TESTIMONIALS
I came across Nancy's book a few months ago. I was amazed and so deeply moved with her life story and how she managed to find her way on a spiritual journey. Especially after so much pain and life hurts along the way. Her determination to continue to listen to her heart and her soul was so courageous. Nancy has shown me through her story that no matter what happens (as a lot of us know) everything has a purpose and a reason. More importantly it is a reminder of how we "CAN" move forward on our own journeys while also honouring ourselves as we open our own hearts. Her inner beauty, spiritual wisdom and ability to listen to her whispers from God brought her to where she needed to be. She is a complete inspiration to me. Not only through her emotional pain and courage but through her inspiration and desire to send a message of LOVE to everyone. Nancy has a pure golden open loving heart. This is shown over and over again in her story. I am so completely grateful to have had the opportunity to read "Courageous Butterfly"! It has inspired me to follow my dreams and my own passions. It has also provided me with a needed reminder of how I also need to continue listening to the whispers of God and continue on my spiritual journey with an open heart.
Thank you Nancy for all you have shown me in so many ways and on so many levels.
You are such a beautiful, loving, purposeful, giving and unique soul.
Monica Lahey
I took "Courageous Butterfly" with me on my vacation to Mexico last month... First of all , my friends were all very curious to know what kind of book I was reading, as it wasn't like me to have my nose buried in one for that long. I found myself reading out loud to them, words of encouragement, reminding ourselves to "live in the NOW, live in this beautiful moment." We all giggled and tried not to think about how many days we had left before we had to go back to reality. On the flight home, I found myself wanting to read the book again!! I missed Nancy and the feeling I had when I read her story. Coming home from a perfect vacation usually makes me feel dreadful, anxious, and a bit panicky, not this time.... this time I felt a shift of consciousness. I felt a sense of peace, and I still feel a sense of peace. I admire the way she bares her soul for the whole world to see, all to benefit others. Courageous is quite an understatement!!! Nancy has a gentle way of reminding us that the most powerful emotion of all is LOVE....not fear... and that we are all one and the same, and often it takes the darkest moments of our lives to make us search for the light. I feel "Courageous Butterfly" was a gateway to my own spirituality..... Nancy shows you how to live your life in LOVE, she shows you that we do have that choice, and for that I thank her from the bottom of my heart.
NAMASTE
Melissa Hottot
I have read many books in my life, many of them extremely good. They even helped to change my life, making me a better person. But one thing is for sure, none of these books touched my heart as deeply as "Courageous Butterfly " did. From the moment I saw the book on the Chapters shelf, and felt a strong feeling of "you got to read that", through the moment I started reading, I could not put it down. I was so touched and moved from it. What an amazing, touching inspiring life story this is. Nancy opens her heart so beautifully to us, in such a loving and deep way that it's impossible not to feel a personal connection with her. She went through the most unbearable pain a woman can endure in just one life time. Even though, I never went through that kind of pain I could feel it in my heart; the way she rediscovered her self, the moment she started loving and recognizing her self, the amazing, powerful Human Being that she is... Her own awakening is so touching and it hit me strongly. She describes her feelings and emotions in such a deep and honest way that it felt like I was listening to myself, things you are afraid to said out loud because no one will understand. It resonated with what I'm going through and it Hit me hard, hit me in a away I never felt before, and I cried. I cried tears of Joy because at that moment I realized how Blessed I truly am. How Blessed we all are. How life can be good and beautiful when we let God into our life and trust in ourselves. It was such an awakening, such a moment of Joy that no words can express.Thank you so much Nancy for open your heart to us in such a beautiful and sincere way, and for writing this amazing inspiring story!! What a beautiful and Courageous Butterfly you are.
A Beautiful Soul indeed.
Love,
Teresa Silva
I came upon Nancy's book quite by accident, in Chapters Book Store one morning. I realize now of course, it was something 'in the stars' (if you wish), that guided me towards it. I love to browse and I found myself looking at a table, with several book covers staring up at me. I saw my hand reach out and pick up "Courageous Butterfly". Why this book in particular, I don't know. After a quick look at the cover and some liner notes to get the general idea of the book, I opened it up to a random page and began to read. The section I read spoke directly to me in such a powerful way, that my eyes misted over and the print became blurry. It didn't matter though. I new right there I would be taking this book home.
I work in Emergency Services and see tragedy and hurt on a daily basis. And having struggled with my own anxiety issues, it was so reassuring to be reminded that there are beautiful spirits out here, like Nancy, sending out messages of love and compassion into the universe. Reminding us to accept and love ourselves. I was humbled by her 'bravery' to share her story, in such a pure and honest way. Her story and the 'courage' to overcome her difficulties is truly inspiring. Nancy's book sits in a special place in our living room (along with 5 or 6 other very inspirational books, by very famous authors) and provides much comfort for my wife and I.
Sam Rippey
I read “Courageous Butterfly” in one week. It was compelling and liberating. Her work reminded me of the creative, healing power of giving ourselves permission to speak the truth of our experience without judgment, blame or shame.
Her story is very powerful because she has the grace to speak from the “Healing Heart”. Through her words, deep release and healing is offered not only to her the writer but for each and every reader.
Her truth inspires all of us to trust, to love and compassionately gather our own experience.
Her true story inspires us to share our experience in gratitude, celebration. We have all survived our pain. We can now thrive and join in the creative healing circle of love and hope that she so lovingly and humbly presents as the “Courageous Butterfly”.
Love, Light and Joy!
Jo-an Collins, PhD.
From the first page of the book, you realize that three little girls, sisters, are left on the doorstep of a convent/orphanage and you know that it is heartbreaking. But from the first page you must read on to find out what happens to these children; one of them is Nancy. She is telling us her story, her life and how she overcame so much suffering and pain to become the kind hearted, loving and gracious woman she is. The writing is clear and captures all the feelings of both the reader and Nancy. I was amazed that Nancy Forbes was brave enough to tell her story. She endured a lot of emotional trauma, loss and she was vulnerable and even suffered an abusive relationship. However, this is not the intent of the book. Nancy only reveals her most painful secrets so that she can free herself from the feelings of doubt, loneliness, pain and anxiety. She shows us that when we accept ourselves, believe we are all valued and special, and that challenges do happen, as they did to her, that is where we must find faith, courage and trust in ourselves, family and friends, and in a greater purpose. Nancy shows by her own example that anyone can find some peace and meaning in their lives, even if at times it seems impossible. By having the courage to look for answers, including medications, meditation and through communing with nature and God, there is a tranquility and sense of purpose for those who seek it. Nancy has written this book to help others through helping herself. She shares a message of hope and inspiration and she also has successfully transformed herself into a dedicated woman who is a wife, a mother, a yoga instructor with her own studio, a writer and a spiritual person. I met Nancy at a book signing and after I read her book I wrote to her myself. I didn’t expect that Nancy would bother to write me back but she did! That is the kind of person she is.
Julie from the Greater Toronto Area.
Nancy captivates a wide audience notwithstanding her genuine authentic personality on each page. She deliberately appoints intimate details, so those who suffer from, or who have been touched by loss, depression, anxiety disorder or loneliness are securely held through Nancy’s inspiration. Her words are threaded together seamlessly, creating beauty from a lifetime of illness and self-doubt. She offers guidance and words of encouragement to those struggling with life’s many challenges while happily sharing ways to quiet the mind. She began her story, with a spiritual journey from darkness to light; enlightenment through self-passion, harmony in nature, and a strong desire for transformation. Nancy taught herself how to overcome barriers by letting go of self-judgment, and today lovingly guides others to re-discover life’s larger purpose through dedicated Yoga and meditation teachings. She influences the reader through unimaginable circumstances, personal tragedy, inspiring stories, and effortlessly advises {through her own self-discovery} about self-acceptance, affirming personal innate power, and finding comfort through life’s higher source, ‘GOD’.
She has surrendered several weekends to frequent countless book signings at Chapters/Indigo throughout the greater city surroundings. She has enthusiastically meet hundreds of local citizens, and blessed each book with personal messages. Nancy takes the time to participate and engage in conversation with all who cross her path, always greeting with a contagious smile in appreciation for having the opportunity to connect. It’s the small stuff that makes the difference!
In closing, I believe it’s relevant to share how Nancy has touched my life. With full respect and confidence, Nancy taught me to focus on my beautiful gifts and offerings. Graciously and whole heartedly she guided me to tears and freedom from my own demons. She listened when no one else could hear my voice. We've grown together, cried together and now laugh and rejoice together. I am proud to address her as my honorary soul sister.
Sincerely,
Carrie Ann Dickson
Nancy's book is all the more impressive upon considering the fact that one of the obstacles she has struggled with throughout her life is dyslexia. Writing has always been difficult for her, yet she has bravely met this challenge and completed the book. Another barrier she faced was writing in a second language - the autobiography is in English although she grew up speaking only French.
Nancy’s intention in writing her story was to help readers in situations similar to hers. She wished to give hope to people in desperation and to show them, through the example of her own experience, that change is possible and that life can get better. Nancy shares her views in an even more personal way during her frequent book signings at various local bookstores, where she often speaks one-on-one to people interested in her story. We are certain that her writing has in some way touched people’s lives and made a difference.
Nancy is an inspirational woman in countless ways. She has achieved personal and professional success despite considerable setbacks. Along the way, her kindness and real warmth have created beautiful friendships. Furthermore, through all this she has raised a loving family: she and her husband have two sons who are just about grown up. Nancy is a strong and admirable woman, an incredible role model, and a wonderful influence on the community.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth & Monica Kolomanski
Writing a book about your life is a huge undertaking, and laying it all down in black and white for the world to see and judge, an audacious act. Nancy has spared no ugly, shameful and crushingly painful details, preferring to fully expose herself so that others could be impacted, and ultimately inspired. What a beautiful difference one human being can make, and I have no doubt that she will continue in this way. This is her life’s work, and reason for being.
France Lajeunesse
“Courageous Butterfly” – a book of courage, determination, hope and love. She bravely shared with us her personal struggles and the tools she used to deal and overcome these obstacles to finally attain self-acceptance, inner peace and balance while healing her physical body as well as her spirit. Nancy is very humble about her book and through various book signing events was amazed to find that women were drawn to “her story”. Needless to say, the book is pure inspiration to anyone wishing to embark on their own journey of soul searching, self-discovery and self-healing to live a more fulfilled life.
Lise Julien