Why I Live Organic (and what it took to get there).

You know when you discover your life’s calling? 

That was me, when as a teenager I discovered the world of floral arrangement. 

To say I fell in love is an understatement. Every flower and color, every texture and size. Shape, design, how the light altered their personality – it came alive or it became dull. 

Every vase I arranged was artwork to me. My Picasso, my Monet. In place of paints and brushes, I had living, delicate stems and colorful, intricate petals to express my creative thoughts. 

And I used them to celebrate life. 

A birth. A graduation. Weddings, anniversaries, and final goodbyes. I made flower arrangements that touched the heights of joy and the depths of loss. This was my talent, my gift – to soothe hurting hearts and rejoice with others. 

Except I didn’t see what was happening to me. 

Over my two decade commitment to the floral industry, my health was failing. I was more susceptible to chemical sensitivity. The inability to detox, constant headaches, covering my mouth when a diesel truck drove past – I physically could not encounter any more toxicity to my body without feeling like I was going to pass out or have convulsions.

My poor liver was exhausted trying to keep up with the constant toxins and I was a walking, talking chemical overload. So many symptoms had taken over my norm, I didn’t understand what was happening.

And I started running. 

Chemicals were the enemy and I couldn’t get away. I worried over my husband’s work (he’s an applicator in the farming industry, spraying crops), over the chemicals in my home and atmosphere. Through trial and error, I reevaluated my whole life. I switched shampoo, dish soap, toothpaste, cleaning supplies. I ate organic and grew some of my own vegetables. Things improved, but I still had days when my whole life (and body) was falling apart. 

What did I have to do to feel good?

The cycle continued. Then, when my third child was born, I took maternity for two months (with my second son I only took 7 days). 

That’s when I knew. 

With each floral shipment, I was touching and inhaling fungicides and pesticides. Although I had other issues compounding, one of the key components was the harsh chemicals our industry uses. My gift was making me sick.

So now what? 

A pity party? 

Second-guessing? 

Anger or depression? 

I choose to trust the Lord and be grateful for the journey. We changed everything (and even though my poor body is still trying to compensate for all of the damage it encountered) I am so excited to share what I’ve discovered and to walk with you on your own journey. 

Amanda 

P.S. Drop a comment and tell me your story! I can’t wait to connect!