On identity, belonging, and the quiet work of becoming yourself

Something inspirational:

“One of the greatest tragedies in life is to lose your own sense of self and accept the version of you that is expected by everyone else.”

K.L. TOTH

"Toth's quote reflects how easily we lose our sense of self when we live to meet expectations instead of our own truth. Over time, this disconnection affects our mental health, self-worth, and emotional wellbeing. Healing begins beneath the roles we’ve been taught to play – choosing to return to ourselves."

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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