Leslie and I discussed how she "came out" in high school, which set the stage for her being a strong woman who could handle what life dished out. Her Mom was diagnosed with a genetic condition in 1990 and passed away in 1992 at the age of 55, with brain and lung cancer, so there was never clear information for Leslie to fully understand the genetic condition. This genetic disease is a progressive neuromuscular disease and Leslie was diagnosed in her mid-30's. Fortunately, Leslie had adopted a radical self-care practice, as her disease has no cure or treatment. Diet, exercise, attitude, and relaxation has helped her live a full and more healthy lifestyle, already outliving her Mom by two years and counting.  She has watched others with the disease die, and by all accounts, she herself should have died already. We openly discussed wills, health directives, and different ways to handle death.

website: http://glasshalffull.online/ Twitter: @Leslie_GHF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glasshalffullonline LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliekrongold/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlassHalfFullOnline/

In her words:

In Episode #1 of the Glass Half Full podcast, you’ll learn more about me and the foundation for this blog and podcast. But, for now…

I was born and raised in South Florida. I left as soon as I could; heat and humidity have never agreed with me. I started my college years in New York City! A great place to live when you’re young.

Looking for excitement, I moved to Northern California just in time for the Loma Prieta earthquake. I worked for a while in documentary filmmaking and eventually focused my career on educational multimedia. Hand stiffness led me to see a neurologist and through a rather brief diagnostic odyssey, I was told I have a rare genetic condition called myotonic dystrophy (DM).

The multi-systemic nature of DM and its gradual progression has changed my life. Yet I often experience this as a bittersweet turn of events. Had I not been diagnosed early enough I may have wasted more time; now I am very intentional, mindful, and appreciative of life’s many joys.

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