I grew up with a sense of resignation and helplessness. I felt limited – I never had the freedom, to be encouraged to make my own choices, or to have options, or opinions about my options.

The term is cycle-breaker. I am a cycle-breaker. A "cycle-breaker" is someone who recognises unhealthy patterns of behaviour and consciously takes steps to avoid or change those patterns – it is what I have done. It is what I continue to do.

My predetermined life

When I reflect on my past, it's clear I never had any choices. I was always being told what to do, when to do it, and how to do it – I remember feeling resigned. For others who may have grown up in similarly controlling environments – they may relate being pushed into decisions or life paths – due to parental control and outside influences – leaving them with few real choices.

It was upon receiving a cerebral palsy diagnosis in my forties – that I took the opportunity to break the cycle – my writing has helped me to break free from the old patterns – to embark on a journey of self-discovery, of personal and spiritual growth.

Remain steadfast

It is essential to recognise that every step you take – can bring you closer to the life you envisage. Surround yourself with positivity and stay committed to your intentions. Intent is important here, because it's all too easy to veer off course – I never gave up on my quest – to break free from negative patterns. To break any negative cycle you will need to deal with your past.

Transforming negative patterns

Over the past 14 years, through my writing, it is what I have done – I have successfully transformed my past – those negative patterns – allowing me – and for the first time – to make my own choices. BUT my writing isn't just not for me. When you give yourself time and you continue to read through my individual blogs – they can lead you to making healthier choices.

So dive in – and read – and let curiosity lead the way, and watch as small, informed choices transform into lasting habits that enhance your overall wellbeing. Your healthier, happier self is just a click away!

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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