Change is often described as an act or process through which something becomes different.
In my experience, that couldn’t be truer. Some changes are chosen, such as changing careers or adopting healthier lifestyles, while others arrive uninvited and can feel overwhelming. The real test is how we respond.
Looking back, I can see how much change has shaped my life. Recently, I reflected on the fact that I have now been running my business for over six years, a milestone that means a great deal to me and represents a journey of resilience, growth and self-discovery.
From a young age, I faced significant challenges. My early years were marked by adversity, including separation from an abusive father at the age of ten. At school, I experienced bullying, which affected my confidence and led me to underachieve. Later in life, I found myself leaving a difficult marriage and dealing with the collapse of a business, which left me without a home or job.
Although others often saw me as resilient, I carried hidden scars and lived with a constant sense that something might go wrong. For a long time, I saw myself as a victim of circumstance.
Over time, I began to look for a different way forward. While I am not religious, I found comfort in the idea that there is something greater, something that could help guide me. A pivotal moment came in 2013 when I attended a fire-walking workshop. It shifted my perspective completely and helped me realise that I could choose how I responded to life’s challenges. I could remain a victim, or I could become a survivor.
That realisation led me to train as a Shamanic practitioner, focusing on healing and personal growth.
The most profound change in my life came in 2019 with the unexpected death of my only son, Ben. Losing him is something I will never fully put into words, but through that grief, I found a sense of purpose. It led me to become a Celebrant, inspired by a deep desire to honour his memory in a meaningful way.
In March 2020, I launched Legacy, my Celebrant business, with a focus on supporting others through life’s most important moments. I create ceremonies for all of life’s milestones, not only funerals, but also celebrations of love, commitment and personal achievements. Starting a business during the pandemic was not without its challenges, but it strengthened my determination to create something meaningful and supportive for others.
Over the past six years, Legacy has grown into something I am incredibly proud of. The journey has shown me that even the most difficult experiences can lead to something positive, and that supporting others through their own moments of change is both a privilege and a responsibility I value deeply.
When I reflect on my journey, I see a shift from victim to survivor, and now to someone who is continuing to grow and thrive. Ben’s legacy lives on in the work I do every day, and in the support I offer to others navigating their own challenges.
Change can be daunting, but I believe that with the right support, and by taking small, deliberate steps, it is possible to move forward and find renewed purpose.
As I often say, I am not a guru. I am just me. If I can find a way to move forward through change, then others can too.
If you are going through a period of change or would like support in marking an important moment in your life, I would be very happy to have a conversation.