As I continue to come to terms with my life without my twin, I am reflective. A lot of my personal writing is reflective, but it has become even more reflective now as I have more to reflect on.

My Disability Experiences

Making comparisons on my disability then and my disability now, the pandemic has made me feel more disabled. Without my twin over night, it has all become harder. Although my disability was mild and I was treated normally growing up, there was nothing normal about me. Throughout my childhood, I functioned like a normal child.

I am being true to myself

But most of all, it is important I am true to myself. My disability is a part of who I am, but it does not define me. I am a unique individual with my own strengths and weaknesses and I am proud of who I am.

We can all make unique contributions

As I continue on my journey, I hope that others can find the strength to embrace their differences and be true to themselves. It is not an easy path, but it is one that is worth taking. We all have a unique contribution to make to the world, and it is only by embracing our differences that we can truly make a difference.

Empathy and understanding

As I reflect on my experiences without my twin, I am reminded of the importance of empathy and understanding, and the power of words and actions in shaping a person's life. We all have the ability to make a positive impact on others and it is important to use that power for good.

To anyone who may be struggling with a disability or with difference, know that you are not alone. Embrace who you are because you have the power to make your own difference. Together, we can create a world that is more accepting and inclusive for everyone.

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.

Most people who read this blog

went on to read these blogs next
Date 26 July 2026
Author Ilana Estelle

Living with Difference

Seen, Misjudged, Rarely Understood For most of my life, I lived in the dark. Not because I didn't know I was different, but because I didn't yet have the understanding to explain why life always felt harder than it seemed to be ...
Read more
Date 24 July 2026
Author Ilana Estelle

The Hidden Effects of Loss

Some consequences aren't immediate, they're cumulative It's five months into four years through twin loss, and I've split another tooth. On its own, it's an ordinary event. But it's an event that made me stop and look back ...
Read more
Date 19 July 2026
Author Ilana Estelle

What Writing Taught Me About Self-Understanding

How writing became more than a creative outlet When I started writing, I had no idea where it would lead. I simply needed somewhere to put my thoughts – a place to make sense of experiences I struggled to understand ...
Read more
1 2 3 681

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to receive regular updates

Enter your details below to be the first to receive updates on new articles on my blog.