Finding my voice in writing, has and continues to be a deeply personal journey that involves willing to explore my experiences so that I can understand myself. My voice is the essence of who I am as a writer, and nurturing it should help me connect more deeply with myself, so that I can express myself more authentically.

As a child I had no voice. Through my writing I am opening up a window to my past, allowing the light of awareness and understanding to shine in. I have a voice, finally. My writing is an act of self-discovery and empowerment. I am at home here.

Self-reflection

Through self-reflection I am able to get into those feelings that without writing are off limits, the unconscious thoughts that reside behind my conscious thoughts. The thoughts that have the ability to keep me stuck.

The CP Diary is a reminder that we all have a unique role to play in the world, and that we have the capacity to make a positive impact and be true to ourselves.

Step Into Your Gift

The phrase "stepping into your gift" suggests that each of us has a set of talents, abilities and strengths that are waiting to be discovered. When we step into our gift, we're not only fulfilling our own potential, but also bringing value to others and contributing to the world in meaningful ways.

Through The CP Diary – what started out as a gift to myself has become my 'gift to the world' and I am happy to oblige and to continue to add, so that others may benefit from what I write. Reading is a deliberate act that requires time and attention, With 14 years of writing behind me; to get the best from my writing, it would be prudent to give yourself time to sit, to read my blog.

Taking Risks

And while it's true that stepping into our gift often requires us to step outside our comfort zones, (true for me) we possess more courage than we think. We just need to tap into courage and trust ourselves to believe, that yes we can.

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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