My personal journey started at the age of 46 with a cerebral palsy diagnosis I didn't know I had. It's a life to unravel. 14 years later and I know who 'me is'. It's been a long time in coming.

Finding yourself, isn't something that just happens, it's something you have to work on. Through my writing, a purpose to unravel my experiences, my life, I know now who I am. I am comfortable with who I am. I promote self-care. Perhaps The CP Diary can help you too.

The poem below reflects my feelings:

In the reflection of a mirror,
In the quiet of my thoughts,
In the embrace of solitude,
I found me.

I found the strength within,
The courage to face my fears,
The resilience to keep going,
I found me.

In the moments of doubt,
In times of uncertainty,
I found my true self,
And I am content with who I am.

- Anon

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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