GIC Crew Chit Chat / Life Update…

[@GardeningInCanada]

GICs ❤ So many of you were worried about my health. I am completely fine, just working on my physical health. Thank you for all the love ❤️ ❤ You guys are amazing.

[@Cookontherun7391]

You mentioned the amount of protein you eat/day and a goal weight. Do you calculate grams to equal your goal weight?

[@billnicholson6742]

Congratulations on doing this on your own! Thank you for sharing your journey… you had a lot going on. That’s fantastic! I hired a dietician last June and has been worth every single dollar.

[@jolee6751]

❤❤❤

[@aw2589]

Worried???!!! You look HEALTHY 🎉

[@nim3186]

Much love ❤️ and thoughts ❤

[@Nobudee]

You demonstrate a wonderful courage and humility by sharing such a vulnerable time in your life with Internet strangers. Thank you for sharing your troubles, triumphs, and inspirations! Sending you love from afar. You rock!

[@gerardhuiskamp9660]

It's beautiful to see how you've grown as a person! I'm watching and listening to a powerful, beautiful young woman! You can be proud!

[@mason0914]

THIS HELPED ME SO MUCH. thank you!! You look amazing, radiant, and so healthy! Very proud of you and so good to see. Amazing job and keep going, you got this!

[@rachellelee8031]

Thanks for being so vulnerable with your viewers and sharing your story. You look incredible! Love your channel.

[@sandracastle-od1lm]

Congratulations on coming through the tough times. You are an inspiration. 😊❤

[@GardeningInCanada]

I appreciate you. 🥰

[@ArkopiaYouTube]

Super proud of you!!!! Only good things moving forward. 👌💪

[@ready4change539]

Thank you for sharing such a personal story and your journey. I know stress makes a big difference to weight loss.

[@mendicantcrow]

Wow, thanks for sharing such a vulnerable story. I generally am leery of people sharing weight loss advice on the internet, but this was refreshingly simple, non-restrictive and gentle. And you contextualized it with your life story. Glad life is giving you a break and wishing you a good year!

[@hennye2694]

I have been followed you for some time now. I have seen the change, heard your plights and still you have made it through. You are amazing, you obviously still have people in your corner that support and love you, including the GIC crew💐💐 I love to listen to all/any of your content and its special that even KZbinrs are real people too. Keep up the healthy choices and looking forward to hearing from you every week. Big hugs to you ........💖💖

[@GardeningInCanada]

That is so kind of you to say, I appreciate it very much!

[@stevenjohns7017]

As i have said before...i have noticed latley that you are looking great! Your complexion, your energy, everything. Not easy what you have achieved but you are doing it!! Well done!

[@lauriel1826]

I’m glad you have less family stress now. I can relate, it is amazing to be able to live with out fear of the phone ringing and wondering what is next.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Omg that phone statement is the single most relatable comment 🤣

[@kathleenmccormick5284]

Congratulations on making it through that very rough time in your life.

[@jamestboehm6450]

Well lady, your body was what it was. Your smile, the light in your eyes and your brilliant mind is what caught my admiration. Yes it's good to see you on the way to healthy and healing but keep feeding us knowledge.

[@wayneessar7489]

Thank you for this very brave and personal update...! You survived and arrived ready to be you again...😅

[@noremacf]

You have been through more than most and come through it all stronger and more beautiful, love your content.

[@sennen222]

Well done Ashley. Totally understand about lack of motivation, but how a few little changes turn turn it all around. Be comfortable and confident in yourself, and all the best for this season!

[@marilynturcotte5304]

Thank you for letting us into your space. Please do what you want and need to do because it's working, Girl!!

[@opal4297]

Congratulations on your personal success! You look great and it seems like you are feeling better!

[@Charles-bj7qu]

Thank you. For your honesty. You do look good.

[@sharongordon799]

Congratulations. I'm happy for you.

[@catherineincanada1874]

😍You go girl😍Love seeing you reclaim your health on all levels!

[@GardeningInCanada]

Thanks, it means a lot to me!

[@salami5050]

Sending you love and happiness! ❤

[@classicrocklover5615]

No wonder you've looked exceptionally good the past few months! Your skin glows and you look happy! Congratulations 🎉

[@Delgwah]

Thank you Ashley, you are doing great by being open minded and communicating it out there, thank you again.

[@tatlowtimes]

Amazing that you would share this. You never have to explain anything and no one has the right to comment on anyone’s body. Thank you for sharing. It’s a great reminder that what’s in front of the camera is never the whole story. Your story is so appreciated. ❤ Lifting weights while losing a ton of weight completely changed my body composition for the good. You won’t regret putting muscle on. Especially as we age. It’s soooooo important.

[@aalejardin]

Well done! You have been through a lot and deserve some calmer waters. Enjoy your garden and keep sharing your great content.

[@kbjerke]

You look great, Ashley!! Keep it up, whatever you're doing!! ❤

[@learnwithlillian8509]

Kudos to you for learning to take care yourself at a young age. I’m 68 & still have to remind myself at times. ❤

[@wendyburston3132]

Thank you for sharing your life with us and what works for you. ❤🇨🇦😊🙏

[@GardeningInCanada]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! 🙏

[@mrwormtester]

You went through all of that and still had a KZbin channel?! Holy crap, you are a superwoman! 🌟

[@Delgwah]

Yep super woman👍🇨🇦

[@NeilRichins]

Kudos, and thanks for sharing.

[@trevor5290]

I have noticed you looked better with each video. Good stuff losing that weight! I recently lost 10 lbs just by adding a shot of ACV before bed, have another 10 lbs to go. It's post menopaused hormone bs. My 60th bd photos from this past summer shocked me into doing something. Once we start gaining weight, sometimes it's hard to see until it's too many lbs. I get the depression, beat it in the 90s & lost that weight too. I'm doing the happy dance for you right now. Much love. ~ Marianne

[@aw2589]

This is the way!! Eat more move more, high protein macros, whole food.You're using the same diet and exercise levers I've settled into after yearssssss of grinding on through so many other protocols that had me on a yoyo and soending effort for nothing. Reading and getting your screen time while doing zone 2 is awesome 😎

[@dano5616]

You've been through a lot my favorite Canadian Garden gal, didn't expect this message but I'm glad I watched it I can relate to a lot of what you've been through from all the way out here on Vancouver Island. I think you're going to do very well with whatever you choose going forward you've got this. All of it. Stay awesome ❤

[@GardeningInCanada]

That is so kind of you to say! I appreciate it!

[@LaurieLeeAnnie]

You go girl! You are a glowing, healthy survivor! ❤

[@GardeningInCanada]

Thanks so much, I appreciate it!

[@debbielavers9836]

I Don,t care what weight you are as long as your feeling healthy and happy. Ashley you are the best! Much love your way ❤.

[@LB-vl3qn]

Congratulations on your weight loss, Ashley! You look healthy and beautiful! I had been concerned about you until I saw how much better you were looking. And, you look happy. Keep doing what you're doing. It's working. ~ Lisa

[@imaham1947]

Way to go Ashley! I’m rooting for you.

[@BrigitteEmes]

Very happy things are going well for you!! Love your channel!

[@LoriBurke-y5u]

I am so proud of you ! You are smart ! Girl power❤🎉

[@adriennec6795]

Way to go!!!!!!! That is all kinds of awesome!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@cindybeernink4203]

I'm so glad that your life has more peace now and that you've been able to translate that into taking care of yourself, whether that means better food, sleep, whatever. I'm sure your sharing your experience will many to have more compassion for themselves and others.

[@timcoolican459]

It's great to hear you're doing well Ashley. Diet and exercise are the key to healthier living. Everyone has their challenges, tragedies, and shortcomings that lead to unhealthy lifestyles, which can spiral you down even further. So it's the little changes that you can make, like you said "...the bare minimum..." that can slowly pull you out of that spiral. I suffered and injury-induced stroke that left me temporarily paralyzed and permanently disabled, 11 years ago. It has been a slow struggle, after my initial physical therapy, to get back to some type of normalcy. I will never get back to what I was before the accident, but I am trying. This is where gardening came to play a key role in my recovery. I'm outside, working to produce better food for may wife and I, giving me a purpose as well as some exercise. We had a five year plan to experiment with what we would grow and why. You, young lady, have been quite helpful with our endeavors. What you do matters...very much to very many...I hope you will keep doing this, for many years to come. We are glad that you are healthy and happy and look forward to more ideas and information from you. I hope we can meet you one day, to say thank you in person. Good luck and God Bless.

[@leahnichol6665]

Thank you 😊

[@wendyray6120]

Keep up the good work. You are looking better, very radiant. I Really enjoy your channel and look forward to your next posts. Thank you for sharing.

[@GardeningInCanada]

That's so kind of you to say! I appreciate it.

[@jackiesheriff7078]

I too went the wellness way after a life trauma and I have never looked back. You look amazing and you are glowing and it isn't just the weight, you just have a different aura about you and it suits you perfectly. Enjoy the ride!

[@NicolesGardenNS]

You look happy, and that’s the most important! People really should comment so much on physical appearance but since that’s the subject of this video, you look fantastic ❤

[@cjvilleneuve1566]

Damn Ashley you look good ,you worked hard and had a lots to dealt with in the last decade...you are a really special person and for the good you bring you deserve everything that you work for 10 fold 😊, the next year will be your best 🎉 btw i cant waith for this spring to start gardening,so we can have you uploading often all summer . Ps..plese dont give up on us and youre channel to become a fitness and clothing model 😅.

[@katipohl2431]

You are looking great.

[@kerryschaan8447]

Glad to hear you're getting healthier. Keep it up.

[@brianseybert192]

Be proud of yourself Ashley, you had to deal with tragedy after tragedy, dealt with it the best you could, came out the otherside a better person. I wish you everything the best, sincerely hope your life stays on an even keel. OBTW, keep your damn Canadian highs in Canada, going below zero again next week here in WI. Stay Well !!!

[@kcstewart2432]

Thank you so much for sharing. Here's to a healthy happy 2025 ❤!

[@GardeningInCanada]

Right back at ya! 🥰

[@AndRewk78]

Congrats! You are definitely a force to be reckoned with! Thank you for sharing, but also for guiding some of us on our own journey down a similar road. Keep up the good work, it’s nice to see you smiling😁😁

[@GardeningInCanada]

Thank you so much, that means a lot!

[@Tippler0611]

Love your down-to-earth self! So glad you talked about how you convinced your brain to cooperate with walking. My brain says its a waste of time, boring, etc. I feel guilty if I dont take the dog but she needs intense training so its stressful and gives validation to the "don't wanna" voice The caregiving, addiction factor hits hard. I've been faaced quite a bit recently with the family-disease model of addiction; how the pain and suffering reaches tendrils and chokeholds far far beyond what anyone suspects. As kids of addicted parents, we'll carry some of them forever; it becomes part of us. As a person surrounded by people in 12-step recovery, I've had an opportunity to use what was emotional restraints as bonds to other hurting humans.

[@JennJenn9]

Good for you! I can totally understand how you were caught in a cycle of things dragging down your energy and it all feeds into itself…but very impressed you turned that into a positive cycle with fairly simple, but consistent changes. You’ve inspired me to get on my treadmill right now…and just walk 😊

[@GardeningInCanada]

That is awesome! So glad you found some inspiration in this.

[@MrsThebault]

This is me!! You are proof that there is hope! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@denipar69]

You look fantastic and happy! Good for you for taking your health care seriously and releasing a huge amount of stressors! Way to go! Sorry for your losses as well.

[@OurHennHouse3]

Normal people stress, lol! I have 2 parents with dementia, one is in hospice, one not far behind. I get the parent stressed! You are an inspiration!!! Yay you!

[@schnder1]

I give you so much credit for overcoming all that you have and learning to care for yourself. I come from a similar background and it is so easy to continue to put yourself last, as that is all you know. All the hard times also makes us strong and empathetic. I am so happy that you fought for your own health and happiness. Your life ahead has no limits!

[@duanesbuhler7696]

Sending love from Winnipeg. Thanks for everything. 👌🇨🇦

[@ronsmith8038]

So glad you've been able to take this opportunity to prioritize yourself! You're looking fabulous. Just remember: doesn't matter what size your body is, so long as it's able to deliver you to the experiences you want out of life and feels good to live in 😉

[@GardeningInCanada]

I love this mindset! 🙏

[@TheRusticHomestead]

You look amazing ❤ So happy for you

[@cherylmosher6026]

Congrats! I understand both your struggle and your accomplishment. So proud of your commitment to your health. Keeping this episode for personal motivation ❤

[@drewncarolina6381]

I have to say I noticed it. I also know enough to not acknowledge it until you mentioned it. I'm happy for you, congratulations! I'm currently trying to loose a little weight as well through exercise and better diet. It's hard physically and mentally but you totally did it and that's awesome.

[@phil16woman64]

That’s wonderful. I am happy for you. I do whole food high protein but vegan. Lots of lentils, beans and hummus for me. 63 and low blood pressure and heart rate.

[@CaraJohnson-wn6nm]

I started following you a week ago! I love your channel. Thank you so much for sharing your story ❤️🙏

[@GardeningInCanada]

Welcome!! I'm so glad you found me!!! Well us actually lol there are 100k Friends here.

[@terrafirma75]

Omgosh! I had no idea how much stress you were under. Acknowledging that you maintained and even grew your YT channel is an absolute must here. Congratulations are also in order for making these lifestyle changes and not just the weight loss but it’s probably a safe bet to say, you probably feel a lot better (energy, mental, brain fog, general interest in life)

[@pattyking8593]

I'm very sorry to hear about a difficult period in your life. Your honesty is admirable. I like the idea of a weighted vest. On my to-do list now.

[@eugene3d875]

Great progress, and most importantly, sustainable habits! You can do it!

[@juliepuhr9806]

So happy for you. You look great

[@sallygomez1044]

I'm so glad to see you doing well. You've always been so charming in your videos and it's important to recognize that everyone is dealing with life in their every day. Wishing you a great 2025!!

[@GnortsMrAlienn]

I'm sorry you went through so much hardship and hurt. It's sweet of you to be open about it when you don't owe anyone any explanations. I'veI noticed you're glowing with good health. Your hair is so gorgeous and shiny, and your skin and overall demeanor are beautiful. Congratulations on taking care of you the way you deserve, and thank you for all the cool info you give us! Hugs to you from the Appalachian mountains of Virginia. ♥️

[@suzannestack7784]

WTG! We'll done, so proud of you 👏 This is a huge and difficult accomplishment 💪💕

[@MRa-lh2nw]

thanks for the video !! like, u didnt own us any explanation, and i really appreciate you giving us the update. and im glad you r feeling good ! ❤

[@robertgiardini2857]

Thank you for sharing this much respect for you

[@GardeningInCanada]

I appreciate that! 🙏

[@sarahpauline4904]

You have been through so much. Take good care of yourself. You look amazing!

[@GardeningInCanada]

Thank you so much!

[@julieklesta]

Sending love and blessings for the best year ever. I am new here, from Ohio and trying to catch up on your videos. Thank you for sharing.

[@imannosseir6679]

You look fabulous ❤

[@annemcguire7792]

Congrats & good for you

[@iantalmadge]

That's awesome, congratulations! :)

[@iantalmadge]

And I'm glad you made it through the bad times, I'm at what I hope is the tail end of my bad years, one year of gardening in and I'm still disabled in the traditional sense but now I know that there is some grow lights at the end of the tunnel lol

[@karljiks]

​@@iantalmadgelol that was funny, grow lights at the end of the tunnel. I relate, mentally disabled, sometimes I look at the disheveled plant pots with sometimes still alive plants in them surrounding me and think, these normal things should be normal, and then i remember that 1.5 months ago i got diagnosed as autistic so now i am officially not normal, so neither should my workflow be. glad you're dealing!

[@iantalmadge]

@karljiks I feel ya, I haven't been diagnosed with that but I also spent a few years being gas lit saying that my pain isn't real until my right arm stopped working cause of fibromyalgia and my PTSD made that condition way worse. Luckily I finally got a good doctor after years of true blood sweat and tears struggle, now I just need to be able to afford gas to see a psychiatrist for the mental mental, I'm a purely visual thinker, did t realize that wasn't normal or even a thing, after finding out that most people don't see they're thoughts I honestly have a hard time understanding how that works, how do you think without seeing it lol (not making fun of anyone or anything)

[@susanwinslow9361]

Very proud of you for looking after yourself now

[@christineelsey3104]

❤❤🤗🤗... Thanks for sharing your back story, my dear ... You have told part of it before.. but it's always good for the new gic crew up to date.. I noticed the slimming but my dear, you look pretty happy.. so, I wasn't worried you were sick.. Good luck, my dear.. All the stress you've been under has been a big part of your infertility.. (& now that That is out there, lots of us will be 🙏🙏🙏 for ya !!!!) ❤❤❤

[@GardeningInCanada]

I really appreciate you saying that.

[@christineelsey3104]

@GardeningInCanada my dear Ashley.. I'm sure I am far from the only person, & older person > like probably closer to your grandma's age, lol.. but you inspire me to keep trying in my gardening endeavors.. & I cannot thank you enough.. & I even appreciate the topics that go right over my head.. 😉😉

[@stephaniez2]

Good job 👍🏽 An inspiration for all of us ❤

[@daveheller4488]

Congratulations! All your hard work paid off!

[@brucemills6755]

Looking good and doing great. Thanks for sharing. So proud to learn from you.

[@kathydarcher]

Thank you for sharing your story and what’s worked! I love how powerful walking is!

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

Menopause has made me blow up like a balloon, I’m miserable! I just started two days ago walking on my treadmill while listening to my morning devotional and told myself I have to walk while listening to it. Now this pops up and it’s crazy that you just said that 😮 I’m taking it as my sign that this will help me get back to my normal size ? I’m 5’11” so I’ll never be a small person, I just want to wear all my size 12 clothes !!!

[@andydroid9782]

I recall mentioning something about seeing a change in you quite a while back. You replied and said something about keeping your fingers crossed. I've been keeping an eye on your muscles but they didn't seem to be getting small. That happens with those prescription weight loss drugs. Now I know why you are not losing muscle mass. I believe you are truly doing it the right way. Good job!

[@AJR-zg2py]

I've definitely noticed the change. Glad you're feeling and looking much better :) From a fellow "low zone" gardener in 3b/4a territory (northern Ontario) - you deserve it!

[@rtaskyy]

Wow incredible! Looking great Ashley

[@bethanyfenton2822]

You look great! And I totally get the doctors blaming everything on weight. Thank you for sharing !

[@BonnieHodge-e2p]

So happy for you and thanks for sharing.

[@WesinVan]

Good work getting healthy, you are an inspiration!

[@marysemr9915]

You look wonderful and have such a beautiful personality.

[@alveres9680]

Way to go Ashley! Your story patterns my own (hugs) my brother drank himself to death. In 2022 I became carnivore as a result of gaining 40 lbs. I couldn’t function. I’m down that 40+, walking daily and getting so much better! Holding you in my heart, a whole foods sister and fellow plant herder!

[@genahowe4206]

You look fantastic! Congratulations on your successful health journey and the ability to understand your own body's needs. Yes, cortisol from stress can play a huge roll in weight gain and the inability to lose it. Sorry for your losses and all you had to go through, but you came out stronger. Here's to a wonderful year ahead for you!

[@NextTimeAround]

This video is so encouraging. Thank you

[@MaineGirlGrows]

You look fabulous! I’m so happy for you and your place on how you’re feeling. Keep it up! Hopefully someday I can be there!

[@oltrapper7984]

I've went through something very similar recently. Loss is always traumatic for me. Sending you positive energy my friend and blessings

[@lisalikesplants]

My condolences to you on the loss of your mom and grandmother. There's no stress like that. You deserve a great life and I wish you health and happiness. I'm making some changes too after a garbage year😂 2025 is gonna be better! 🌱🌱🌱