We recently had the chance to connect with Yvonne Heath and have shared our conversation below.
Yvonne, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Laughed at myself when, yet again, I wanted to comfort someone who was grieving and I couldn’t speak cause I was crying. Then we both laughed and hugged. It was a good moment despite my messiness. haha!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
In 2015, I left my 27 year nursing career-realizing how ill-prepared we-our society- was for grief, transitions and end of life. This can lead to excessive suffering and may cause or compound health issues (mental, physical and emotional) and can fuel addictions.
So I wrote my book, Love Your Life to Death and became a voice for change. And now, I’ve written my second book about our journey with our son’s addiction. I am passionate about creating Compassionate Communities, where we can Recover Out Loud-from whatever we are navigating. And everyone Just Shows Up for themselves and others-with Heart, Humour and Humanness.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that wanted to be everything to everyone, fix everything and who pretended she was fine when we wasn’t. She has been fired! Let go. See ya!
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
In 2014, when I was a chemotherapy nurse and our son was spiraling into drugs and addiction. And people avoided us, not because they didn’t care-because they didn’t know what to do or say. This compounded my suffering and feelings of isolation. Somebody had to address this. Apparently that somebody was me!
Sharing my story, being a hot mess unapologetically become one of my Superpowers!
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I am flawed, imperfect and fabulous. What you see is what you get-on stage, online or behind closed doors. I am authentically ME everywhere I go!
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope they say I Just Showed Up with Heart, Humour and Humanness.
That I lived what I shared: P.P.E. Be Proactive. Practice. Teach by Example.
That Gratitude was one of my greatest medicines.
That I created a legacy so this message carries on.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yvonneheath.com/
- Instagram: @yvonneheathofficial
Image Credits
Mark Reeder Photography-image with swirly dress
Other photo with Patch Adams
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
