Light After Darkness

Today I wanted to share a Vlog with you about what has been going on for me and how I am doing now. I realize that it’s not very respectful to my viewers to be flaky about posting and I think that you deserve an explanation. I love you all and I thank you for sticking with me and being so supportive and kind.

[@user-kc1ws9vv1e]

Dearest Heather, your integrity and beautiful soul are why I and I’m sure many of your subscriber friends stay connected…I can only say, you never know how many good ripples your educator heart touches others and make a connection. I’m with you for as long as you offer content. You are loved and appreciated so much!

[@lonobates1]

Heather.... you are inspiring no matter what weight you are at! YOU are NOT what you weigh. I think of you often! ❤️

[@kimmccawley8785]

How wonderful to see you today! Your spirit and resilience has been inspirational many times. Whenever your videos pop up, I am beyond excited to know that you are reaching out. Thank you very much, Heather, for being honest. Your inspire me to hang in there too. ❤

[@lynn7348]

I struggle w the embarrassment of being on disability for mental health reasons. God and I are working on this...Jesus carried our shame to the cross! Glad your back Heather..praying for you ❤️

[@michellerhodes3496]

You came in my thoughts so strongly a couple days ago! Was wandering how you were doing. The struggle is real. It's like you are telling my story for me. I agree, I will fight till the end. Never giving up!❤😊

[@debbybuck3212]

Dear Heather, please continue sharing. I look forward to your podcast and smiling bubbly personality. Weight is a struggle but each day we can make changes and I look forward to your journey. Keep going

[@virgonvegan]

Love you too ❤ So happy to see you!

[@robertaphillip2084]

You have come to far to turn back. If you’ve done it once, you can do it again. I feel your pain and I am rooting for you ❤❤❤❤! Sending love

[@randyjoseph8145]

So happy to see you today. Sending warm good thoughts to you.

[@marisajonassaint1871]

Thanks, Heather! Love you and here for you! Looking forward to seeing you!❤

[@kerstinschulze-neick4224]

What a nice surprise! You made my day! Thank you for beeing such a beautiful soul!❤❤❤

[@dreamofskye7400]

Hi Heather, thank you for staying and not giving up. We need you in this world. This is what has attracted me to your channel from the start. Not how much weight you’ve lost or gained, but the light and love that radiates from you just being you and being a child of God. I too have suffered from deep depression decades ago when I was 19. Back in the day when most people didn’t even know the word and the christians believed that when you were depressed you were possessed by the devil. I eventually did get antidepressants and they worked wonderfully, but because of all the pressure from my fellow christians telling me what a terrible person I was, I stopped using them. Consequently I wasted the best years of my life suffering being depressed and exhausted and I achieved nothing. I cannot shout it from the rooftops loud enough: Use your anti depressants! They can help so much! There is nothing wrong with using them. Why make life hard when you can make it easier. And as far as I’m concerned this also counts for other medications that has recently come onto the market to help us make life easier. (I’m not gonna say any names, but I’m just saying). And yes there’s even a drug that has been around for many years that helps alcoholics to stop drinking.

[@merrill997]

Thank you, Heather. Your journey is real - - - and not shameful... Please know your sharing has been very helpful. I too have gained back much of what I lost eating wfpb sos free... I can relate to so much of what you share. Your sharing helps me not feel so alone... And, reminds me of how far I have come and the importance of self-care. So, thank you!!!

[@viviannedonnelly233]

Thanks for sharing and your sincerity and honesty. We're all on both an individual and a community journey.

[@debrachan1899]

I am proud of you to get back into vlogging again! I am sure it was not easy to do this, but you did! I see you, I don't care about weight gain, that does not define you, it does not diminish your beautiful smile. Keep going, we are here for you, I am happy you addressed your depression, more people could benefit from doing the same! Until the next vlog 🤗

[@KarensKorner]

Loosing weight and keeping it off is HARD. You are def thhe first(or last) person to go through this. I am glad you are doing things that are best for you. Your mental health is so important. Take care. You got this!

[@Silsarsche]

Hi Sweet Heather.. I am glad you are back . I miss your videos . I know how hard it is . I struggle a lot too. Lots of love sending to you.

[@wendyclarke3979]

Your Light shines through Heather. We love you for that. 💕

[@DentGal83]

I always appreciate seeing you when you are back - I’ve had ups and down too. But we never give up! 🤗

[@susandurandstone4278]

Happy to see you ! You’ve got this!

[@theresastufano7628]

I'm here with you! Hugs & Blessings

[@kimmcdonald5000]

So happy to see you. You inspire me. Your journey of the ups and downs are so relatable to me. Keep the videos coming. They are encouraging me to keep going. Thank you for sharing. You're awesome.

[@Oldbroad1]

Yeah, Heather! So glad you’re back. Managing depression is critical for self-love. Becoming Happy is something I try to work at every day. It’s all tied together, isn’t it? I’ve had my hand in a bag of candy but you are inspiring me to go dump it out. Thank you, friend! 🌸

[@marshacondit4661]

Heather. You are a gift from God! You are here for a reason. We need your teaching skills and voice especially in this plant-based community! Going plant-based vegan is difficult!!! The struggle is real and your honesty can be a light to so many of us who are also struggling. Please continue to help us learn from you as we go forward on this journey towards better overall health. Mental health and physical health… I am so happy to see you back here. I have missed you and really look forward to your future video updates and maybe yummy recipes again. That would be wonderful . Please never give up. Another one of your many friends.

[@mabelrae6941]

Happy to see your smile again Heather

[@paulawhite8674]

Heather you are such a blessing!!! Your light shines through no matter what a scale says.. Poop on all the negative thoughts! When the dark cloud rolls in we all need something to help us!!! What ever that something is. Love you girl!!!!

[@renaeselix5648]

Glad you’re feeling better… and you’re inspiring always. May the Lord guide and continue to help you on your journey… ❤

[@melissahayes9461]

Love to see a video from you! Take care ❤️ we love you too 🤗

[@l.j.2043]

There is NO shame in needing help. We all do or will need help at some point in our lives. I keep coming back to your channel because you are an honest, nice, and kind person and you keep trying. That motivates me. It is good to have you back Heather! We missed you.

[@kkrall8611]

Heather, you are so wonderfull. I feel so much compassion for you! Dont be shamed, nobody is perfect. I send you best wishes❤🌺🌺🌸🌸 ps. Im so glad you dont give up. You are motivating me,us so much ❤

[@debby5110]

HEATHER ! 😃❤️ I was just thinking about you and I was going to send you a message! I’m SO glad 😃you are back!👍🏻❤️ Yay! 👏🏻Thanks for sharing! So glad to see your smiling face again!😃☀️☀️☀️❤️❤️🤗🤗❤️❤️👋

[@dmbmeister0]

Glad to hear you are getting back on the right track. It isn't easy; most of us know that. We all have our ups and down. For me, I've recently put on some weight, but I find for me it's best to change that by doing Mary's Mini for within days my cravings are gone. On it, I usually eat potatoes for every meal, then add some non- starchy veggies and one to two fruits a day. But we're all different, and what works for one might not work for another. Just have faith, for things can and do turn around. Best wishes.

[@deborahosorio553]

So glad you are back. I am well acquainted with the shame attached to losing weight and regaining it. I don’t care what you weigh or what you eat. You inspire me no matter what size you are.

[@houseofhopehealingcenter1943]

Heather! I was so happy to see your sweet face in these two recent videos! I agree with you completely - there is no shame - Jesus took all of that shame to the cross! When I struggled with the black hole of depression myself, I got shame from the Christian community too...But God used antidepressants for that season to bring me back into His light! He uses all kinds of things to accomplish His purposes and I'm so glad they are helping you. I love your heart and you always have something of value to share - so grateful for you and so glad you are not giving up! Can't wait for the next video! 💝Praying for you!!! Much love, Carla

[@lucywestmoreland1197]

I don't think you are flaky at all Heather, you are inspiring and brave! ❤

[@4007fairview]

I'm so glad that you're going to continue to share with us! Congratulations on your 40# loss ~ that is amazing. And! Congratulations for finding a prescription that is helping you to feel so much better ~ that's wonderful news. I'm about 4 hours east of you, in the Tri-Cities, WA. I look forwards to sharing your journey ~ I know you can do this Heather. Much LOVE to you! 🌹🌹🌹 Debbie in WA Ü

[@jodicoppernoll4901]

I so admire your honesty and transparency. I believe in you. Thank you so much for sharing :)

[@ladyatlarge3844]

So glad to see your face Heather!

[@kidbizz]

I came back to see how you are doing. I slowly gained all the weight I had lost on vegan. I am finding great success with carnivore. Almost down 100 lbs without any medication. I followed Laura Spath and it has changed my life. I found I’m not a moderator, I’m a abstainer. After 90 days everything in every way was so much better. I am healing and never felt better. I just couldn’t make myself go back to vegan.

[@gingershaffer2547]

Heather, I normally never comment but I just want you to know how my heart goes out to you. Just knowing that the Lord has called you to be a teacher means you need to teach. His gifts always make room for us. He will honor your diligence and tenacity to do your best to teach. Whatever you choose to teach. My prayers are with you. I'm on 100 plus weight. Lost journey myself and am just beginning. Love you and the Lord. Let's do this girl. When we are weak HE is strong! Blessings and love!🎉. Ginger

[@aquamarine0023]

It is awesome to see your face, so happy you are back! You have such a bright spirit and energy.

[@karinmracek2472]

Thank you. I needed your message today.

[@jenniferwang1848]

You are inspiring and uplifting. I have been so blessed listening to you. Your struggles don't negate your wisdom and strength. Thank you for showing up. Even if you feel empty, you contribute so much to the world around you. Thank you for your example of honesty, perseverance, and kindness. So many of us can relate to your experiences! I pray, however, you can be free to do what helps YOU, whether it's taking a break or posting videos. You are loved.

[@spanishwithrobyn]

You're a very sweet kind person and that is worth a gazillion. I also love your recipes. I still make the cheese sauce which is truly delicious. THANK YOU❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@cathysabo1454]

It’s funny (not really) just how quickly that feeling of not living up to expectations (our own & other’s) changes how we once felt such hope & optimism to defeat. And then self retroflexion sets in, internalizing, and the desire to withdraw happens. And the roller coaster so wants to take over. Thanks for sharing.

[@MercyUS]

🦋So great to see & hear you! Looking forward to seeing you often! Thanks for helping us!🥬🥒🍍💕Additionally, I pray for people I encounter in youtube. I am practicing being in the presence of God.

[@randyjoseph8145]

And... remember we out here - you don't owe us anything- anything you do give is a gift to us.

[@ThePlantBasedMom]

I'm so glad you're back, Heather! I hope you're here to stay. I think if you often. You have always inspired me! I've been in the gloomies myself trying to dig my way out. It's so hard to do but I will never give up! BTW...loved your Costa Rica video! 💕

[@debmoore3980]

Heather, I was SO glad to see you come back! You are always so honest and encouraging. I’ve missed you! 🎉🎉❤

[@nelsonv741]

I am delighted to see you are going to keep at it. I started following you way way back 7 or 8 years ago when your videos started. I have heard hundreds of testaments of people who reached a good level of success after 2 or even 3 decades so you are in good company. My own success stretched out over 12 years, none of that instant weight loss in my story, lots of set backs for sure. So stay at it! I wish you well.

[@debbiemorgan-thompson5369]

So happy that you have decided to keep on with your channel! There is no reason you should be ashamed, a lot of us have gone the same route! I hope you do the recipes again, I would really appreciate it! You are valued and loved by God and a good many of your followers! Keep on keeping on, your followers are behind you 100 %

[@carolfeingold5379]

Heather you’re such a beautiful soul, your spirit feels very pure and joyful despite all the challenges you’re experiencing. So many of us have been clinically depressed and have overcome it. I certainly went through extremely difficult periods of life challenges. Everything changes eventually. I’m happier now, still have times of struggle but that’s life! Keep your friends close. We absolutely need our girlfriends to help us get through. Big hugs 🤗

[@myggggeneration]

Thank you for that message - it comes at a time when I am wondering how to regain my mental health and not lose what I have worked for over the past 8 years. You're a sweetheart - I bet a lot of us are glad that you are "doing it again"!! More power to you!

[@aprilashworth7678]

Heather, It’s so good to see you. Thank you for not giving up! I see you as my friend and I’m so happy you’re taking care of yourself. Thank you for your bravery and strength to keep going. ❤️

[@ggcruise]

You are such a beautiful soul and DO have so much to offer. I am glad you are feeling better now. Depression is so hard ... yes, no shame in getting help. Also no shame in taking a break from helping others when you need to self-focus for as long as you need. Hugs to you. ❤

[@ileenr]

❤God bless your open, transparent honesty - you’ve got this!

[@ellenkunkel8845]

Yay! We just like seeing you! Have a wonderful happy day!

[@loribain6563]

Thank you for sharing! You are an inspiration. I know it’s been some time but know you will always have cheerleaders here, it’s not about the weight or food, we love you for your integrity and honesty. xox

[@niknak5619]

So happy you made a video! You still are very inspiring to me!! ❤❤

[@judyosborne]

I think many of us have hit a hard road from time to time honey. Please keep up with your beliefs and try to think positive for you will make it one day at a time. Here your fans love you for who you are. You’ll make it through this. ❤️

[@PetBunnyDebbie]

I've gained back a lot myself, been yo-yo ing up and down most of my life. But my health is better because I keep trying rather than giving up. You inspire no matter what you weigh. It's your personality I appreciate. Please keep this channel. How about interviewing people on your channel? That would be good. We large ladies are of infinite worth, no matter what we weigh.

[@Linda211]

I'm not going anywhere! Love you Heather! 🥰❤❤🤗🤗

[@jennoonan4572]

YAY you and thank you again Heather!!!! Another amazing video and so grateful you didn't end your channel. I personally will NEVER count you out! Thank you for being you and bring me (us, the world) joy with this video and looking forward to the next one.

[@lisam2036]

Great to see you again Heather, lots of love to you. The depression fog is really challenging for a lot of people and I'm sure your video will help many!

[@ginad3655]

Glad you decided to keep your channel... I look forward to your videos. Love you too!

[@angeladeller]

I'm so glad you could get the help you needed! I will look forward to any and all videos you post. Many blessings to you in your continued journey.

[@angelinaballerinabeachgirl]

Glad to see you back. I’m going through a tough time. Thank you . Your videos are always inspiring! 💜

[@luciannecarabott7581]

Nothing to be ashamed of ❤. You are a fighter an such an inspiration ❤. Thank you 😊

[@cathybarela4304]

Heather, glad you are feeling better, just focus on you, you are your best advocate. Just worry about you and your fans will follow. Bless you.

[@martinelille5850]

You are always valuable no matter what! You have so much beautiful energy that comes through the screen. I'm with you girl! I so hope you come back from time to time. Love you.

[@cathyrichard1100]

Happy to see you back🤗 I’m sorry to hear you were going through a struggle💔 I get that all too well…I’m just coming out of one myself🙌 Just wanted to say that you are beautiful and loved no matter where you are. I’m not surprised at all that you’ve taken what you can from that struggle to help others…you are an amazing woman and you are truly loved❤ Blessings to you and yours.

[@jessicascheib6101]

So glad to see a new video posted :) …. Slow and steady wins the race. I know we are Facebook friends and I only post weight / health related stuff on that Facebook page. I use to have periods where I really didn’t want to post because I felt bad about gaining weight and didn’t feel like I had a lot to offer. I feel like posting when we have down times really shows others it’s ok to be human though… this is really hard and there are millions of us struggling with the ups and downs of weight loss. Thanks for coming back… I think you are super inspiring at any weight… and resilience is inspiring all on its own

[@lauralesko1255]

Heather, you have been missed! ♥ I'm glad you're back!

[@girlsmiley50]

Thank you for being real. You are not the only one struggling and has felt like they may have no fight left. But God 🙌 I just started again today 🤗

[@sonjalot9773]

Dear Heather, I only just discovered your channel. I love your recipes and the gorgeous person that you are. From across the seas in Australia. ❤

[@karenreichert4927]

Thank you Heather, for all of it ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@srcb1816]

I admire you and am encouraged by your videos each time you share.

[@dianawarner3182]

So happy to see you again! ❤️

[@maevandorpe6617]

Absolutely agree. Mental health is health. I am so glad you are healing your mind and body.

[@chevypreps6417]

Keep the channel...........we are all rooting for you.

[@vickymurray5060]

Thank you for this message it was great and keep on - keeping on!

[@virginiatozier9957]

So glad you feel better and found something that works. No one should under estimate the power of depression there's at least a 20% death rate. I refuse to do weigh ins. It's too triggering and may start that crazy spiral all over again. Think carefully before you use the scale again. There are so many confounding factors to that number. What I'd love to see you do is a weekly check in day. Things like: JUST FOR TODAY I will----- Don't think twice about your weight girl, there are people who maintain an appropriate weight who are stark raving abstinenate.

[@jillshaw4679]

It was nice to see you again. Keep making videos. You are beautiful.

[@1529chatham]

Love hearing and seeing you. Pls continue. You help Me ❤

[@karefreeman2000]

Please don't feel bad. I think all of us here can understand. I know I have lost and gained several times. God bless you, Heather for being a light for all of us. I also struggle with depression and anxiety. I am so, so sorry.

[@viviantisdale1182]

God bless you! One day at time you are such an inspiration....

[@jfam4562]

So glad you’re back!! Antidepressants are here for a reason. I wouldn’t be here without them! I totally get how it’s next to impossible to have the motivation to take care of yourself, (let alone lose weight) when you are just trying to get through the day. Hour by hour, min by min. So glad you found something that helps. Can’t wait to follow your journey. ❤

[@tonipetersen5314]

Love you ❤. The only thing that has help me is IFS therapy. Rich roll interviewed Richard c Schwartz phd who created the therapy in the 80 I’m glad your feeling better!

[@florencemarsan4811]

Thank you for this pos and vlog.

[@rosabella4440]

Good for you! Do what you have to do ! Glad to see your videos ❤️❤️

[@sandracarli1110]

What is helping me a lot is reversing my old eating habits. I’m a teacher as well. I have evening courses. When I came home, I often felt like eating something calorie rich as a gratification. In the morning I skipped breakfast. Now I have breakfast, I’m careful not to eat refined foods and skip the dinner. I don’t eat after 4:30 or 6 pm. I’m so satiated that I don’t feel cravings and Dr. Klaper spoke about the importance of the evening hours for the body to clean up the system. I’ve started seeing the difference. I also walk daily. Javant from Healthyveganeating has also inspired me a lot.

[@cindygallagher5097]

Soo glad u r back!!! I find meaning in your videos

[@katerana499]

Yay! So happy to see you back! Sending you love and prayers! ❤️❤️❤️

[@tammywade3649]

I'm 60. I'm so tired of dieting. I've tried everything! All my life. I've struggled with my weight! I'm not doing it anymore, what I weigh is what I weigh,. I'm going to enjoy the time God has given me, and put this weight thing to rest!!!

[@irmacastaneda1792]

I love your videos wherever u r in your journey.

[@korimcclurg9001]

So glad you are feeling better!!

[@helensullivan918]

Glad to see you are back!

[@shelleyclarke9325]

I think being where you are now, you have even more to offer. Like many of us, you’ve unfortunately had another do-over. Many of us can relate. I couldn’t relate to anybody who professes to be perfect.

[@deven8084]

Yay! You're back!😊❤

[@kimweaver6590]

So glad to see you back! Don’t pressure yourself. We’ll be happy to see you whenever you feel moved to do a video.