Someone just reminded me that it is 25 years this year since I first came home to Ireland to report my abuse at the hands of a Catholic priest. It’s been a hell of a 25 years. Suing the pope, founding One in Four, campaigns for justice for victims of abuse...so much change

Meeting himself, becoming a parent, @AmnestyIreland role, #WeMadeHistory with #MarRef #repealedThe8th #Stand4Truth Its been a hell of a time. And such a privilege to work at the very heart of such momentous change. I hadn’t a clue where it would all lead in 1995.

Key learning for me from it all: What is simply right is never impossible. The limits of progress are dictated not by the refusal of powerful institutions to change, but by our refusal to make manifest our own power and change them.

Every single one of things I listed above were dismissed as impossible, as pointless endeavours by many people, most especially by those in powerful positions. Every one of them became real. If you know something to be right, pursue it. If you are right, you will succeed.

Don’t let anyone define the limits of what you might achieve. Ever. Don’t let anyone ever tell you it’s not your place, that you cannot be powerful. I was street homeless at 17, never went to college, don’t have a degree. Never accept the limits others try to place upon you.

Be you. Be powerful. Be all that you can be. Most importantly, love. Love fiercely, and never apologise for that. Never limit its expression because others are challenged by it. Be all that you can be. Love fiercely. You will never regret it.