Jill

Hello, My name is Jill Heaton and I am 28 year old mother to a 6 year old boy Jaren, partner to Adrian, youngest sister to 3 brothers, Civil Marriage Celebrant, small business owner, Trainer and Assessor, friend and associate to many others. I consider myself very lucky.

I grew up on the Central Coast NSW. After finishing year 12 I moved to the city. I worked, studied and continued to grow as a person but felt like I could contribute more. Before having my son I wanted to established myself as a Celebrant. I new I wanted to do something uplifting and rewarding with my time that suited my family life and I took this role seriously so I jumped into it with enthusiasm, finding years on that I am still working in the industry as a trainer nationally and running a national association.

My thoughts on women in the year 2020

I feel that woman have come along way if you look back at my Mothers, Aunties and Grandparents generation but equality is still an issue. I would love to see more equality in the world between men, woman, races, religion and any other stream or belief.

I hope to one day have a daughter, or to have my niece or maybe daughter in law announce equality. I would like these women to confidently feel equal when they go to work, drive their car, walk down the street and be part of a family.

I know that as women we have the ability to provide equality, I think the challenges are the barriers within societies especially within the diversity of Australian communities, not to mention the world.  One step at a time!

The important people in my life

My father

I have always had a strong philosophy to KISS (keep it simple sweetie) and people have often commented on how easy going I am. Well, I didn't realize this until recently. Recently, when my daddy passed away suddenly from a heart attack. I was at work, actually delivering a Funeral Celebrancy class when I got frantic calls from my brother. That moment, day, date, month will never be forgotten. That day changed me.

Listen when your parents are speaking. They know you well and want the best for you. Your parents are here looking out for you. Your parents love you unconditionally and a parent's love needed. Sometimes it may not be until after they have passed that you realize how much of them are within you and how much they mean to you.

My son

Having Jaren changed my life, it made me be responsible and it made me grow up. Each time I am with Jaren I feel loved and I see growth. Jaren instilled in me the importance of family, the importance of trust and the celebrations that life can bring. Having a son encouraged me to peruse my training and to be good at my job, for him. I have someone who looks up to me, who wants to be encouraged by me and supported by me. I need to be able to provide for those needs.

My son has taught me that children are amazing, they bring so much celebration to life. Every occasion and every opportunity should be celebrated or at least appreciated just as a child appreciates your time.

My students

Over the past years I have had the opportunity to meet hundreds of people around the country, some people I have only spoken to online or on the phone but mostly face to face. Most of these meetings are because of my role as a contract trainer. This role are been an amazing experience for me. I have learnt so much about people and have met a HUGE list of fantastic, interesting, passionate, exciting, funny people that I will treasure for life. Throughout this experience I have been able to share my story within the class rooms but I have also heard hundreds of student's stories. We have laughed together, had fun, learnt at whole heap, been frustrated (Day 2 of the marriage course!) and even cried together! In the class room over the years I can truly say that only a couple of students have caused real issues with other students but 99.9% of the time I have enjoyed walking into each and everyone of my class rooms each day for work.

From my students I have learned we should find something that you love to do and make that your career. Even if at first you are unsure or maybe even not so good. Learn from your mistakes and next time, do it better! Don’t give up. We learn from our mistakes. Overall we are all different but overall we are all searching for the right situation for ourselves, if we allow it we might even get to meet some fantastic people along the way. Enjoy your career and make it your own. Don’t work for your job, find a job that works with YOU. And remember to have fun ☺

The factors and beliefs that have helped me overcome adversity

I couldn't proudly admit that each step I have taken within my journey has been well thought out but I can say that I am happy with the decisions I have made along the way. I think that in life we are meant to be challenged, ever challenge makes us stronger and gives the next challenge a stepping stone to work from. Many times I have felt myself come to a cross road where I have had to make a decision, naturally I have wanted to consider how the decision will affect those around me but ultimately I am the one who makes the decision. Being accountable has been very rewarding for me. I have learnt that I am a considerably kind, generous and adaptable woman. And I like that.

I am a very independent person, I like to study and keep busy, I love to talk and be with my family and friends but I also enjoy time to myself - these are the most important things in my life and this is what keeps me going. Talking and being loved is the best medicine.