From Pain to Purpose: How Dyan Finds Joy Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Today on Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with the unstoppable force that is Dyan — an artist, meditator, and self-proclaimed “witchy free spirit” who’s been living with rheumatoid arthritis for fifty years and still finds ways to laugh through it all.

Dyan’s story is one of strength, humor, and pure heart. She talks about growing up wild in the ’60s, getting hit by a bus as a kid (yep, literally), and finding peace through meditation and tai chi. Diagnosed in her twenties, Dyan refused to let pain define her life — instead, she built a toolbox of mindfulness, creativity, and compassion that’s kept her grounded through every twist.

She shares how to live with acceptance instead of resistance, why laughter is medicine, and how joy always starts within. This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, wrapped in warmth and wit.

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Mental Health Quote: “Even when life hurts like hell, there’s still room for laughter, light, and love.” — G-Rex

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Episode Description

Dyan’s voice radiates calm, compassion, and just the right amount of sass. She opens up about growing up during the wild ‘60s, where “sex, drugs, and rock and roll” shaped her fearless outlook on life. But when rheumatoid arthritis hit in her early twenties, everything changed — her body, her plans, and her perspective.

Instead of giving up, Dyan leaned into life itself. She found meditation, tai chi, and yoga long before they were trending hashtags. She talks about learning to listen to her body, to stop people-pleasing, and to embrace the messy, magical reality of aging with humor and grace.

What’s so powerful about Dyan’s story isn’t just her survival — it’s her mindset. She still creates art, leads chair yoga at her local library, and shares hugs like they’re oxygen. G-Rex and Dirty Skittles dive into how she handles chronic pain, anxiety, and those “can’t-get-out-of-bed” days with self-compassion and laughter.

This one’s for anyone who’s ever felt broken, stuck, or worn down by life. Dyan reminds us that healing isn’t about going back — it’s about finding peace right where you are.

SEO Keywords: rheumatoid arthritis, chronic illness, chronic pain, mindfulness, meditation, mental health awareness, resilience, positive mindset, women’s health, healing journey, self-care, mental wellness, acceptance, finding joy, chronic illness stories

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Meet Our Guest — Dyan

Dyan is a lifelong seeker, artist, and advocate for self-healing. Born in New York City, she spent her early years exploring everything life threw at her — from hitchhiking across the country to diving deep into meditation and tai chi. Living with rheumatoid arthritis for five decades, Dyan has become a model of perseverance and joy, teaching chair yoga at her local library, creating vibrant watercolor art, and spreading love wherever she goes.

Why She Matters:
Because she’s living proof that pain doesn’t get to call the shots. Dyan shows us how to live fully — body, mind, and soul — with humor, wisdom, and zero apologies.

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Key Takeaways

• Chronic illness doesn’t define your worth — your attitude does.
• Meditation and breathing can ground you even on the hardest days.
• Joy is an inside job; stop waiting for perfect circumstances.
• Acceptance beats resistance — what you fight owns you.
• A good laugh and a good hug can change everything.

 

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Actionable Items

• Try box breathing (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4) next time anxiety hits.
• Practice gratitude grounding — step outside barefoot and say one thing you’re thankful for.
• Start a 5-minute meditation routine, even if it’s messy.

 

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References Mentioned

• Dalai Lama quote on letting go of what you can’t change
• Box breathing technique (used by Navy SEALs)
• Tai Chi and meditation practices for chronic pain
• “The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire” (Dyan’s current read)

 

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Important Chapters

00:01:00 – Meet Dyan: From New York City to upstate New York — and a wild ‘60s upbringing.
00:10:00 – Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis: