Friends, Allies and Ambassadors

I’ve always had friends. Everyone needs friends, and hopefully if you’re reading this, you also have friends. The whole friend’s thing can be complicated, though. Some friends are transient, and whilst sometimes you don’t realise it at the time, these friends do add a lot of value to your journey and your life. As I’ve got older, my inner circle, as I like to call it, has become smaller. I’m not the trusting type, and it takes a lot for me to trust someone enough to embark on a new friendship. Ever since I decided to open up and be more honest about who I am and what I believe in – and being vulnerable: I’ve discovered new and wonderful friendships that I’m convinced will not just be the case for this particular chapter in my life.

The concept of allyship is relatively new for me. It’s only when I reflect on what’s happened in my life up until recently that I recognised that I’ve always had allies in my life. These allies I liken to guardian angels. Not always visible or present, but definitely there championing me to succeed in whatever form that takes.

I feel the same about ambassadors; these have also played an important part in my life. Bosses who saw my potential when I did not. Those who urged and pushed me to keep on going, to try different things and to be more creative in trying to solve a particular problem. To not give up and believe in myself – thus giving me another boost of energy or motivation to push ahead.

I can’t take the credit for this, but this was told to me by an ally and ambassador, and I want to share it because it’s still relevant.

• It can be frustrating when colleagues/family/friends seem not to hear the essence of the message and instead interpret what is being said in a defensive or dismissive manner.
• Never lose sight of the progress you have already made. 
• Never let the lack of ambition or the closed minds of others allow you to question your own purpose or ambition – they do not define you; you do. Keep the faith in yourself.

Ambition can mean many things. Striving to do your best and encouraging others to be their best, for the purpose of achieving yours/theirs and combined goals.

Let’s all be friends, allies, and ambassadors. We’re all on a journey and the road is long, winding and bumpy.

Dare to be! what’s the worst that can happen