Finding an Inner Sanctuary: Overcoming Abuse, Illness, and Skepticism
When you release self-imposed limitations, transformation becomes possible. You open doors to a life you never imagined. Diane Bollen is living proof, and I’m thrilled to feature her in today’s blog.
Diane and I have been connected for a few years now, and I’ve always known her to be passionate about out-of-the-box healing and wellness. Her loving energy is contagious, and her knowledge is impactful.
Breaking the Mold: Diane’s Story
Diane grew up in the 1960s and didn’t have the easiest childhood. Her father was an abusive alcoholic, and her mother suffered under his control. Diane’s sanctuary became a yoga class, led by her English teacher. This was her first introduction to Eastern healing practices.
“From an early age, I battled a range of health issues, and eventually, I made a powerful connection: my illnesses weren’t just physical; they were deeply tied to the stress and emotional turmoil I carried. Yet, Western medicine dismissed me. Time and again, I was told that my symptoms were ‘all in my head.’”
Years later, after earning her degree from Cornell and working in the Department of Pharmacology, Diane suffered a severe chemical exposure that wrecked her immune system. This time, she had the support of brilliant scientific minds and access to diagnostic tools far beyond what most doctors could offer. But what ultimately saved her? Taking charge of her own healing—blending science with Eastern modalities.
“That’s when I knew: my mission was bigger than just my own survival. I had to help others reclaim their health, too.”
Defying the Norm
Diane’s challenges extended beyond the physical. Her greatest hurdle was overcoming the deep-rooted belief that she was unworthy—a belief stemming from her abusive childhood. Once she was able to call out this painful limitation, she refused to let it define her life.
“Healing isn’t just about the body; it’s about rewiring the mind. The moment I let go of that self-imposed limitation, my entire life changed.”
As her healing journey progressed, Diane became a certified National Academy of Sports Medicine and Silver Sneaker Trainer, Level 2 CrossFit Instructor, Precision Nutrition Coach, and a Reiki Master. But what happens when you start to feel like an outsider in the fitness and wellness industry?
“The mainstream wellness industry often dismisses holistic approaches, and when you walk a path less traveled, you’re bound to face skepticism. But I embrace the philosophy of stoicism. I don’t waste energy worrying about what others think. I focus on what works. My journey has proven that true healing is a fusion of science, intuition, and ancient wisdom.”
Defying the norm means we must carry truths with us that we’re willing to go to battle for, no matter what the naysayers think. A truth that Diane stands by is:
“Aging isn’t the problem—your mindset is. Too many people believe aging equals decline. That belief alone holds them back. The truth? I’ve seen women in their 50s and 60s become stronger than they were in their 30s just by shifting their mindset and taking consistent action. Age doesn’t define your potential. Your choices do.”
Being a sacred rebel isn’t easy. Some believe energy healing modalities like Reiki are “woo-woo” or “witchy.” Others assume you took a weekend course and now claim expertise. In a world where people seek quick fixes, Diane’s proof lies in years of study, living a holistic lifestyle, and the undeniable results her clients experience.
Self-Care Rituals, Wisdom & Transformation
Self-care is an important part of doing this work. After all, if we’re healing others, we have to walk the walk, right? Whether you have 5 minutes or an hour, setting sacred time aside for yourself will help you be a better and happier you. Here’s what Diane has to say about her self-care ritual to keep her grounded:
“My mornings are sacred. No matter the weather, I spend five minutes outside, grounding myself with the Earth. Then, I enjoy 30 minutes of quiet: coffee, a book, and a fire in the winter—or fresh air in the summer. How we start our day sets the tone for everything.”
When it comes to creating transformation for clients, I wanted a little sneak peek into her approach to personalizing a healing and fitness plan.
“This is exactly what I do! Every client is unique, so the first step is always a deep conversation. I need to understand where you are, what you’ve been through, and—most importantly—what you’re willing to do. For example, if you can’t sit still for two minutes, I won’t ask you to meditate for 30. There’s always a path forward—it just takes the right guide to help you find it.
“Healing isn’t a five-minute task—it’s a lifelong journey. Whether we’re talking about emotional or physical healing, real transformation takes time, patience, and consistency.”
Diane turned her challenging early life experiences and later autoimmune diagnosis into her dharma—her life’s purpose. She battled skepticism from friends and family, and more importantly, battled the belief in herself. Diane is a Sacred Rebel.
Connect With Diane Bollen
Want to learn more about Diane’s work? You can find her on social media HERE, and you can visit her website HERE.
A helpful resource from Diane:
The Tim Ferriss Show Podcast
“Each episode, I deconstruct world-class performers from eclectic areas (investing, sports, business, art, etc.) to extract the tactics, tools, and routines you can use. This includes favorite books, morning routines, exercise habits, time-management tricks, and much more.”
I hope you enjoyed this week’s Sacred Rebellion blog. Let me leave you with one question: How can you step into your own sacred rebellion today?
Sacred Rebellion is a space for those who dare to heal, grow, and step into their truth. I’m Brittany Gregorio—Yoga & Meditation teacher, Healer, and advocate for deep healing. My passion is helping others reconnect with themselves through Yoga Nidra, intuitive movement, and self-inquiry. Want to explore your own sacred rebellion? Connect with me here: