“There are always flowers for those who want to see them.”
–Henri Matisse
How many times in the past have I compromised my prices out of fear that if I say no I won’t get the job? And how much fear continues to exist in these difficult economic times?
I think the beauty of being in business for the past 30 years and surviving through more than one recession is that I’ve learned there are going to be great years and not so great years. To want anything else is not very realistic. Yet, we’re constantly fearful of the unknown. For me, it was always the fear of not being good enough–until I started accepting the generosity of God and the universe.
There is more than enough out there for all of us. Whenever I go to a place of want, I constantly try to go to a place of being thankful instead. This is not an easy practice. I also notice in myself how difficult it is just to be grateful whenever I’ve accomplished something I wanted desperately, instead of going to a place of wanting MORE, MORE, MORE.
I don’t want to sound as if I’m preaching. It’s my daily practice to constantly meditate and remind myself that success is available to all of us, no exception. The only work we have is to keep practicing our art and trusting the universe.
So, here are my suggestions for those times when you’re feeling a little unsure:
- Stop. Breathe. Let yourself worry for five seconds. After your five seconds are over, start thinking about how you can make the situation better and then actually start making it better.
- Talk to someone who has been in a similar situation. Get his/her advice and knowledge on how to fix the problem. The answers are out there.
- Attempt fixing your problem one step at a time. It can be overwhelming trying to rule the world or plan an event in just one day. Take it piece by piece and before you know it, the entire puzzle will be solved.
Please share with me, do you believe in the generosity of the universe? Yes or no?
(Photos: Top via and bottom via)
PREVIOUS
George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
Gloria Brown
March 25, 2010
Wonderfully spoken!
my answer: YES
Rebecca Grinnals
March 25, 2010
I LOVE this my friend!! Thank you – perfect timing indeed and I agree 1000%!
Big hugs to you
xoxoxox
Dina Eisenberg
March 25, 2010
Of course, the universe is generous and kind. It’s also chatty. We all get messages whispered into our ears, some call it intuition, others call it grace. Problem is, too many fail to stop to listen or act. Everything you ever want is waiting for you to claim it. Thanks so much, Preston, for sharing your spirit and reaffirming my beliefs.
Staci-Jazzi Innovations!
March 25, 2010
Mr. Bailey that truly touched something DEEP within me. I’m sure that it was the generosity of the universe for me to stumble upon your words of inspiration and read this today! My answer is YES!
rlan
March 25, 2010
i have always recognized the power coming from above .for this reason i never have thought of quitting. when the times get tough whisper to the heavens and seek for inspiration on earth. preston , you just dnt know how you inspire me to go on. i almost left my job till i learn that icons like you do make mistakes too…then i felt i am too is a master in the making only if i persevere.
Allison
March 25, 2010
Wow, I met with a another creative person today regarding this very topic. How much do people truly value what we do? Should we feel guilty for charging a fee? Fear of failure can be overwhelming if we allow it to overcome us. God tells us not to be anxious or worried about anything. As a Christian, I believe that we must trust God’s plan for our lives. We are all blessed no matter what circumstance we are in at the present. I am so grateful that I am able to share my creativity and talent with people who want to enjoy life to the fullest extent. Preston, you are an inspiration to all us!
MELISSA
March 25, 2010
WHEN I STARTED TO BELIEVE THAT I WAS WORTHY OF LOVE AND ABUNDANCE I HAD TO WORK REALLY HARD AT GOING IN DAILY TO FIND ALL THE PLACES IN ME THAT DID NOT BELIEVE THAT.. EVEN THOUGH I AM VERY ATTRACTIVE AND HAVE NEVER WORRIED BEYOND THE AGE OF 21 ABOUT MONEY, I HID THE PART THAT FELT I DID NOT DESERVE LOVE… THIS WAS ALSO VERY HIDDEN FROM ME UNTIL ABOUT 8 YEARS AGO… AND I AM NOT A PERSON THAT GOES TO CHURCH OR EVEN BELIEVES THE DOGMA OF THE CHURCH, BUT I FOUND IT ON MY OWN AND WITH SOME WONDERFUL SUPPORT…
NOW, EVERY DAY I AM IN MY OWN SPACE LOVING THOSE PARTS THAT FEEL UNWORTHY… MUCH LIKE PRESTON’S MEDITATION HE DOES…
SO, NOW I SAY YES THE UNIVERSE IS SUPPORTING ME!!!!!
XXOO
MELISSA
Barbara Ramoutar
March 25, 2010
The Creator of the Universe, has been more than generous to us, And all He give us ,at the right timing Our own Guardian Angel,,
and so much more, as we have ,every day in so many things ,of life…you Preston to help and encourage,and most of all your sharing of your self,, and sucess,, thank God for peolpe like you, YOU don’t come every day.
Kristin
March 25, 2010
Yes I believe in the generosity of the universe. I write affirmations on post its and read them almost everyday. This was so I can build my confidence as a designer, because I AM A GREAT FLORAL DESIGNER, and it shows. Thanks for all your thoughts, its never goes unappreciated.
Namaste.
Helen Moss
March 25, 2010
Well said! Yes – I too believe in the generosity of the universe.
Rosalba Fasan-Buffat
March 25, 2010
WOW! I needed this today!! thank you so much for sharing.
Rowaida Flayhan
March 26, 2010
Being grateful is wonderful! Love this post, thanks for sharing!
jenna walker
March 26, 2010
Preston -
Beautiful words! I definitely believe that there is more than enough to go around. Having a perspective of plenty versus a perspective of poverty is such a healthy happy place to be. Whenever I find myself going to a “hide, don’t share, keep the good to yourself” spot – no good comes of it. I guess they call that karma – but it is so true – the more you give, the more you receive…and the world certainly feels like a better place from this side. Do your art well, treat your clients better than they ever expect – and giving fully of yourself to those around you is really a great place to be. Thanks for taking the time to write on your blog and remind us all of this. In a world filled with one lines in facebook and twitter – I’m grateful you take the time to provide substance…THANK YOU!
Craig
March 26, 2010
Right on, Preston!
Tiana
March 26, 2010
Yes I do! When I couldn’t find a job for a whole year, that was hard. But I just tried to think that someone who needed it more got the job I’d applied for. That year was hard, but I really tried to be thankful for what I DID have. And I remembered that song: “You can’t always get what you want….but if you try….you get what you need.” And sometimes that’s enough to see you through.
Sonia
March 26, 2010
I have had to learn this very lesson of God’s generosity to us. He is so good that He causes the rain to fall and the sun to shine on the just and the unjust. There is a market for everyone’s business, high end, low end or no end
. When I trust God and obey His principles of wisdom, honesty and integrity, He opens doors…even those doors that statistics and recessions try to shut. I love what we do in making milestone events in people’s lives become more memorable. I thank God for this privelege and for people like you Mr. Bailey who are coaches and cheerleaders in our arena.
Joyce VanSeters
March 28, 2010
How did you know that we needed to READ this ?
Deborah Dixon
March 29, 2010
Hi Preston. Yes, I do believe the Universe is generous. Thank you, for sharing your spirit, because as I am starting my business things can be a little overwhelming at times and the temporary fear of not being successful can be crippling. I meditate often and my intuition tells me all will work out, but at times I forget to breathe and release the challenges. It is definitely reassuring to read your posting and to be reminded of this. I am so very grateful I can always come to your site to read your inspirational and helpful postings; so please know you are appreciated. Have a wonderful day.
nayeli blanquel
March 31, 2010
yes, I belive, but for me is difficult to make this thougth a rutine. Its so hard, but i´ll try it. and is increible that we shared the same fears.
xoxo
Saufen
April 3, 2010
Thanks, Preston. These words of yours came to me and my working partner, Tania, at precisely the right time as we are embarking on our new journey, upping the level of our events design work and planning a major showcase event. Though we’re on opposite sides of the world, we have had the luck of encountering your inspiring work via your books and the internet at this time. We would like to thank you for your generosity in sharing your experience and wisdom with us. Your passion for what you do has added fuel to our passion for what we do and given us the courage to forge ahead. Please continue to astound the world with your creativity and share your insights with all of us.
Bob Fryer
April 7, 2010
Thank you Preston for opening your heart and speaking with such honesty. I’m an admirer of your truly phenomenal work…and now I can appreciate your passionate & caring viewpoint as well.
Generosity of the universe? …a resounding yes!
Corinne Samu Smith
April 14, 2010
The Universe is more generous than we can imagine. It gives us everything we need – if we can accept it. I so appreciate your sharing – giving. I thank you.
Anna Zazias
May 13, 2010
YES! YES! YES! what the future holds for you, depends on your state of consciousness now! If it’s one of gratitude now, the universe will be most generous in your future!!! Thanks Mr. Bailey, I’m mailing you from South Africa, I’m 32 years old, trying to live the life I’ve imagined, confidently going in the direction of my dreams…Floral designer! You are such an inspiration to me…a Mentor, an Angel !!! Sincere thanks! Ps. Please consider starting an acadamy here?!?!
Ale
May 20, 2010
Dear Preston,
I just discovered your blog today. Although I am quite aware of your work, I didn´t know your human side.
I´m speachless. Just to know, that one of your favorite rockstars, your gurus, your role models is as human as I am, blows up my mind.
I would wonder that at major leagues, where you work, you wouldn´t feel any fear nor hesitation.
Reading your posts, not only inspires me to pursue my dreams, but not to give up on fear or doubt.
Dear Preston, you and your words enlightened my day, and these will trascend in living the life I always dreamed about.
Thanks from the bottom of my heart,
Alejandra
Mexico
AlisonPipe
July 14, 2010
Preston, I am a big believer in the drive within is equal to and crucial for any level of success. I have always had motivation/ determination in persuing my dreams and even at my young age, pursue them with fortitude.
I find my own sense of self can inhibit me from connecting with amazing networking connections. As you had said starting out you were unsure of your own confidence. How did you overcome your fear of failure, to surpass even your own expectations of what you can do, and how close you can come to making dreams reality!
ps. Generosity of the universe, i feel comes within, if you are generous in spirit you can appreciate the generosity of the universe, and acknowledge the good within and around you! For positivity breads positivity>
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO to inspire & mentor!
Alison, Ontario
Mira
September 2, 2011
Thanks for posting this.. I do need it at this time
YOU are AWeSOME!!
Vanessa Alce
September 29, 2011
Perfect timing! I believe that God won’t give you anything that you’re not ready for (good things). Day by day, one step at a time and learning from each client will lead you to the bigger and better events.
Sara Shaw
December 7, 2011
Thank you Preston for your loving inspiration ! I am a freelance landscape gardener & floral designer. Attracting new clients a daily prayer for me. Trusting & accepting
are the words I am now allowing in my thoughts & feelings. There Has to be someone who can appreciate what I have to give & able to pay me now.
I pray for others to get work, as well. Love you ! Many blessings
Rozell
January 12, 2012
I more than trust the universe that’s the reason why I’m reading and talking about the universe. I’m thankful everytime the universe works in my favor for the better of my life in all areas. I’m thinking more upbeat about life as a whole it’s really fun to enjoy the many blessings you get in life and that of others. Thank you universe
seo
January 31, 2012
Howdy just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The words in your article seem to be running off the screen in Chrome. I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with internet browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know. The design and style look great though! Hope you get the issue solved soon. Kudos