Scaredy cat

I realized something today as I read my cousin's blog, I'm a scaredy cat when it comes to voicing my opinion. I admire people that are able to do so. Where in my growing, did it become a tabu thing for me to say what I thought or felt? I know that alot of times, if I'm pushed into a topic about politics especially, it seems better to just politely listen and form my own opinion in my head. I think I've gotten burned too many times by strained relationships to take that step outward to anything remotely controversial. I hate that! I want to be bold, but something holds me back.
Is it confidence? When I was working, this was not a problem. I had the respect from my peers. I've had people assume that just because I'm a stay home mom, that I'm uneducated and never worked a professional job. I know as the years press on staying home, I seem to get pushed even further into this box more afraid to speak out. Watch out when this girl breaks out!