The Cultivate an Exceptional life Podcast is where Leisa Watkins uncovers stories, strategies, and resources designed to inspire and encourage you to cultivate better health, more happiness, and joy, despite the challenges life throws in our path.
Kitchen Kettle Village, Lancaster, PA On a trip through the gentle countryside of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. I found myself drawn to the charming embrace of Kitchen Kettle Village, nestled in the heart of Intercourse, PA (Yes, that is the name of the town). It is...
There is a quiet magic in the way nature speaks to us, how it whispers in colors, textures, and shapes, captivating our senses with its simple yet profound beauty. The Red Hills Desert Garden in St. George, Utah, is one such place—where the arid landscape of the...
A Look Inside Central Market Lancaster County Pennsylvania I wandered through Central Market on a recent trip to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I literally stumbled upon it as I was photographing the historical character of Lancaster. At the time I had no idea how much...
Curb Appeal Ideas from Lancaster Pennsylvania Downtown Lancaster Pennsylvania has many homes with some great curb appeal. Lancaster is the oldest inland city in the United States. It has a lot of old historic buildings. So many of the homes and businesses in downtown...
3 Days In Lancaster County, Pennsylvania I have wanted to go to Lancaster Pennsylvania for many years. It started back in my early twenties when I spent my time creating and selling handcrafted items. I guess I wanted to go see what the Amish, who are expert...
6 Ways Art Can Benefit Your Health & Happiness Viewing Art Contributes to Health The Nord-Trondelag Health Study, conducted in Norway, collected information from 130,000 people ages 13 and up. The facilitators questioned more than 50,000 men and women about how...
Welcome to Cultivate an Exceptional Life. I am so grateful to have you here, and I’m Leisa Watkins, your guide on this transformative journey. Living with chronic illness—multiple sclerosis, PTSD, Lyme disease, and a host of other health challenges—I’ve learned that resilience is not simply about enduring; it’s about thriving with grace, despite the storms. I’ve also watched my dear ones face their own battles, and through it all, I have come to understand the deep strength that resides within us all.
This site is born from my heart—a place where I offer you the wisdom I’ve gained, the resources that have brought me light, and the research that has inspired me to believe in the endless possibilities for healing and growth. It’s a haven designed to nourish your soul, uplift your spirit, and help you cultivate a life that is not just survived, but fully embraced, even amidst the challenges of chronic illness.
As we step forward together, know that you are not alone on this journey. We will discover new pathways, unfold the layers of healing, and cultivate an extraordinary life—one that feels deeply, wonderfully, and beautifully yours.