"Floral Design Saved Me?" By, Nancy Alexander

How God Used Floral Design to Save my Life…

Twenty-eight years of age (that’s how old I was when I became sick); it was very depressing to wake up in the morning not knowing how my body was going to feel when I stood up…and I mean waking up "if" I had been able to sleep at all the night before. The question always appeared at dawn’s first light: would I be able to do anything to make my day worthwhile? 

Would I be able to drive my children to school? Could I really attend tonight’s basketball game? Would I be able to get in my car and run errands? For a while, no…I couldn't do any of these!  Even accomplishing the simplest of tasks around my home, tasks that everyone else would take for granted, was not taken for granted by me. You see, I have been sick for over 30 years with Fibromyalgia and Celiac disease, along with the various other health problems related to these conditions.

Why am I telling you this? I receive heart-wrenching emails every single day from my customers who feel just exactly the same way that I did for many years.  In almost every email I read stories just like mine, from women just like me.  They desperately want and need to get well; to feel productive again; to have a life!  Or, if they have finally given up on that desire, they at least want to have something in their lives to make them feel like they have something – anything to want to get out of bed every day.

I have just launched a new membership site called www.BestOfNancy.com along with my friend and partner, Linda.  In the forums on this site, I can talk to each of you.  I'll finally be able to answer questions, every question that I have received during my day!  The only difference is that now, with my new membership site, I won't only be filled with just intentions of trying to answer every email when there is just no time left, but I can answer each question.  I can get to know you better as I help you reach for your dreams!

For a reasonable monthly fee, I am so honored that my partner Linda have been given the opportunity to teach, inspire, and guide you to the life of your dreams, just as I found this life not so many years ago when I truly thought my life was over.

For years, as my Fibromyalgia symptoms appeared and disappeared back and forth so many times, I felt like there were two different people living in my body.  I tried to run retail shops in several locations.  Considering the trying times along with severe pain I was facing, I fought with all my might every single day to succeed in providing the finest of silk floral arrangements and wreaths to the most elegant homes in Anderson, SC and the surrounding area. But, in order to be able to run my business, I always hired more people to work for me than I really could afford to pay; you see, I couldn't depend upon my own body…so I had to depend upon others.  There were times when I would have to leave and go home at a moment's notice — or even lie down on the floor until the severe dizzy spell would pass.  I never wanted to have to close my shop because of my illness. 

Later, after the economy started to change, my husband and I decided we could no longer afford to keep my business open.  That was such a hard decision for me.  I felt like I was having to give up the only thing that had given me purpose — except my children, of course.  There were then and still are now the joy of my life.  Our boys have married wonderful wives who have given us the four most beautiful  grand-children on the planet!  I know, I know… just a little bit prejudiced here!  LOL

After closing my business, I was determined not to give up.  It would have been very easy for me to give in to my pain and despair staying at home all day feeling sorry for myself.  But, NO, I couldn't do that!  Someone had mentioned eBay to me.  Even though I didn't know much at all about it, I began to read and read and read.  It wasn't easy, but I figured it out finally and after only 5 or 6 months, became a power seller on eBay, that is – before eBay began to implode.  Now, I am a successful entrepreneur, teacher, writer, and businesswoman, selling my floral creations and educational products from my own website.

This all happened for me because I took a hobby that I was pretty good at and took a chance at making it something more. A hobby is something that makes you feel good about yourself, an activity that you can share with friends and neighbors and one that, hopefully, you are really good at – if not, you can learn!  And when illness or a tragedy knocks the breath out of you and literally flattens you, that same hobby can be the support you need to climb back up and face your battles.

Let me tell you more about my gift from God…a hobby that gave me such a purpose and drive to greet every day. Floral design gave me joy, value, excitement, a reason to feel alive, and a reason to jump out of bed with such a start in the morning that even I was surprised.

Oh, can you just imagine?  This hobby of mine can become your new hobby, too.  Even more, this new skill can bring in much needed extra income, if you want to take it in that direction. Maybe you’re a mother with young children to care for and you don’t have a job outside of your home. Maybe you are a widow, who is alone and needs something to keep your mind and hands busy.  My heart’s desire is to share this wonderful hobby that I love so much, but you must realize that you will have to accept the joy and excitement that comes with it…at no extra charge!  Depending on what you do with this new skill, you may also receive bonuses, like confidence, pride and some extra cash for your bank account!

You might be a young-at-heart Baby Boomer who needs the sense of accomplishment, inspiration, and joy that comes when you complete your first project with your own two hands – all by yourself!  I honestly believe my floral experiences and business skills have equipped me at this point in my life, to teach, encourage, help and inspire you to do more than you ever thought possible.

I can finally say, and truly believe, that I am GRATEFUL for my illness, because God has used it for a greater good, to encourage me to spend time taking stock of my life.  I focused on my skills and goals, which brought me to this point in my life where I now understand that one of my strongest goals is to follow God's leading and give something back to each one of you reading this. 

What do I have to offer you? I offer you my care, my interest in your lives, my talent, experience, skills and creative energy doing something that I love, and something that has changed my life in a very positive way.  Floral design can turn your life around, too!

What if you woke up every morning with a smile on your face? When was the last time you popped your eyes open with such a feeling of excitement and anticipation that you JUMPED out of bed, anxious to begin the best day of your life? And what if that happened every single day? Just Imagine that! No more rolling over and going back to sleep!

I sincerely want you to feel the joy that I feel and the energy I get when I pick out flowers for a special wreath, or centerpiece design. Oh, and the giddy feeling that I get when I hold a bunch of flowers in my hand and envision how they will look on my finished project for that day can be “catching”. This is what can happen when you develop a passion for any kind of floral design such as making wreaths, centerpieces, wall baskets and more!

I have had a career as an Internet Marketer for almost eight years now.  I pour my heart into every wreath, arrangement, video, or book so that I can share myself and my joys with anyone who is interested.

I am so excited for you, knowing what lies ahead! Something magical happens when I stand in front of those cameras. Most of the time I am shy and maybe a little withdrawn, but not when I'm teaching. I am able to stand there and describe every single step in the wreath design process with you because I LOVE IT!

The words flow out of my mouth. I can stand 2 or 3 hours straight, with no break, when I am teaching wreath instruction. This overwhelming feeling of being energized, strong, and knowledgeable is empowering when I teach this wonderful hobby or craft that I love.
  

As you gain experience, you will advance in your designs and your creative desires will certainly begin to show in your work.  Friends and neighbors will be curious about where you purchased your special design.  When they find out you created it yourself, you will be surprised how many people will want you to make one for them.  

At first, you may not have enough confidence in your abilities to charge for your creations, but, I can assure you that, with more and more requests for your creations, your confidence will grow and grow.

Then you’ll know; you’ll just know that you have the gift of a talent that has given you joy and a reason to face each and every beautiful day.  You are creative; you are talented.  You can, if you so desire, begin to charge for making these special wreaths and arrangements.

Then, I assure you, you will feel so very good about yourself, your talent, your accomplishments, and your life!  You WILL realize your creations are coveted by your family, neighbors and friends and certainly worth getting paid for.  You can begin to earn extra income!   Of course, that is an exceptional bonus, but that does not mean as much as the personal feelings of accomplishment, pride and confidence you now carry! 

I truly am honored and feel completely unworthy to be given the awesome responsibility to encourage, teach and inspire you!  But I thank God for the chance to do just that!