Something inspirational:

“Because children grow up, we think a child's purpose is to grow up. But a child's purpose is to be a child.”

TOM STOPPARD, The Coast of Utopia

Stoppard's words resonated with me. I found myself thinking less about philosophy and more about the child I was. A child should be free to explore, play, and grow without constantly trying to understand why they feel different. Looking back, I realise how much of my childhood was spent simply trying to survive experiences I couldn't explain. His words remind me that children shouldn't have to earn their childhood – they should simply be allowed to live it. Understanding my childhood and everything I had to endure came far too late to change it. Through writing, I have come to understand the adult I have become.

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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