What in the World?!

1. Embrace Your Uniqueness: Normal is Overrated

As an adult, you look back and think, Whoa, we were so not normal.

The Fletcher Family's Quirks. Leanne's upbringing in rural Tennessee was anything but ordinary. From a Coca-Cola machine in their home to a family-run grocery store that doubled as a town social hub, the Fletchers were a unique bunch. This unconventional environment shaped Leanne's perspective, teaching her that being different is not only okay but also special.

• The family's grocery store was a stage for Leanne's early performances.
• Her mother's glamorous style contrasted with the rural setting.
• Their home was a gathering place, not just a house.

Rejecting Conformity. Leanne's family didn't fit the mold of their small town, and she learned to embrace this difference. This early exposure to nonconformity instilled in her a sense of individuality and a willingness to stand out. This mindset became a foundation for her later life, where she pursued unconventional paths and embraced her unique voice.

Finding Your Own Path. Leanne's story encourages readers to celebrate their own quirks and differences. It's a reminder that what makes us unique is often what makes us special. Instead of striving for normalcy, we should embrace our individuality and find our own paths.

2. Confidence is Built, Not Bestowed

I thought I was special because my mama told me I was, every single day.

The Power of Affirmation. Leanne's mother, Lucille, played a crucial role in building her confidence. By constantly telling her she was funny, pretty, and smart, Lucille instilled in Leanne a strong sense of self-worth. This early affirmation laid the groundwork for Leanne's later success.

• Lucille's daily praise boosted Leanne's self-esteem.
• She was encouraged to express herself and be the center of attention.
• Her family's doting made her feel special.

Confidence Through Action. Leanne's confidence wasn't just built on words; it was also built through action. She actively sought out opportunities to perform, whether it was tap-dancing for an insurance salesman or hamming it up for a photographer at the mall. These experiences reinforced her belief in her own abilities.

Embracing Your Spark. Leanne's story highlights the importance of nurturing your inner "spark." By embracing your unique talents and seeking out opportunities to shine, you can build confidence and achieve your goals. It's a reminder that confidence is not something you're born with, but something you cultivate through self-belief and action.

3. Attraction to "Crazy" Can Lead to Unexpected Paths

I was attracted to crazy in the short term. But, long term, I’m very attracted to ambition.

The Allure of Drama. In her college years, Leanne found herself drawn to men who were "twisted" and "damaged." She sought out high-drama relationships, believing she could "fix" these men. This attraction to chaos led her down some unexpected and often painful paths.

• She dated a series of "pitiful boys" who were completely wrong for her.
• She sought out men who were brooding and insecure.
• She believed she could "fix" them with her love.

Learning from Mistakes. While these relationships were often tumultuous, they taught Leanne valuable lessons about herself and what she truly wanted in a partner. She realized that she was attracted to ambition and stability, not just drama. This realization helped her make better choices in the future.

Finding Balance. Leanne's story is a reminder that sometimes, our attraction to the "wrong" things can lead us to discover what's truly right for us. By learning from our mistakes and embracing our experiences, we can find balance and create a more fulfilling life.

4. Financial Struggles Can Spark Creativity and Resilience

I’ve never been more broke in my life than after Evan and I split up.

Hitting Rock Bottom. After her divorce, Leanne found herself broke and living on a friend's couch. This period of financial hardship forced her to get creative and find new ways to make a living. It was during this time that she discovered her talent for connecting with people through makeup and humor.

• She worked multiple jobs to make ends meet.
• She lived with two male roommates in a dingy apartment.
• She felt like an outcast and was grasping for direction.

Finding Opportunity in Adversity. Leanne's financial struggles led her to take a job at a department store makeup counter, where she discovered her ability to connect with women and make them laugh. This experience laid the groundwork for her future career in comedy.

Resilience and Resourcefulness. Leanne's story is a testament to the power of resilience and resourcefulness. By embracing her challenges and finding creative solutions, she was able to overcome adversity and build a more fulfilling life. It's a reminder that sometimes, our greatest strengths are forged in the fires of hardship.

5. The Power of "Doing" Over "Talking" in Relationships

He was on fire for me. That was obvious. But I didn’t get it.

Chuck's Actions Speak Louder Than Words. Leanne's husband, Chuck, was not a talker. Instead of using words to express his feelings, he showed his love through acts of service. He cleaned her apartment, bought her gifts, and even grilled shrimp on the street for her. These actions, though unconventional, were his way of showing how much he cared.

• He cleaned the women's bathroom at her job so she wouldn't have to.
• He bought her a purse after she complimented someone else's.
• He grilled shrimp on the street because she mentioned she was craving it.

Love Languages. Chuck's actions highlight the importance of understanding different love languages. While Leanne craved words of affirmation, Chuck expressed his love through acts of service. This difference in communication styles caused some friction in their relationship, but it also taught them the importance of appreciating each other's unique ways of showing love.

Actions Over Words. Leanne's story is a reminder that actions often speak louder than words. By paying attention to the ways people show their love, we can better understand their feelings and build stronger relationships. It's a reminder that love is not just about what we say, but what we do.

6. Motherhood: A Journey of Unexpected Twists and Turns

My life started with you.

The Unpredictability of Pregnancy. Leanne's pregnancies were far from the idyllic experiences often portrayed in media. From morning sickness to hemorrhoids to a breech birth, she faced a series of unexpected challenges. These experiences taught her that motherhood is not always easy or glamorous.

• She had a C-section after her baby was breech.
• She had to sit on a doughnut pillow because of hemorrhoids.
• She had to deal with a husband who was more concerned about saving money than her well-being.

The Joy of Motherhood. Despite the challenges, Leanne found immense joy in motherhood. She loved her children fiercely and felt a deep sense of purpose in caring for them. This love sustained her through the difficult times and gave her a new perspective on life.

Finding Your Own Way. Leanne's story is a reminder that there is no one "right" way to be a mother. By embracing the unexpected twists and turns of motherhood and finding joy in the journey, we can create a fulfilling and meaningful experience for ourselves and our children.

7. Finding Your Voice: From Jewelry Parties to the Stage

I was window dressing. And let me tell you, I made that choir look good with my big hair and my glossed lips that moved in sync.

The Accidental Comedian. Leanne's journey to becoming a comedian was far from conventional. She started by selling jewelry at home parties, where she discovered her ability to connect with women through humor and storytelling. This unexpected path led her to find her true calling.

• She used her wit and charm to sell jewelry.
• She shared personal stories about motherhood and marriage.
• She made women laugh and feel understood.

From Parties to the Stage. Leanne's success at jewelry parties gave her the confidence to try stand-up comedy. She started performing at local venues, honing her craft and developing her unique voice. This journey was not without its challenges, but it ultimately led her to find her place on the stage.

Embracing Your Unique Voice. Leanne's story is a reminder that sometimes, our greatest talents are discovered in the most unexpected places. By embracing our unique voices and sharing our stories with the world, we can find our true purpose and make a meaningful impact.

8. The Importance of Faith and Humor in Life's Rollercoaster

I’ve survived mine by trying to find the funny in every situation and, eventually, having the faith that things will sort themselves out.

Finding the Funny. Leanne's life has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs, but she has always managed to find the humor in every situation. This ability to laugh at herself and her circumstances has helped her navigate the challenges of life with grace and resilience.

• She used humor to cope with her bad marriage.
• She found the funny in her struggles with motherhood.
• She made light of her own insecurities and flaws.

The Power of Faith. Leanne's faith has also been a source of strength and comfort throughout her life. She believes that God has a plan for her and that everything will eventually work out for the best. This faith has helped her to persevere through difficult times and to find meaning in her experiences.

A Balanced Approach. Leanne's story highlights the importance of balancing humor and faith in our lives. By finding the funny in our struggles and trusting in a higher power, we can navigate the ups and downs of life with greater resilience and joy.

9. The Unexpected Blessings of Setbacks and Detours

Every time you find yourself saying “What in the world?” you’re one step closer to getting where you want to go.

The Sitcom That Never Was. Leanne's dream of having her own sitcom was dashed when the writers' strike of 2007 hit. This setback was devastating at the time, but it ultimately led her down a different path that was more aligned with her true purpose.

• She was told she was going to be the next Bill Cosby.
• She met with writers and network executives.
• Her show was canceled before it even got off the ground.

Finding a New Path. While the cancellation of her sitcom was a major disappointment, it also freed her up to pursue other opportunities. She started performing at comedy clubs and eventually found her way to Dry Bar Comedy, which led to her big break.

Trusting the Process. Leanne's story is a reminder that setbacks and detours are often a part of the journey. By trusting the process and embracing the unexpected, we can find our way to where we're meant to be. It's a reminder that sometimes, the greatest blessings come from the most unexpected places.

10. The Power of Community and Connection

The reason this has all happened to me is because of y’all. You found me, and now I hope this book finds you.

The Importance of Relationships. Leanne's story is filled with examples of the power of community and connection. From her family to her friends to her fans, she has always relied on the support and love of others. These relationships have been a source of strength, joy, and inspiration throughout her life.

• Her family has always been her biggest support system.
• Her friends have helped her through difficult times.
• Her fans have given her the platform to share her voice.

Building Meaningful Connections. Leanne's story highlights the importance of building meaningful connections with others. By being open, authentic, and vulnerable, we can create relationships that enrich our lives and help us navigate the challenges of life.

The Power of "Y'all." Leanne's story is a reminder that we are all interconnected. By supporting and uplifting one another, we can create a more loving and compassionate world. It's a reminder that we are all in this together and that we can achieve more when we work together.

11. Aging Gracefully: Embracing Change and Imperfection

I’m pretty sure that precious Mother Teresa did not wear a bikini either.

The Inevitability of Change. Leanne's story is a reminder that change is inevitable. As we age, our bodies change, our priorities shift, and our lives take unexpected turns. By embracing these changes and accepting our imperfections, we can navigate the aging process with greater grace and resilience.

• She had to come to terms with her changing body.
• She had to adjust to the empty nest.
• She had to accept that her career path was not what she expected.

Finding Beauty in Imperfection. Leanne's story encourages us to find beauty in our imperfections. By embracing our flaws and celebrating our unique qualities, we can create a more authentic and fulfilling life. It's a reminder that true beauty comes from within, not from external appearances.

Focusing on What Matters. Leanne's story highlights the importance of focusing on what truly matters in life. By prioritizing our relationships, our health, and our purpose, we can create a life that is both meaningful and joyful. It's a reminder that aging is not something to be feared, but something to be embraced.

Last updated: February 3, 2025