We recently connected with Kristie Hill and have shared our conversation below.
Kristie, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Life often pushes us into situations where we must choose between remaining in our comfort zones or taking risks that could change everything. My journey has been defined by moments where I faced this choice head-on, and each time, I chose to leap into the unknown, not knowing what awaited me. These risks have shaped who I am today.
In 2008, I made the life-altering decision to press charges against my abuser—a risk that felt overwhelming at the time. Speaking publicly about the domestic violence I endured took years. For a long time, I blamed myself. The man I pressed charges against was not only my abuser but also the father of my child. The legal battle was grueling, lasting over three years and filled with fear, persecution, and threats. I moved multiple times to ensure our safety, endured relentless stalking, and even slept with a chair under the door out of sheer terror.
The aftermath was brutal. For three years, I navigated the court system while facing constant fear and persecution from my abuser and his family. This took a toll on my mental health, leading to severe depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and PTSD. However, I knew I couldn’t stay silent. Seeking help through therapy and support groups was another risk, but it led to healing and self-acceptance. The journey to forgiveness, both for myself and my abuser, was long and painful, but it allowed me to reclaim my life. I want to be clear that me forgiving him was for me to heal. The hate was keeping me in bondage. My faith teaches me to keep my heart pure and forgiveness allowed me to move forward.
In March of 2012, I faced the devastating loss of my mother, who was my best friend and my rock. Losing her while dealing with abuse, and single parenthood felt overwhelming. The road has been anything but smooth. There were days when I struggled to find hope, battling depression, and even contemplating suicide. Just a few months later, in September of 2012, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, another significant challenge that took over my life. The illness resulted in two bowel resections and a complete disruption of everything I knew. When my doctor told me I would never work again, I felt devastated. For eight years, I was out of the workforce, struggling to manage severe symptoms, including chronic pain, extreme fatigue, and significant weight loss. But deep down, I knew I wasn’t finished. I had a story to tell and a purpose to fulfill. But through it all, I held onto my faith, drawing strength from a favorite Bible verse, Isaiah 61:3, which speaks of beauty for ashes and joy instead of mourning. This verse reminded me that my pain had a purpose and that brighter days were ahead.
Another significant leap I took was becoming an Ambassador for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) with the nonprofit organization Color of Gastrointestinal Illnesses. This role required me to be vulnerable and share the realities of living with an invisible disease, something I never anticipated doing. However, it has given me the opportunity to advocate for others facing similar challenges. Recently, I attended an advocacy event at the U.S. Capitol, where I met with Congress members to advocate for legislation that benefits our community. Being a part of this community has been incredibly rewarding, turning my struggles into a powerful platform for change.
My journey has taught me that risk-taking is essential for growth, even when the path is uncertain. Pressing charges against my abuser, raising my daughter alone, and returning to work after being told I couldn’t—each risk was accompanied by fear and uncertainty but also brought unexpected rewards. Embracing life as a single, disabled mother has shown me that we are stronger than we realize, and sometimes, the greatest rewards come from the risks we are most afraid to take.
Outside of my advocacy work, I’ve found joy in life’s simple pleasures. I love spending time with my family and friends, traveling, shopping, and serving others. I’ve also embraced new challenges, becoming a travel agent, working on my first book, and planning to start my nonprofit organization. These pursuits bring me happiness and fulfillment, reminding me that life is about more than just surviving—it’s about thriving.
Throughout this journey, I’ve also learned the importance of compassion, understanding, and communication. My experiences have given me the gift of empathy, allowing me to connect with others and offer encouragement in their darkest moments. Therapy played a crucial role in my healing, teaching me to confront my emotions and understand that they have a story to tell. My advice to anyone facing difficult times is to start with yourself—have honest conversations, listen to your heart, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Life is unpredictable, but it’s also full of possibilities.
I’m grateful to my parents, who were pastors and instilled in me a foundation of faith that has guided me through life’s toughest challenges. Watching them face their own health struggles with grace and resilience taught me how to fight through adversity. My mother’s strength and my father’s enduring spirit continue to inspire me every day. My faith in God has been my anchor. I’m grateful every day I wake up, whether I feel well or not. If I had to do it all over again, I would choose the same path. These trials have shaped me into the person I am today. Another verse I hold close is Ecclesiastes 9:11: The race isn’t given to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but to those who endure to the end. Life has challenges, but you must fight to the end. Endings also birth new beginnings. In the end, taking risks has been key to my growth. Each one, no matter how daunting, has brought me closer to the person I’m meant to be. And for that, I am deeply grateful.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m a passionate advocate for individuals living with chronic illnesses like Crohn’s disease, a condition I’ve battled for over a decade. My journey also includes overcoming domestic violence, an experience that has deeply shaped my commitment to helping others. Having firsthand knowledge of the challenges that come with both chronic illness and personal trauma, I chose to share my story to advocate for those facing similar struggles, push for legislative changes, and raise awareness about life with invisible diseases. For many women I want them to see that life does get better after the trauma. It’s not easy and you definitely have to fight. Silence the voice that tells you it was your fault or you’re not good enough. They are all LIES! Use your pain and find purpose. I’m a true example of that. God will lead and guide you. Trust him and yourself. You are still alive, and the world need to hear your story.
In addition to my advocacy work, I recently launched my business, Royal Legacy Travel, where I specialize in creating royal cruise experiences. What sets me apart is my dedication to transforming personal challenges into opportunities for change, both in healthcare and in crafting joyful travel experiences. I’m most proud of the positive impact I’m able to make in the lives of others through my advocacy work and travel agency.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
When I received my Crohn’s diagnosis, it felt like the ground had been ripped out from under me. After years of sickness without answers, finally knowing what was wrong was both a relief and a new source of fear. Living with a disease where there is no cure is one of the hardest things I’ve had to endure. My doctor told me I would never be able to work again and that my life would have to drastically change. I was devastated. This new life now consisted of an overwhelming number of doctors’ visits, hospital admissions, endling testing and so much pain. The symptoms of Crohn’s disease—severe abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, anemia and diarrhea with constant trips to the bathroom—were debilitating, and I had no idea how I would manage my life, let alone care for my daughter. The surgeries were tough—two bowel resections that left me physically and emotionally drained. The recovery was long, and there were many days when I felt like giving up. But every time I hit rock bottom; I found a way to pull myself back up. I leaned on my faith, reminding myself that there was a purpose in my pain, even when I couldn’t see it.
I refused to let this illness define me. Even though I had minimal support, and my family didn’t fully understand what I was going through at the time, I knew I had to fight. I began researching everything I could about Crohn’s, learning how to advocate for myself in the healthcare system, and making lifestyle changes to manage my symptoms. Another one of my favorite scriptures that I leaned on through this health challenge was Jermiah 30;17 I will give you back your health and heal your wounds. I believed that God would give me restored health.
Returning to work after almost a decade was one of the most significant ways I demonstrated my resilience. Despite being told I would never work again; I knew that reclaiming that part of my life was essential for my well-being. It was a monumental risk, but I became a Citizen Scientist, working with researchers to improve health outcomes for cancer patients—a role deeply personal to me, as both my parents’ battled cancer. As a caregiver, it was important for me to understand their journey to provide the support needed. Life as a patient and caregiver has been extremely rewarding even with its challenges.
This experience taught me that resilience is about refusing to be defined by your circumstances. It’s about pushing forward, even when you’re terrified and exhausted, and finding the strength to keep going, no matter how many times you get knocked down. My journey with Crohn’s has been incredibly difficult, but it has also shown me how strong I am. I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about facing it head-on and coming out stronger on the other side. Now I am living a life restored.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that asking for help is a sign of weakness. Growing up, I was taught to be self-reliant and handle my problems independently. This mindset was reinforced by societal norms that often equate vulnerability with failure.
The backstory goes back to my early experiences with chronic illness and personal challenges. When I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and faced numerous difficulties, I tried to manage everything on my own, believing that asking for support would somehow undermine my strength or make me a burden to others. This approach led to isolation, depression and increased stress, as I struggled with the demands of my illness, the legal battle against my abuser, and single parenthood.
It wasn’t until I hit a particularly low point, feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, that I realized this belief was detrimental to my well-being. I began to seek help through therapy and support groups, where I discovered that vulnerability and asking for help are signs of courage and strength. Opening to others allowed me to share my struggles, receive support, and learn from the experiences of those in similar situations.
This shift in perspective was transformative. It taught me that relying on others and seeking help is not a weakness but an essential part of navigating life’s challenges. Embracing this lesson has improved my mental health, strengthened my relationships, and helped me build a supportive network that has been crucial in my journey toward healing and personal growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.royallegacytravel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristierenice?igsh=MTRxMTNzdzZibXZ3YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristie.hill2?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristie-hill-072653305?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
Professional Images
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