There is something about autumn that makes me want to reconnect, learn something new and enjoy a few familiar comforts. As an independent celebrant in Lincolnshire, life has brought a lovely mixture of family ceremonies, new learning and time to reconnect.
Singing for the Soul
In September, I rejoined a local choir after far too many years away. “Sing It Loud”, run by Liz McIntosh, now has more than a hundred voices, and the sound is amazing! The music is brilliant and there is such a variety of compositions to love.
Being among everyone for a good sing in the middle of the week has been wonderful. It really is good for the soul and the lungs! I am pleased to have made room for it again.
Naming Ceremonies and New Enquiries
There have been new enquiries too, including one about a naming ceremony. I just love the thought of getting a cuddle with a new bundle of joy! Looking at those tiny faces, fingers and toes just makes my day!
One of the quieter challenges of running a small business is that you reply to an enquiry and hear nothing back! I do find that difficult at times, although I appreciate that people have busy lives and plans can change. Even a little text to say that plans have changed is very welcome.
Discreet Wedding Witnesses
I have been busy developing a new service for couples who use the 2+2 service at a registry office of their choice and have opted for the minimum involvement of friends and family. I’m calling it The Discreet Wedding Witness.
The 2+2 wedding ceremony involves the couple and two witnesses. Lincoln Registration Office has confirmed its witness requirements with me, and we will check the arrangements with the couple’s chosen office. As an independent celebrant, I want to be able to offer this support in my business.
My friend, Sheryl Monk Independent Celebrant, will be joining me very soon to support a couple in just this way. It is another opportunity to help people mark an important moment in the way that feels right for the couple.
Learning and Connecting
There have been plenty of learning opportunities this autumn. The small business part of my brain has now decided to lock up and leave town while it downloads a whole load of new content!
I attended an informative course on “Claude for Business”, run by Lincolnshire Business, hosted by the extremely helpful David Regler and led by the lovely Emma Ellse. Claude (AI) was completely new to me, so it was useful to spend some time finding out more.
Finding the time to visit Butties, Brains and Business in Gainsborough was easier than I thought it would be, and who should be giving a talk? Only the formidable Gary Mumby, helping us all take stock of where we are and what we need to be looking at to get our businesses in better shape.
Also, a sunny trip to Scunthorpe was a great morning out of the office to take part in a short course on “Simple Risk Assessment”. Seven people had booked, but I turned out to be the only person attending! What could have been an awkward morning became a really valuable opportunity.
The tutor, Brian Smith, was also a celebrant. He kindly adapted parts of the workshop to make it particularly relevant to my work, including working alone. I came away with practical information and plenty to think about. Thank you, Brian, for your time and thoughtful guidance.
Another useful course was “How to Build Visibility and Credibility on LinkedIn”, presented by the very helpful Dan Ince, again offered by Lincolnshire Business with David Regler as the host. I am still learning how to make the most of LinkedIn, and this was an informative and enjoyable session.
Remembering a Friend
There have been more personal moments too. I had the privilege of writing and presenting the eulogy at a family friend’s funeral. Being able to do that for the family meant a great deal to me.
Afterwards, I received some great feedback. People kindly told me how much they had appreciated listening to the eulogy, a story that was fun, warm, interesting and full of wonderful memories.
My friend and her family really appreciated having my support and did not realise how difficult it is to put a good eulogy together and add the magic of storytelling. It was reassuring to know that what we had all put together had helped them remember a much loved husband, dad and grandad, a lifelong lover of sport who loved his cricket and footy and worked very hard.
Supporting Families Through Loss
As October draws towards its close, I am preparing another funeral ceremony. This work reminds me of how difficult it can be to bring a loved one’s story to a close. A journey across the world for three family members, organising a ceremony to say goodbye and bringing the family estate to a close. A very short paragraph that represents a mountain of things to sort out!
Having dealt with loss and the responsibilities that follow it myself, I know how tiring it can be. My hope is always to ease some of that pressure, listen carefully and help create a goodbye that the family can look back on with love.
Autumn Comforts
And now, as I come to a close, the leaves are falling in the garden, the rain is still coming and my husband is listening to music. We are not going anywhere and Strictly Come Dancing is on the box tonight!
Autumn is here. There is a slightly melancholy feeling to the day, but there is comfort in being at home too. I think it might be time for a hot drink and the treat of a lovely biscuit.
Whatever this season is bringing for you, I hope there is room for something that lifts your spirits, even if it’s just a quiet moment and a snuggle with a warm drink.