My wonderful new chapter as a celebrant

Before becoming a celebrant, I’d had a successful  career  in corporate HR for over 25 years working predominately in international organisations. A big part of my role involved creating and delivering large scale international projects e.g. Talent & Development strategies/M&A – working across different time zones with frequent business travel, often at short notice. I became very good at juggling multiple priorities, working to tight deadlines and being an adaptable, agile contributor. It was engrossing, exhilarating and all consuming.

In 2019 I felt restless. I’d achieved all the major professional goals I’d set myself and could no longer ignore my yearning  for a well rounded life. As a humanist I believe that this is the one and only  life we have so it’s important to make the most of it. I’d stumbled across an article about Carol Smillie who’d  become a humanist celebrant. I was intrigued and did more research.  Creativity, storytelling, connecting, collaborating creating ceremonies of joy and celebration – how wonderful. Being part of a significant moment in someone’s life what an incredible privilege. My mind was made up. Working in HR gave me useful transferable skills  and in my personal life I’m the go to social planner/organiser for my family and friends. The catalyst came with the global pandemic and a death in my family. Life had changed, I’d changed and knew this was the right time to make a complete lifestyle change.

Along this journey I’ve had to push myself out of my comfort zone, not always easy but always necessary for change and growth. That said, I’ll never have the same innate, intuitive fluency with tech and social media as digital natives! It’s been a learning process: redefining my priorities and rediscovering what brings me joy.

Becoming a celebrant has been the right choice for me. It is a genuine pleasure meeting couples/families and the delightful journey working  together crafting a perfectly fitting ceremony for each one. In addition to naming ceremonies and wedding ceremonies, I also offer vow renewals, commitment ceremonies  and elopement ceremonies.

Me in a nutshell

1. My name is ‘pronounced ‘shaar-mee-uhn’. It’s ancient Greek in origin and means ‘joy/’delight
2. I’m a South-West Londoner and enjoy walking the abundant green space it has to offer
3. I care deeply about climate action, human rights, children’s protection, education and literacy
4. I love music, literature, art, dance, film and opera. I believe imagination, creative expression and storytelling is essential, enriching and helps us connect with others
5. As a child I wanted to be a Blue Peter presenter.  I’m just as curious to discover new places and people; still eager to travel, pitch in and participate,  to be part of something bigger than oneself
6. I’m an auto/biographies enthusiast and find other people’s stories fascinating
7. I love both cityscapes and big landscapes – my favourites are Scotland, Scandinavia, South Africa, Switzerland & Canada
8. I believe a judicious blend of serious-mindedness and light heartedness makes for a life that’s both meaningful and joyful

 If this resonates with you, let’s chat 

Email me charmian.todd@humanistceremonies.org.uk and we’ll arrange a conversation