We need champions
What I cannot deny is
the need for champions in your life, people who see the potential and the best
in you, long before you realise you could be anything. Even more so are the
people who believe in you, who encourage you, give you the support to begin to
believe in yourself, and offer the scarce opportunities of access and privilege
to attain what might have at one time been totally impossible.
In my life, I have
had many champions, out of all sorts of persuasions, the people who pulled you
up when you were down and those who firm the foundations of the platforms on
which you stand, you should also not forget those who do not want you to stand
still resting on your laurels, they want to see you progress and they try to
remove the obstacles that seem to pre-empt you.
Create your vision
The need for a vision
for yourself that you can begin to think and to dream and to work towards
realising is one of the biggest challenges an individual faces. How do you
begin a journey to a destination you cannot even visualise yourself getting to?
While an accident of good fortune might happen, we cannot live by accidents and
make that a purpose for life.
Today, I remember one
of the greatest champions of my life, Cash Soyinka, an uncle and relation on
both side of my family who almost 40 years ago became my guardian and mentor.
He led by example rather than by instruction. He took me into confidences while
nurturing my voice of expression and sense of adventure in ways I could never
have imagined, yet in such impactful ways.
Most of all, he
allowed me the courage of my convictions, obviously, I had to convince him of
why I was making a decision, even as he shepherded me with insight to be more
rational than emotional. He passed on three years ago and he is sorely missed.
Take on the mantel
When another friend and
mentor, John Coll, passed on at the end of 2013, I did wonder who would
champion me in the issues of life. However, someone else suggested that the
torch had been passed on to me to champion, mentor, and encourage others, in
the same way that I have benefited from the counsel of those who came before.
Much as I strive to
live up to this standard, I know I am hardly close to the standard of those who
have stood up, stood for, and stood in for me. I will not relent, I hope to get
better. My best friend of over 40 years is another who a few have indicated, I
could never be impugned, like I could never do any wrong. I have many wrongs, but
I am given allowances and forgiven easily for my failings, and I am grateful
that none of my failings are used against me.
The partner champion
However, daily, it is
Brian that champions me at every moment, the way I am loved so deeply and
unconditionally, the way he believes in me, encourages me, and strengthens me
even when I seem to lack the resolve. He sees possibilities with facility, even
in the midst of limited resources and straitened circumstances, he is a
believer.
I do not acknowledge
this enough nor is as appreciated to the extent that it has been valuable. I do
not exist in isolation; I am a product of the numerous investments of champions
that have willed me on beyond where my sights and abilities could carry me. I
am grateful for having had the tutelage of champions and the enduring support
of those who uphold me daily.
