Being a footballer was about analysing performance, never being satisfied, seeing what lessons you can learn and who you can learn from.
I've realised that there is no magic trick to television; it just comes down to hard work and being prepared for every appearance and trying to get your point across as clearly as possible.
When things don't happen in my life, I believe that I've been pushed into another path for a reason, and there's a bigger picture.
I want people - boys and girls - to be sat at home watching me alongside the likes of Rio Ferdinand or Frank Lampard, thinking that it's normal, that we all know what we're talking about, and that they're not judging me at home just because I'm a female.
I'm that girl - I've never been camping; I don't even go to festivals because I hate the cold and the rain. If it starts to rain, I'm the first one on the training field to go in and get a hat!
The enjoyment of playing football gave me a positive pathway, but I could have taken a very different path.
When I played for Boston Breakers in my early twenties, I really stepped up my training, which meant running drills until you're sick.
If my dog Ella, named after the Rihanna song 'Umbrella', could be with me at all times, that would make me happy.
During the 2012 Olympics, I decided to put on some cheesy pop because I knew Ellen White liked it. The first song was 'Reach for the Stars' by S Club 7, and before I knew it, everyone was singing it - suddenly it was our song.
I like the way Frank Lampard articulates, like the fact Jamie Carragher really does his homework and the way Rio Ferdinand has been able to show his personality while giving those insights.
I was never motivated by money. I wanted to be an FA Cup finalist. I wanted to walk up the steps at Wembley. I wanted to win the league. I still only ever want to win trophies.
My attitude as a footballer was to always be prepared - make sure you're the fittest and know who you're up against. And that's exactly how I treat the media side.
When I was in the GB Women's football team at the 2012 Olympics, it was obvious who was in the first XI and who was making up the numbers. Kelly Smith was going to be first-choice striker no matter what, and the other forwards in the squad mentally checked out as a result.
Some people don't like change. Some embrace it. But the way it's going - not just in football, but in society generally - it's more diverse. People want freshness.
I never want anyone to think I've been given a helping hand. I've always worked for everything, whether it be on the football field or away from it.
I was in charge of the music in every team I played for, and that is a huge responsibility, believe me!
I watch a lot of live music, and I love the theatre, especially musicals.
We need to give our goalkeepers the same level of training that we've given to our outfield players.
I was an attacking full-back but was told by Hope Powell to just sit back when we played U.S.A. in the 2007 World Cup. It's hard to rein yourself in, but the team comes first.
I have played in matches where individuals have frozen and gone into their shells: they don't want the ball, they don't communicate, and they don't do their jobs. Fear turns them to stone.
