Home 9 About Us | Living with Chronic Illness and Disability

Hello, dear friend.

I’m Leisa Watkins.

Blogger. Speaker. Author. Life Coach. Change Maker.

Like you, I’ve faced the unexpected storms of life—those moments when the winds shift suddenly, catching us off guard.

Life is full of surprises.
Life can be messy.
And yes, sometimes life is undeniably hard.

But within every storm lies a seed—a chance to grow something extraordinary.

Here’s my story.

My family and I have navigated more than our share of trials: over 25 diagnoses of chronic illnesses, life-altering injuries, the grief of nine miscarriages, the trauma of sexual assault, and the heartbreak of financial loss. There were seasons when the challenges came in waves, relentless and overwhelming.

I remember the week I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. It felt like the ground beneath me had shifted. But life wasn’t finished testing us—my husband was diagnosed with cancer the same week. As we faced our own battles, our daughters were also grappling with health challenges of their own.

There were weeks I thought would break us. One in particular stands out: we lost our car, our power and water were shut off, and I found myself reaching out to strangers for help—a humbling act of courage. Another time, my husband was a passenger in a car struck by a drunk driver. His recovery took months, while our daughter spent 30 days in a children’s hospital, and I battled my own worsening health.

Some years seemed to bring one loss after another. In a single month, I endured three surgeries, the devastating loss of a child to an ectopic pregnancy, and a car accident that left me shaken—one of three accidents I’ve survived.

Amidst these challenges, I sought answers. I immersed myself in research, connecting with online communities of people fighting similar battles. In those virtual circles, I found both heartbreak and hope—stories of people who had lost faith in life and those who had found a way to rise above.

Through it all, one truth anchored me: Life is worth living—and worth living well.

That truth ignited a calling within me, a mission to inspire and uplift others. From my own journey emerged Cultivate An Exceptional Life™, a space where I share the wisdom I’ve gathered—tips for improving health, insights into navigating medical conditions, and ways to rediscover joy even in the hardest seasons.

Here, you’ll find glimpses of what makes life beautiful: hobbies that bring delight, cherished family traditions, the joy of discovering a new favorite restaurant, and the restorative magic of travel.

My hope is that something I share will resonate with you—that it will plant a seed of hope, courage, or inspiration in your heart. Life may be filled with challenges, but it’s also filled with opportunities to grow, to love, and to create joy.

Together, we can cultivate a life that is not only exceptional but deeply, beautifully our own.

With love and gratitude,
Leisa

Also on this page:

There’s a Lot More to My Story

Throughout my journey, I’ve learned countless lessons that have shaped who I am today. If you’d like to dive deeper into my personal story and the experiences that have guided my path, I invite you to explore the blog posts tagged ‘My Story.’ Each one offers a closer look at the challenges I’ve faced, the wisdom I’ve gained, and how those lessons continue to impact my life and work. Click below to read more and join me on this part of my journey.”

I Am a Conflicted Vagabond

Some days, I dream of a life untethered—a lightness of being where I sell every earthly possession and set off to travel the world. I imagine myself making friends in quaint cafés, sharing stories over warm, flaky croissants in Paris, savoring fragrant curries in India, and immersing myself in the rhythms and traditions of each place I visit.

But then, the city beckons—a charming Brownstone nestled amidst its vibrant energy. I long to feel the heartbeat of urban life: evenings at the ballet, afternoons wandering through museums, thrilling moments at a football game, and lingering dinners where conversations flow as richly as the wine. I dream of connecting with people from all walks of life, learning the intricacies of their stories and the culture that shapes them.

And yet, another dream tugs at my heart—a quiet homestead in the countryside. I can see it so clearly: mornings spent gathering eggs from the chickens, afternoons with a good book on a front porch shaded by ancient trees, and evenings filled with the simple joys of nature and community.

It’s true—I’m wonderfully, beautifully conflicted. My heart doesn’t belong to just one place or way of life. It belongs to the connection, the culture, and the richness each dream holds. And maybe, just maybe, the beauty lies in weaving them all together.

Yep, I am totally conflicted.

  • Live in a Big City Brownstone 90% 90%
  • Travel the World 100% 100%
  • Live in the Country and Drink Lemonade 90% 90%

Careers I’ve Had

As a child, my heart was set on one dream: to be a prima ballerina. I spent countless hours imagining myself on stage, graceful and poised. That dream may not have come true, but I still found a way to bring dance into my life. I taught ballet to a group of neighborhood girls, and even to a college football team—helping them learn how to change direction quickly and jump higher.

For most of my life, another dream took root: I longed to be an FBI agent, or better yet, a criminal profiler. The closest I ever came to that world was being offered a job as a secretary for the FBI. But the allure of filing papers and answering phones didn’t quite match the excitement I had envisioned. So, I turned a new page and set off for college.

Yet, through all the twists and turns of my journey, one constant remained: my desire to be an entrepreneur. Since I was 14, I’ve always owned a business of some kind—except for the times I had to put things on hold due to illness. My true passion has always been about helping people break through the stumbling blocks of life, offering guidance and support when the road gets tough.

Along the way, I’ve worn many hats. I’ve been a banker, a traveling art teacher, a craft and hobby designer, a CEO, head of marketing, Digital Assets Director, web developer—and so much more. Each role, each experience, has shaped me into who I am today, fueling my ongoing journey of discovery, creativity, and service to others.

I Love to Travel

I love to travel. The idea of roaming the world, exploring new places, and immersing myself in different cultures—it’s not just a dream, it’s a calling. I used to imagine myself as a vagabond, wandering for years, learning, experiencing, growing.

So, it truly blows my mind when I hear that some people don’t like to travel.

I’ve heard it’s true—there are people out there who just don’t have that wanderlust in their bones.

If that’s you, I respect you. Really, I do.

But I have to ask…

Really?

You really don’t like to travel?

Are you sure?

Why not?

I don’t even know where this is. Do you? I want to walk down that street. I want to photograph it.

I want to see a scene like this.

And this.  Isn’t it incredible?

I Love to Create and View Art

Art is one of those gifts that truly enriches life in ways words can’t capture. It stirs the soul, sparks creativity, and adds layers of beauty to our days. I used to teach mixed media art at retreats and stores all across the country, sharing my love for the process and the joy it brings. Art has always been a major contributor to my own happiness.

That’s why I’ve dedicated an entire section of my blog to artful living. It’s still in its early stages, but this space will grow—just as art does, piece by piece, moment by moment. It’s a journey I’m excited to share, and I hope it brings a little more beauty into your life too.

I Love Photography

Photography is another passion that brings me joy and helps me capture the beauty in everyday moments. I’ve created a gratitude project where I share photos of the things I’m thankful for—those little treasures that add richness to life. You can follow along with the journey here or on Instagram.

Most of the photos I share are taken with my cell phone, so for me, camera quality is essential. It’s the one thing I truly care about when choosing a phone, as it allows me to capture the world just as I see it—full of wonder and appreciation.

Some of the medical issues we have been dealing with.

Some afflict more than one family member.

In our family, health challenges are a constant companion, affecting not just one, but often several of us at a time. From chronic illnesses to unexpected medical crises, we’ve faced a range of conditions that have shaped our lives in profound ways. We believe in the power of sharing our experiences, offering insights, and finding strength in community. Here, we share the details of the medical issues that have become part of our journey—hoping that by speaking openly, others may find comfort, support, and practical guidance in facing their own health battles.

  • Hashimoto’s
  • MTHFR Gene Mutation
  • Congestive Heart Failure
  • Workplace Injuries
  • Heart Issues
  • Blood Sugar Issues
  • Asthma
  • Internal Hemorrhaging/ Bleeding
  • Chronic Kidney Disease
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Sepsis
  • Blood Clots
  • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Osteoporisis
  • and a few other issue like appendicitis, gall-bladder removal, torn meniscus