Episode 42: Creating Art Amidst Pain with Ramon Shitta

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EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

EPISODE OVERVIEW

Ramon Shitta is a talented Nigerian storyteller and artist who has been battling a mysterious and ever-evolving undiagnosed chronic illness for most of his life. He strives to capture the beauty in pain through his art and believes that a story can creatively manifest in a myriad of ways; whether that be cooking, painting, dancing, or podcasting.

In this episode, Ramon opens up about the isolation that comes with chronic illness and his uniquely positive views on depression. He also shares a beautiful lesson in being empathetic. We discuss his journey in seeking diagnosis and explore how his illness spurs him to continue researching, learning, and creating amidst the pain. Ramon discusses his difficulty with finding a community he can relate to while being undiagnosed and shares how reconnecting to his body has helped him find peace.

“Just because you are dealing with a different way of life, it doesn't necessarily mean that your life is less valuable.”
— Ramon Shitta

Highlights

During our discussion, Ramon showed an immense amount of transparency and vulnerability as he talked about how living with an undiagnosed chronic illness has shaped him into the storyteller he is now. A few of my favorite insights Ramon shared include:

Questioning if you have a “legit” health challenge

The importance of exploring your creative side

Healing through connection with your body

Finding antidotes to isolation

Reframing depression

Stepping out of your comfort zone to express your emotions

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RAMON SHITTA

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MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

Thich Nhat Hanh

Dr. Wayne Dyer

Louise Hay

Kyle Cease

HOST

www.laurenselfridgetherapy.com
Lauren Selfridge, Associate Marriage + Family Therapist

MUSIC EDITOR

www.lilymakessound.com
Lily Sloane, composer / audio producer / sound maker

transcript + SHOW NOTES WRITER

www.latashadoylewrites.com
Latasha Doyle, content + copy specialist

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