I had a tendency to give up on things as a child, and I never understood why until now, but that didn’t stop others thinking I was lazy. There was a reason for my behavioural pattern, so that lets me off the hook.

Unfortunately, it didn’t stop my flaws from being pointed out, which did very little for my self-esteem. I went through my childhood with my hackles raised, because of a lack of understanding on my neurological difficulties.

It’s been a few years since my diagnosis was confirmed, and I am still finding things out about myself. Being a parent myself, it is a side to my life that I will never comprehend. When I think I’ve found a level of acceptance, my subconscious tells me we’re not done.

But now I know why I have a tendency to give up, I can work to find ways to overcome it. My blog shows the world a different version of where I was all those years ago. I must continue to find ways to challenge myself, so that I can remain more focused and not give up.

My cerebral palsy and autism diagnosis certainly puts my struggles into context and helps others close to me, to understand. They must understand it wasn’t me being lazy. I had too many neurological challenges to overcome that continually got in the way.

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 “Overcoming my challenges”

  1. Every time you write people need to read more to block out chaos and focus on what makes sense; you've always had brains and courage.

    But what I appreciate most is that you never allowed people to crush you, and unless they stuff your mouth with rags, you never will.

  2. You now have the understanding you weren't afforded when you were young. You had to go through those difficulties as part of your journey to get to the wonderful place you are at now.

    People judged you and made assumptions without knowing you and I hope they all read your blogs to appreciate fully the circumstances, in which they leaped to conclusions.

    1. Awww thanks Tim. I'll let you into a secret; my blogs also help me block out my own chaos so that I can focus exactly on what I need to. My life has never been easy.

      My blogs give me the clarity and understanding that I need, to go out there and do and give of my best.

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