We're NOT Crazy

We're NOT crazy. Our necks ARE pulling, and the tremors ARE real. Too many of us have gone undiagnosed...so, let's not let this happen to others.

Let's share all the helpful information about Cervical Dystonia we can, and guide the ones that are suffering to see a MOVEMENT DISORDER SPECIALIST.

Put Yourself First and Dystonia Second

How many of us feel stuck? Can't seem to get ahead? Family, friends, and careers are effected by our unhappiness? 

A Certified Professional Coach...with a degree in Psychology...can give you tools and techniques that will take from the place you are now, to the place you want to be in life. People who excel have made the "choice" to move forward. 

Dystonia can have physical, mental, and emotional challenges that hold many of us back. We all have different types of Dystonia, with different challenges. I get that. I have Cervical Dystonia, and there are so many things that it's taken away from my life...and there are so many things it's added to my life. I've learned to adjust, become more creative, learn, and move forward towards a happier life that works for me. You can too! It's all about putting ourselves first and Dystonia second. I bet you never miss an opportunity to get to the doctor to treat your Dystonia, but you've allowed yourself to miss opportunities to enjoy the outdoors or meeting up with good friends because you've allowed Dystonia to be an excuse to LIVE and be HAPPY. We ALL deserve to LIVE and be HAPPY, whether we have Dystonia or not.

What if you can work on one thing, just one thing, you can change that will make your life easier/happier. What would that be? What would your life look like, feel like, after that change is made?

Life and Relationship coaching can help you identify what's blocking you, create an action plan, be by your side throughout your journey, and celebrate your achievements with you. Call for a free consultation, and start your journey today. Please note that price per session is different for Coaching someone with Dystonia. Call for free consultation and pricing today. 

www.donnaleakeclc.com

Why Hire A Coach Who Has Dystonia?

When I was diagnosed with Dystonia...

- I was at the point where my neck was constantly pulling and twitching.

- Every time I bent down to pick something up, my head would turn upwards to the left, and I wasn't able to see what I was reaching for.

- Using my arms/hands, to do simple things that we take for granted, was becoming impossible. The pain from my head twisting and turning had me in tears at times. These simple tasks were things like...opening the mail, cutting my food, zipping up my jacket, tying my sneakers, putting on socks, buttoning my pants...and even worse, all of these things effected me more as I was trying to do them all for my child each day.

- The anxiety that came from the embarrassment of people watching my head pull/twitch was enough to make anyone want to stay home. To this day, putting groceries or clothing by a register and reaching for my wallet can instantly cause my dystonic spasms to increase, while my heart is pounding out of my chest with anxieties that others are watching me.

- I had so many specialists tell me their thoughts of what was going on with me...I was just tense from stress, that an x-ray had shown I had a little arthritis in my neck, all I needed was an adjustment from a chiropractor, all I needed was an epidural procedure on my discs and I would be fine, etc.

- Finally a doctor was able to give me a diagnoses, and I was able to get the proper treatment. Which was Botox injections every 3 months for the rest of my life. Treatment was a success, pulls were less noticeable, and I was able to do all the simple things again without being in pain.

8 1/2 years ago I began treatment. I still have my challenges, but I am so used to living with this condition that I only notice it most when I'm stressed out or haven't done yoga/physical activity.

What's the purpose of this post? Not to tell my story over and over again, but to remind myself what I went through to get to where I am today. To remind myself that there are so many others that are still undiagnosed, still searching for a treatment that will work for them, have become depressed, have become introverted, have financial struggles, etc.

If you are someone who is suffering from Dystonia, are a caretaker for someone suffering from Dystonia, or know of someone with Dystonia please contact me for coaching. I can help you move to a happier/healthier place. I know, better than anyone else who doesn't have Dystonia, what your struggles are, what your worries are, what your pain feels like, the embarrassment from stares, and how it feels when others question your disease.

Don't wait any longer to reach out. My contact number is 631-988-4001, my email is donnaleakeclc@gmail.com I want to help!

The Benefits of Essential Oils for Dystonia

Living with Dystonia is painful; emotionally, mentally, and physically. That's why it's extremely important, for all those who are suffering from Dystonia, to take care of ourselves. Botox has helped with the spasms in my neck, but my anxieties, headaches, adrenal fatigue, sinus colds/infections, etc needed immediate care.

I began researching essential oils, and immediately became overwhelmed. No one gave me answers as to how these plant/flower/root based oils can add to my health. My sister hosted a Young Living Essential Oil workshop at her house, and I became even more curious. I purchased my premium starter kit and an essential oil desk reference guide, and with the help of fellow Young Living Members and Youtube videos, I began taking better care of my health.

Since using these oils on a daily basis, I've quickly learned which oils my body responds to best. My headaches have subsided, I haven't had a cold in seven months, my mood has been elevated, my muscles are more relaxed and I don't have the aches and pains like I used to.

After doing much research, Young Living Essential Oils are the only essential oils I have been using, and will continue to use. First off, their logo is SEED to SEAL. Which means, they take the plant, root, flower, etc right to the distillery and bottle it up. They DON'T add anything to their oils...no fillers or perfumes, like most other essential oil brand do. One factor why Young Living Essential Oils may be a bit pricier than others is because it takes so many plants, roots, flowers, etc to completely fill a bottle of their essential oil.

Also, once a member of Young Living, you can get a 20% discount on future oils, discounted shipping costs, and earn money when you sign up others to become Young Living Members. You're not obligated to sell any of their products, but if you have a friend or family member who is interested and they buy a premium starter kit from you, you automatically get $50 sent from Young Living...and when they begin purchasing more oils for themselves, you receive a percentage of that sale. Which means, Young Living cuts you another check for their purchases. Need to say more? If you're looking for a way to make a good income, or side money, this is a great way to do so.

If you have dystonia and want to better your overall health, do yourself a favor and take a look at Young Living's website, peek at some of the Youtube videos from other Young Living Members, or contact me with any questions you have. I'm a believer in Young Living essential oils, and I know once you get starter, you will be too. I will be here to support you on your journey. Please note, that we are all different, so what may work for me, may not work for the next person. However, you will find that oil or oil blend that does wonders for what you're looking for it to do.

My Young Living Distributor # is 3975903, if you are ready to purchase your premium starter kit. If you have any questions, please email me at donnaleakeclc@gmail.com or call me at 631.988.4001



A Life Coach can help.

Support Groups for Dystonia

What kind of a support group are you looking for? Are you a caregiver for someone suffering from Dystonia? Are you suffering from Dystonia? Are you physically capable, or comfortable, leaving your house to make a support meeting if one was available in your area...or would it be easier for you if the support group came to you?

These are the things to consider when creating a Dystonia support group. I receive emails from foundations about support groups they're holding. I have yet to attend any because of these reasons...the location, the times they hold them, and the activities they offer...and I'm one who suffers with Dystonia that's able to be present to all that they offer. What about the ones who cannot leave their homes? I've yet to receive an email stating that has a support group reaches out to those with Dystonia who can't travel, unable to sit still during workshops or participate in physical activities, or are emotionally at their wits end with their pain. Perhaps a support group that phones in, Skypes, or FaceTimes all of those who are not able to leave their home?

If you know of any support groups that are available to personally reach the ones who can't physical get out of their house, please forward any information you have, so I can share it on this blog for others to share.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone

We all have a comfort zone. A place where we are familiar, surrounded by a sense of security. Our comfort zone can help us stay true to who we are...staying balanced and centered...allowing us to live within our means. Sounds like a nice place to stay, doesn't it? For some, yes, but for the rest of us who want more out of life, we will have to take a step out into the uncomfortable every once in a while.

Think of a moment in your life when you stayed in your comfort zone, instead of taking a chance. What kept you in your comfort zone? Was it motivation, fear, lack of experience, or finances?

What if you did take that chance? What would your life look like today? Where would you be? Describe what you would be feeling? Who would be with you?


Dystonia can prevent us from doing things that are planned out. Most likely because we never know when our "good days" or "bad days" are going to be. By taking the opportunity to step out of our comfort zone on the "good days" and do begin doing things we got used to NOT doing...like going for a quick walk, reading or writing, visiting a friend, or inviting your family over for a visit...we will be able to explore life more and grow as a person. Dystonia is part of our life, it's not our life.

Know your comfort zone, create a list of what you want to do, and when the opportunity comes along, step out of your comfort zone and make it happen!

Sometimes The Push Is Too Hard

Okay, so my last post was about needing a push every once in a while to get myself moving. Today's post is going to be about knowing when the "push" may have been a little too much.

As I walked into yoga class yesterday, I literally felt like crying. My body was aching, and the thoughts of holding some of the poses that my instructor was about to get into was not making it any better.

My body started reacting to the negative thoughts that were going through my head. "I'm tired." "I can't wait till this is over." "Why did I come to class today?" My teacher noticed and would come over and help me with some of the poses, or tell me to try a more "gentle" pose. I wanted to cry!!!! I just wanted the class to end, so I could feel the pain and just go home and deal with it on my couch.

Moments later, towards the end of the class, we were asked to do a balance pose...which I needed all my concentration in order to balance on one leg while holding my other leg up in the air. I found a spot on the wall in front of me and began to focus. Moments later, we were asked to switch to the other leg, and I began my focus once again. As I finished that pose, I felt an extreme calmness come over me. I wasn't angry, I didn't want to cry, and I wasn't hurting. I actually felt relaxed!

How was I able to go from extreme anger to complete serenity? It was my focus. As soon as I created that switch, the change occurred. By taking back my control, I was able to find balance and remain centered for the rest of the day ahead of me.

What do you focus on, when you're having an "off" day? I'd love to hear from you.