We were lucky to catch up with Yvonne Heath recently and have shared our conversation below.
Yvonne, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
It’s funny how you look back at your life-the good, the bad and the ugly-and they become those aha moments! I’ve had many and chose to look back and learn, unlearn and evolve continuously. My purpose was born from teaching what I most needed to learn; how to navigate grief, transitions and death.
I’ve had my landed in my share of potholes, gone done the wrong path and felt forced into U-turns. I’ve been bullied, teased, divorced, miscarried and had a 27 year nursing career of helping others while feeling helpless. None of this comes close to the heartache of watching our older son struggle with addiction, have many friends who died and die himself- and thankfully was revived.
Navigating this as a mom gave me a choice; disintegrate or do whatever I can to help my son, myself and others. From this depth of despair my Purpose was born. And now I share my message with Heart, Humour and Humanness. I teach others how to Just Show Up for themselves and others…No. Matter. What! I let Love lead the way, accept that I don’t know why things happen and this is the very best I can do! 🙂
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Here’s my bio and a couple new fun facts!
In her 27 year nursing career, Yvonne Heath worked in the United States and Canada in many areas including emergency, chemotherapy, palliative care and hospice. She became disheartened by our society’s reluctance to talk about, plan and prepare for grief, transitions and end of life—causing excessive suffering. She suffered too, not knowing how to do it differently.
In 2015 she blazed a new trail to create social change and founded Love Your Life to Death and the I Just Showed Up Movement. She shares her message with heart and humour. In 2019, she delivered her TEDx Talk—Transforming our Grief, by Just Showing Up.
She is most passionate about Supporting the Supporters and Creating Compassionate Communities
When they are not traveling, Yvonne and her husband Geordie (pronounced Jordy!) can be found wearing socks and sandals in their happy place in Huntsville, Ontario (Canada) with their cats, Calvin and Hobbes.
I recently participated in a Humanitarian Clowning and Caring trip with none other than “The Real” Patch Adams and beautiful silly people from around the world.
I am also taking all that I’ve learned and consulting more- starting with a 30 min complimentary zoom call to explore possibilities with people. Also going to create a documentary!!!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Creativity
2. I’m hilarious
3. Deeply caring
You are capable of so much more than you realize or allow yourself to believe. I was not an author, I was afraid to speak in public…this is all a big surprise. There is no dream, passion or purpose too outlandish. It doesn’t have to make sense and of course you’re not good at… whatever it is, yet!! That takes practice. One step at a time!!
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely! It’s time, after a decade, to partner and collaborate with those who are passionate about creating social change AND willing to take Action! If you watch my TEDx Talk (Transforming Our Grief, by Just Showing Up!), you will understand a big more about our Purpose.
The #IJustShowedUp Movement teaches people of all ages how to Just Show Up for themselves and others so they are empowered and resilient when grief and life’s challenges arrive.
We want to share this globally and connect with those who believe in creating change and Compassionate Communities!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.loveyourlifetodeath.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonne-heath-nurse-turned-author-speaker-trainer-changemaker-a7835595/
- Other: Can find us on all the socials…loveyourlifetodeath 🙂
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
