Looking back on my life if I had my time again, I would keep my lessons and change my experiences. I am sure about that.

I have heard it said many times that we choose the life we come into. I would have chosen different experiences to the ones I am experiencing. I would have wanted a life less difficult. If I could have learned my lessons without such traumatic experiences, then that would have been my choice.

My beliefs have paved the way for all that I know and all that I do. They have taught me everything I need to know so that I am able to live my life. They have been instrumental in helping me understand my lessons. I pride myself on my ability to understand and live with compassion and if that allows me to help other people, then that is what I am happy to do.

As a child, I began to understand what my life was about and although my experiences have given me some of a resolve, I still have to continue to find more of a resolve. I would have wanted those lessons to come in from less harsh avenues. Honestly, my life’s not been easy.

There is no doubt for me that my beliefs and my lessons have paved the way for me to do what I love doing best.

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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