Although it has always been part of me, I started on my spiritual journey in earnest more than ten years ago when I attended a workshop on angels, and shortly after started to sit in circle, learning survival mediumship. An interest in crystals (and not just because they are pretty and shiny) led me to crystal meditation, which took my meditation practice to a new level. The benefits of mindfulness and meditation were amazing and helped me survive a demanding job and family commitments. I was hooked and wanted to learn more, attending many workshops on various spiritual topics. During this time, I was introduced to different healing modalities, experiencing the benefits first hand. It was natural for me to train in some of these, and I wanted to share this with the world!
Until a few years ago, I spent over 20 years working in the City of London in Financial Crime at a senior level. When my role was made redundant, I made the decision to leave the City to pursue a new career path. Having managed teams, mentoring and coaching was part of my day-to-day role for many years and it always gave me great pleasure to see people develop and grow with my guidance and support. It is through this experience and my own personal journey that led me to a career change, I wanted to support others in their journey to wellbeing and happiness.
I understand how the rigours of corporate life and the strain of deadlines, meetings and outcomes can all negatively affect our sense of wellbeing and impact our minds and bodies in destructive ways. More and more people are experiencing stress and anxiety as they try to deal with work-related pressures whilst trying to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
I was a single parent for more than 15 years, so I can really empathise with people about how difficult it can be to juggle a demanding job, work-related travel and a long daily commute whilst facing the challenges of raising a child and the impact that has on one’s wellbeing.
Whether it’s raising a child, caring for a parent or relative, or other demands for your time and energy, something that I learned over the past few years is just how important self-care is. It is not selfish, it’s essential. There are many ways that this can be achieved, whether it’s exercise, going for a massage or a long walk in the woods, or finding someone like me who can support you on your wellbeing journey, you just need to make time for yourself to do something positive to support your wellbeing.
But I am not just a wellbeing practitioner, I am also a Civil Celebrant, having trained with the International College of Professional Celebrants. There are many life events that we all celebrate, whether it’s a wedding or vow renewal, a naming ceremony welcoming a new child to the family, a celebration of life as we say a final farewell to a loved one, or some other reason to celebrate. Drawing on the many skills that I had gained throughout my working life, from research and writing polices and reports to people management to public speaking and training groups from 2-250 people, I found that not only did I have the right skill set but also wanted to learn more about people and their stories and find a way that I could help them celebrate those important life events.
I thoroughly enjoy listening to clients and creating ceremonies that are unique to them. It is with the same passion and approach that I take with my wellbeing clients, that I take with clients who engage me as their celebrant. I listen with empathy; I do not judge but show compassion and understanding. I get excited about how they want to celebrate and how I can help make their dreams come true. There are lots of people who are taking the celebrant career path now, and I highly recommend that you check them out (and me!), by doing so you will find someone who is the right fit for you and come to realise that you do not have to conform to tradition or perceived norms and can celebrate in your own unique way.
Tori xx