Some days when I look back on my experiences, not knowing I was dealing with a disability, I am left feeling sad and somewhat irritated with what I had to work through, but through writing, I rejoice in how far I have come.

Living life

Life is for living and for us celebrating the milestones and that is what my blog and books do. They are milestones, and whilst I cannot change my past, I can rejoice and thank the universe for getting me through.

Growing up I wasn’t expected to succeed, it’s just how that went, but the unexpected happens when you least expect it, and in my case that is true. Life shows that we have the freedom to choose, to change what happens to us.

Although The CP Diary was the turning of the corner from one life to another, my books have been my biggest achievements. They have allowed me to reflect on my life and bring closure on what were difficult years.

Celebrating life

The way I see it is, you can either continue to ignore what you know is true, or you can choose whether your life will be a celebration. You can choose how you look at your cup, or you can choose not to look at all, or you can see things from a ‘half empty’ cup.

You can hold on to your past, your memories that continue to haunt you, or you can let go and make new positive memories, so that you can find success. I chose to rejoice and come to terms with my life. Find the joy, and bring about gladness.

If you would like to check out my books, they are available to buy, just follow the links… https://linktr.ee/Ilana_Estelle

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

2 comments on “Rejoicing life”

  1. I have wasted most of my life wishing that things had been different! I used to spend my time being annoyed wishing things were different, instead of trying to make the best out of what I have now.

    Where people seem to be losing their minds over current events, this is what my childhood was like, so I really can't relate. What I want is to enjoy life and to be able to make the best of it.

    1. Thanks Randy. Yes, I hear you... I used to think the same and I was never in a position to change anything, until mum said something when she was terminally ill about my birth, and what she said stuck. That was the light bulb moment I needed. It took 46 years, but I was able to move forward with a diagnosis and I haven't looked back.

      My situation is different, but I still believe we all can (not always when we would like) choose how 'our story' ends. Without the light bulb moment, (and that doesn't always happen) rejoicing can be a good place to start.

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.