Being brave is something that has changed who I am as a person. When I was younger, I experienced bullying – for who I was, what I looked like and for losing my Mum. This impacted me as a person and made me lose confidence. As a result of this, I was directed to HeadStart and Walk and Talk therapy. They helped me to come up with strategies to cope, to stop self-harming and to learn the true meaning of what it means to be resilient! I have done many things in my life I never dreamt were possible; standing on a stage in front of audiences of over 200 people, overcoming shaking knees and a trembling voice to deliver my HeadStart journey so far. I stood with my HeadStart family and my own family and knew I was at the heart of it all; supported, nurtured and encouraged to be who I am – I am brave, I am resilient, I am Allyssa!
I bounce forward through tough times, I lean on others when necessary and know there are existing solutions to problems and I know how to be brave enough to enlist the help needed. You can be brave by using your resilient moves – be brave, be resilient, be you!