The Ultimate Virginia Travel Bucket List — Things to See, Do & Eat in Virginia
Few states carry as much of America’s story as Virginia. Eight U.S. presidents were born here — more than any other state — including four of the first five. More Civil War battles were fought on Virginia soil than anywhere else in the country. And yet, somehow,...
Planning a Trip to Historic Jamestowne? Here’s Everything You Should Know
As a homeschooling mom, I had wanted to take my children to historic Jamestowne for years—and I found it more interesting than I expected. Walking on the island, seeing the James River stretch beyond the horizon, and exploring the reconstructed fort and gardens, I...
Art for Emotional Healing When You’re Living with Chronic Illness
Living with chronic illness means carrying emotions that most people around you can’t fully see — the grief of a body that changed, the exhaustion of fighting for answers, the fear of what comes next. These feelings are real, and they deserve a real outlet. Art for...
Cultivate Moments: The Bird Who Reminded Me to Slow Down
This bird was paying no attention to me. He knew I didn’t have much to offer him. Instead, he looked to the fishermen off the Oceanside pier. He intently watched and waited for his free meal, patient and unhurried, as if the world were moving at just the right pace....
Eating for Chronic Illness: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let me be honest from the start: I feel a little hypocritical writing this right now. Our household has been under the Covid cloud. One night the only thing we could manage was a milkshake – and that was if we didn’t prepare it. Some days, that’s just...About Cultivate an Exceptional Life
Cultivate an Exceptional Life is a chronic illness community for women who are done waiting for their hard season to be over before they start really living.
Here you'll find honest stories, practical tools, and hard-won wisdom for building a life you love — alongside your illness, not in spite of waiting for it to get better.
Because an exceptional life doesn't just happen. It has to be cultivated.
Meet Leisa Watkins
Leisa is a chronic illness writer and advocate living with MS, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, and CFS/ME, and a mom navigating her kids' chronic illness journeys alongside her own.
She writes from lived experience and years of research, sharing practical strategies and compassionate guidance for women building a full life alongside chronic illness.
Not a medical professional. Please consult your healthcare provider for medical advice.
This is my favorite meal planning tool.
