As I slowly get back to writing for a New Year, I decided my first blog of the year would be short and sweet. Welcome to 2017.

Perhaps we should use 2017 to change how we see our lives, how we perceive others and how we live our lives. Although our circumstances will sometimes dictate our lives, our circumstances aren't always set in stone. We can get to call the shots, to change certain aspects of our lives.

We shouldn't fight our circumstances, but where we can change our circumstances we should at least try and where we can’t, we should try to find an acceptance, because with acceptance comes peace.

We should also learn to make ourselves better, so that we’re better people and so that we learn to embrace change, because then we'll be more receptive to change. Get to make 2017 your best.

Ilana Estelle is a mental health and wellbeing advocate who combines educational insight with her personal experience of living with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. She holds diplomas in Counselling, Diet and Nutrition, Nutritional Therapy, Psychotherapy and Counselling, and Stress Management. Through her writing, Ilana supports others in navigating their emotional, mental, and physical health challenges. In addition to writing for The CP Diary, her work has appeared in healthy lifestyle magazines. Ilana is also the author of three books: Cerebral Palsy: A Story – Finding the Calm After the Storm, Spirituality, Healing and Me, and Survival: The Covid Years – Time for Change.

Most people who read this blog

went on to read these blogs next
Date 20 July 2026
Author Ilana Estelle

The Power to Choose

Breaking free from expectations and embracing a life shaped by your own values Empowerment starts when we try something new. It's about taking action and believing that our choices can shape our lives. Many of ...
Read more
Date 16 July 2026
Author Ilana Estelle

Britain's Next Prime Minister

As Keir Starmer leaves office, attention turns to the challenges awaiting his successor Keir Starmer leaves office having described it as a privilege to serve as Prime Minister. Those words are worth reflecting on. Politics was once ...
Read more
Date 14 July 2026
Author Ilana Estelle

The Soul's Continuing Journey

How our choices, relationships, and experiences become part of the soul's continuing journey. My understanding of death is this: the greatest misunderstanding is believing that life ends. The physical body reaches its ...
Read more
1 2 3 521

4 comments on “2017, a New Year”

  1. Maybe short, but thought provoking, inspirational and even philosophical! We may continue personal dialogue via email, but everyone who has any connection with Cerebral Palsy (my case as parent) should explore this site and appreciate your insight and commitment. Happy New Year.

    1. Awww thanks Neil and welcome to the site. Happy New Year. I hope that 2017 is a good year for you and your family.

      I look forward to speaking with you shortly in due course.

    1. Thank you. No pressure then!! I jest. I shall endeavour to continue to do and give of my best through more blogs in 2017.

      I am so grateful for the opportunity.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to receive regular updates

Enter your details below to be the first to receive updates on new articles on my blog.