We've probably all had someone in our lives whose approval we've kept on chasing, often without realising we've been doing it. For many, it starts with a parent. But at some point, you need to stop looking for approval. Your worth isn’t something to be proven.

Not Everyone Sees They Have Value

Most people don't know they have value until someone tells them. The world may make you feel as though you need to be more accomplished, better and stronger. You may compare your journey to others, measure yourself against unrealistic standards, wondering if you are enough. But the truth is, you are enough, just as you are.

Expectations of Society

It’s easy to get caught up in others' expectations. There will always be judgment. Society tells you, you need to be more, you need to push yourself – to fit in, to be something you're not. But what if you took a step back? What if you were to recognise that actually you are enough. Your life is for you to decide how you choose to live it.

A 'Timely Reminder'

For those who struggle to have their voice heard – or who feel unseen, unappreciated, this reminder is especially important. Your worth isn’t measured by other people's opinion of you, or how much you achieve. Your worth is measured by your personal values and your kindness. In this moment, you are enough. Self-worth is something to be recognised within yourself.

My Own Reminder

In a world that is changed, where the pressures continue to mount and expectations continue to shift, I allow myself time to just be. Truthfully, I've never competed, or looked at others' show-reel. I don’t need to compete, I don't need to compare or strive to prove myself to others to be accepted – I know my worth.

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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