Something inspirational:

“Health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but, importantly, YOU ARE NOT THE RAIN.”

MATT HAIG

Food for Thought

“When someone faces health problems, it’s easy to feel like those problems define who they are. Like the poem explains, you might walk in the rain and feel it, but you are not the rain. Health problems are something you experience – they don’t define or make up your whole identity, unless you choose to define.

It is important to deal with health, because ignoring health issues, only makes things harder. Facing them helps you take control and protect yourself from feeling overwhelmed, and can in certain cases be the difference between 'life and death'.

When you deal with health challenges, you show strength and remind yourself that you are more than your condition. You’re still a person with dreams, hopes, and a future without illness.”

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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2 comments on “A quote by Matt Haig”

  1. Yes, considering the health issues that I have been dealing with over the past couple of years, my life has become different.

    Covid caused breathing and circulation issues, which I will probably be dealing with for the rest of my life. You don't realize how good your life is until you can't do the same things you used to.

    I'm trying hard to not let these issues run my life but some days are better than others. I can only try to do my best.

    1. Thanks Randy. One thing that comes to mind, is just how consistently you give your best, no matter how tough things get. That strength really stands out.

      A couple of years into the pandemic, I remember seeing people on social media expressing similar thoughts. It sounds like you might be dealing with Long-Covid too. You're absolutely right – it's often only when we’re no longer able to do the things we once took for granted that we truly recognise how good life was.

      I really hope it’s not too difficult for you right now and that you're managing okay.

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