I was previously a secondary school English teacher and head of year, which, despite its challenges I found extremely rewarding for 15 years. I loved working with young people and their families, and worked tirelessly to support them, especially as I had an additional responsibility for safeguarding our most vulnerable students. However, after the pandemic I lost my sparkle and experienced burn out. I realised I was searching for my own career/life version of ‘happily ever after’! I took a big chance, having no plan or job to go to, but I had the support and love from my husband, family and friends. I started to write a book, (a young adult fiction novel that’s almost finished!) which has been one of my life goals since I had studied Creative Writing at university.

A little over a year later, my husband and I were lucky enough to be invited to our friend's wedding in Palm Springs, California. The wedding location was a beautiful botanical garden full of desert plants and cacti. With around 15 people in attendance, the ceremony was quite small and we were very privileged to be included as part of the wedding party. The wedding was lovely, the bride looked absolutely radiant and there was so much love buzzing around like the hummingbirds we watched above us in the tall palm trees.

However, the officiant was not familiar with the couple, having met them that day. I noticed she struggled to pronounce the groom’s name multiple times throughout the ceremony, including during the vows. The couple had written something personal to be read during the ceremony, but as this was the first time she had met the couple she struggled to accentuate and emote the poignant parts. The ceremony was still very beautiful, but it got me thinking…

As we left the gardens to head to the reception, we stopped to take some photos in front of a particularly large spiky cactus. As I took my phone out I noticed a hummingbird was right above us, and as I turned on my camera to video I managed to capture the hummingbird flying straight at me. It was an interaction with nature I will never forget.

The next morning, in the shower (where I get my best ideas!) it hit me, I could do that! I had actually written down 'Celebrant' in my notebook, when I was brainstorming potential job ideas back when I first handed my notice in to school. I wrapped a towel around me and raced out of the shower, announcing the idea to my husband, who listened to my vision (as he is so very good at doing!). When I finally finished and took a breath. He immediately said 'YES!' and began researching how to begin the process. I'm very lucky to have his full support in everything I do as we head into our 17th year together and 8 years into our marriage.

Now I am qualified as a Humanist celebrant and love my job! I often recall that day in the botanical gardens, with the hummingbirds. It meant so much to be I even got a hummingbird tattoo to symbolise the new beginning in my life.