I have been party to plenty of abusive behaviour in my 42 years, not least of which saw me eventually end a long term relationship. I had never felt supported emotionally and fought a constant battle with the world to have my voice heard. As a result, I became quite a hardened individual who was always watching for the next hurdle I would need to overcome.
Having left my relationship and started a journey of self-discovery which involved countless hours of therapy, I now no longer feel like I need to fight. I am enough – as a mother, sister, daughter, friend and – as a result of my new found peace – a romantic partner.
I’m lucky to have a man beside me that supports my journey wholeheartedly and who is not threatened by my strength or my determination. I’m encouraged to be unapologetically myself – loud, opinionated and driven – and in turn I give all of myself, including pieces I’ve never before shared with anyone. He is also a feminist, engaging in ‘the radical idea that women’s safety is more important that men’s feelings’ (in his own words), which may be one of the most attractive things about him!
Today, I’m grateful to be blazing a trail for my own children – my 15 year old daughter and 10 year old son – to also be strong feminists and humanists who fight hard for the underdog and speak up when they disagree. They are children to be proud of.
I wish for every woman to find her voice and speak loudly and unapologetically. It’s not easy, but anything that is worthwhile almost never is.
