve as many of the things I could that were not possible during term - for me this involved lots of catching up with people, as well as making a headstart on the school holiday jobs. Then things calm down and relaxation sets in for a short time before the march towards A level and GCSE results days start. These signify the beginning of the end and by this point I am usually gearing back up to the start of another school year with all the ambitions and excitements of a fresh year. This time it feels a little bit like slowing down on a roller coaster - I move up towards the end and then roll back down again as I remember that the new school year this time brings with it a whole new challenge!
It is often said that ‘none of us like change’ but actually I think that should be, ‘none of us like change that we do not choose’. There are two types of change in life - that which we control and that which is forced upon us. The latter often involves trauma and loss whereas the former is usually more positive and associated with growth and opportunity, whether that is embarking on a new relationship, a new house, or in my case a change of career. I am hugely excited to be making the change from teaching to celebrancy but at the same time feel anxious that the decision I have made proves to be the right one; I am moving from one of surely the most secure and stable jobs possible to the uncertainty of being self-employed.
I am already aware of some of the most significant differences - I will need to get over my very British reluctance to talk about money, although I am choosing to follow the mantra of ‘sharing myself’ rather than 'selling myself'. I am excited by the thought of a day off when I want / need it rather than waiting for the prescribed holidays but will undoubtedly miss the extensive holidays that I have enjoyed throughout my teaching career. I am already developing a thicker skin for the times when, despite an enthusiastic enquiry or positive discovery call, an individual or family chooses not pursue a connection. My head knows that it is critically important that the celebrant you choose is right for you (see my blog on Choosing a Celebrant) but despite this, it is hard not to have one’s excitement dashed when potential bookings fail to come to fruition. I know already that I will miss the energy and challenge of working with young people but am looking forward to the reward that comes with supporting others at times of celebration or despair.
As Veronika Robinson explains (Heart-led Ceremonies, Starflower Press, 2022), ceremonies are used to assist those involved transition from one state of being to another. They allow the individual, couple or family to separate from the previous state of being, to transition to the new state and then to incorporate the new state of being as they move forward. As such, they inevitably occur at significant moments in life, times of change, for example marriage, death, a new house and many more. Since embarking on my own journey to celebrancy practice, I have become increasingly convinced of the importance and value of ceremonies to mark and support people through times of change. (For more detail see my blog on The Importance of Ceremony.)
Celebrant led ceremonies involve working with clients to create, write and deliver completely bespoke, personalised occasions, involving whatever rituals resonate with that particular, individual, couple or family. If you are interested to find out more about my ceremonies, be that weddings, naming ceremonies, funerals or anything else, please follow the links. More detail about my own ethos can be found here.
I am not sure the beginning of the new year will ever be anything but September for me and this year certainly involves all the anticipation, excitement and challenge that I traditionally associate with September alongside a great deal that is less familiar. Only time will determine the wisdom of my career change and I am humbled by the responsibility of my new role but I embark on it with optimism and positivity.
By Catrina Young, Leicestershire Heart-led celebrant, Marking Life’s Moments.
© Hardingstone Ceremonies, August 2024
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