In a world that isn’t big on encouragement, it is important to find your voice. It is important to bring understanding, initiate dialogue and open up conversations, because otherwise we will fail to live up to our own vision, or that of our family.

We may often fail to see our own vision when we concentrate on what others want for us, thinking they have our backs, as we continue to live our lives.

Is what your family want for you, what you want for yourself? Instead of continually being tuned in to what family want, think about your needs and what you want for yourself. If you had your life again, would you make the same choices?

When you listen to your emotions, and your inner voice will depict the answers that are right for you, and you will find your voice.

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 “Find Your Voice”

  1. I grew up in a world where my voice was usually ignored and I felt invisible. The only time anyone seemed to notice I existed was when they wanted something from me.

    I'm sure that's why I get annoyed when I try to have a conversation with people and they dismiss or treat me like I'm stupid. I'm definitely not stupid, but I have made a lot of stupid choices, which I'm trying hard not to do.

    1. Thanks Randy. Yes, it sounds like you were also born in an era Randy when a child was seen and not heard.

      I also spent the majority of my formative years being seen, feeling invisible for some of the reasons you mention in your response.

      Your time is now and whilst you cannot change your experiences, you can change your perceptions and choose a different path for yourself.

      Some of us may just have to wait until such a time our circumstances change, to use our voice.

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