It has been a difficult book year due to Covid-19. I know how I have been affected mentally through autism and it has taken me months to bounce back, to see positivity and to write in a calm, quiet and peaceful space, without dealing with anxiety, in Covid-19.

Where we may remain stuck, my book Cerebral Palsy: 'A Story' shows that we can change, even when life is tough, and that just because we start off in one place, doesn’t mean we have to stay in that place. Our lives are for us to change.

We have to be determined, strong and steadfast so that we may change certain elements of our lives. My book has an overriding message of positivity and hope that will enable you to start thinking differently about what you deal with, about your life, in Covid-19 times and beyond.

To help you decide below are a couple of reviews:

Not just an exceptional piece of work, this book is a lifeline Author & Activist, T.R. Bauer

"King Solomon once lamented that there is nothing new under the sun. The great author, T.S. Eliot, famously wrote, “Good writers borrow, great writers steal.”

In the case of this book I believe Ilana Estelle is the exception. ‘Finding the Calm After the Storm’ is not only enlightening; it is an honest to God original piece of work. How often does that come along?

What we have here is a book about cerebral palsy written by a woman who has cerebral palsy. It is her story and much more than just that. She takes us on her daunting journey of self-discovery and on that adventure, we learn principles that can change our own lives, whether we are disabled or not.

This book is a lifeline for anyone who has endured hardship on this great voyage we call life. It is my hope that Ilana’s teachings will help you as much as they have helped me."

A story of hope, courage and determination – Mark Carnelley

"A difficult read for a couple of reasons. A combination of the empathy I felt for the author as well as the clinical nature of the book. The empathy I could do nothing about as I tend towards those feelings when reading true stories of what an author has gone through, and I can easily understand the clinical nature as these are the definitions the medical profession use to describe these serious conditions that can in no way be glossed over or simplified.

The author, knowing that she was somehow different from other children at an early age, and only finding out why at 46 years, has gone through the major portion of her life struggling to understand. Sure, she was overwhelmed and confused. But did she give in? Not in the slightest. With a wonderful strength of mind and steely determination she was absolutely resolved not to let her conditions direct how she would live her life.

This is a read not just for those with similar conditions, but for anyone seeking to discover just how much a full positive mindset and a never-say-die attitude can give you the strength to not just manage, but to overcome."

Five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ inspirational stars for a read that will make you cry, give you hope, and cheer for the courage of this magnificent woman."

If you fancy reading either of my books, you can grab paperback and Kindle copies on Amazon, or through the following link https://linktr.ee/Ilana_Estelle

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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4 comments on “Covid-19, My Difficult Book Year”

  1. The pandemic year was a very long year for many people, made worse for people with health issues.

    I have been living with someone who has some underlying health conditions, so I have had to be extra careful for her sake. It has been ridiculous with the way that people have refused to do the right thing.

    I wanted to help promote your book, but between the pandemic and so many bookstores closing, it has been extremely difficult.

    You have been such an amazing inspiration to me, so keep up the great work and hopefully one day, we'll meet and talk about the things you write about in person.

    1. Thanks Randy. That's so kind. Yes, if the pandemic teaches us one thing it's that we must support and be a support.

      We can all choose to make a difference just by following the rules and applying common sense to how we choose to live our lives through the pandemic.

      I am pleased to hear you're safe and well. I hope too that one day we might be able to meet. You have been an amazing support. Thank you for championing my book and getting word out.

      In covid, it's become even more relevant for these times. I hope people will go out and buy my book. I know what's gone into it, I know it will help.

  2. Ilana - your book is truly inspirational and your reviews are worthy testimony to your positivity and courage. I would encourage everyone to but a copy and read it.

    Also, the final paragraphs in Randy's post today brought a smile to my face - so thank you for that.

    1. Thank you. When you say, 'I would encourage everyone to buy a copy and read it' - I know how much my writing has helped me come through the healing process, I know it can help a lot of people.

      I hope they will be encouraged and buy my book. In covid times, it is even more important we keep up with our mental and emotional health and my book will help with both of those.

      I know it Will Help.

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