Happy International Women's Day – 2026

It has taken me a long time to change my life – to find the courage to work out, to move from what was to what is, while understanding a disability I didn’t even know I had.

It was something necessary, long overdue – It has taken decades for me to reach a place where I was able to unravel parts of my life and face my demons. As a child there were concerns of possible “retardation” and very little was expected of me.

I was given up on with no support mentally and emotionally – it was as though my story had already been written.

But I believe the universe has a way of addressing the imbalances, giving us our opportunities, of proving that strength can grow in the most unlikely places. It has taken decades for me to change what was – into what is. Coming to terms with a physical, mental, and emotional disability I didn't know I was born with, although difficult, has been the best thing I've done. The CP Diary is that 'journey'.

My daughter, Claudia, wished me a Happy International Women’s Day this morning, as I did her.

Working in the tech industry – not always the easiest place for women – she has shown over the years that she is and continues to be an inspiration to many. Finding her voice hasn't been easy.

But it is moments like today when we are reminded just how many caring, strong women there are in the world and around us every day.

This is for 'you.'

With love and light,

Ilana x

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.

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