Reimagining Life Podcast: from Pain to Purpose

Welcome to Reimagining Life Podcast, episode three. This episode features David's

reimagining story and how art has become an important part of his life. We learn about David’s

active early life and how Ankylosing Spondylitis interrupted his graduate school experience and

led to changing his academic and career goals. David's creativity inspired him to start painting,

and he shares his unique process and how watercolor painting helped him create an escape

from his chronic pain. David immerses himself in the landscapes he paints, with a keen eye for

detail and shades. We learn about how David learned to be an artist and sought feedback to

continue to hone his craft. David dreams of one day having an exhibition of his paintings. He

shares his wise and optimistic outlook on life, and some of his artwork.

Transcript available here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1C0hyL1GbTOBDWoq3fxEfr0hxV8yWkxoRiTDGABIVEZk/edit?usp=share_link

Welcome to Reimagining Life Podcast, episode two, part B. In this episode RiRi shares how she

learned to listen to and work with her body, which helped her regain joy in physical activities.

She shares her experiences navigating the impact of her physical condition on her life and how

people have reacted to her disability. RiRi found a new purpose in creating the Reimagining Life

Podcast to support other Reimaginers and she shares about the process of building the podcast

from the ground up. Her goal is to create a supportive community, a place to share resources,

and learn about how others are adapting to their new reality. RiRi is learning to accept

circumstances outside her control and shares her perspective on treating others with

compassion, treasuring life, and sharing stories.

Book mentioned: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse By Charlie Mackesey

Transcript available here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1h44SSxI6r6TszkbBsrgIg9D9yAndKy79TxcLHNUTK-c/edit?usp=share_link

Welcome to Reimagining Life Podcast, episode two, part A. This episode focuses on RiRi's

personal story; including her highly active years as a young professional, her dedication to

improving opportunities for people worldwide, and her experience becoming very sick abroad.

RiRi's medical condition drastically changed her life, and she faced many challenges finding

ways to manage her chronic pain and navigating the US’s healthcare system. Therapy was also

important in helping her manage the emotional toll of this life-changing condition. RiRi continues

to work on accepting her new reality while striving to get better. She works hard to manage her

condition and continues to try to challenge herself in ways that align with her body's needs. Her

reimagined life has nurtured a greater appreciation of the simple things, a heightened

understanding of herself and compassion for others in the process of reimagining their life.

Transcript available here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DyyxtIfGnzHY-2wU99Vw--RGvCkdM475/view?usp=share_link

Welcome to Reimagining Life Podcast! This episode serves as an introduction to this new

podcast. It provides an overview of the podcast, history of how it was created, and information about its founder. If you would prefer to skip ahead to the interview episodes, skip ahead to Ep. 2.

Created by and for people adapting their lives while living with chronic pain and/or

disability (re-imagining life). This podcast seeks to provide a safe space for sharing personal

stories and resources, and empowering Reimaginers. Learn about the podcast concept, goals

and upcoming episodes. Future topics include: personal stories from Reimaginers, effective

practices and recommendations from professionals working with Reimaginers, and sharing

resources available to the community. Connect with fellow Reimaginers through our facebook

group page, and tell us what you’d like to hear on the podcast.

Resources mentioned:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Disability Impacts All of Us - Infographic.

Retrieved from

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/infographic-disability-impacts-all.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). CDC Learn More, Feel Better: Chronic Pain.

Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/learnmorefeelbetter/programs/chronic-pain.html

Transcript available here:

Get a preview of what's to come on the new Reimagining Life Podcast series!

This podcast is about adapting and re-imagining your life after major medical event.

linktr.ee/reimagininglifepodcast