It might be hard to imagine if you know me now, but I used to have a physical reaction to speaking up for myself. I was bullied quite considerably in primary school and would avoid standing out – but occasionally felt strongly enough about something to speak up. Before I’d even said anything, I’d get hot, my throat would close up and I would turn a bright shade of red, all from just mentally preparing to share my opinion on something. Even in my twenties I would occasionally still suffer from the same thing. Now, fortunately, I have got control of these extreme reactions but it is something I often think about - primarily because I am the mother of a beautiful little girl, that I would like to raise to be strong, confident and outspoken.

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