There's Always Someone - Blog 9: Board of Advisors

Someone to Trust 

Maybe, you're gonna be the one that saves me,

and after all, 

you're my wonderwall.

- Oasis, Wonderwall

I love the idea of a Board of Advisers, the people you look to during your time of need. It's a group of people you trust enough to be fully dependent upon, especially when making decisions. Unsurprisingly, most of my advisers have been introduced here already. My mother, Dee, and my sister, Maddie, each hold a seat. I've been dependent upon them for most of my life, so it's natural that they'd be included. Coach also has a spot on the board. He played an integral role in one of the most pivotal years of my life, and I hold his opinion in high regard. The fourth position on my BOA belongs to Trish, who serves as my voice of reason. Finally, Phil, my pastor, rounds out my board. He offers a spiritual perspective that I consider immensely important. 

Phil 

Someone to Inspire

Honey, with you

is the only honest way to go.
- Vampire Weekend, Run

Of my board members, Coach always presented me with the biggest challenges. He encouraged me to chase my dreams, and then gave me the tools to attain them. Of course, learning to use these tools was rarely an enjoyable process. Anyone who has ever tested the principle "Practice makes perfect," knows how much practice is required to reach perfection. During some of those practices, Coach saw me at my worst, but he pushed me to be my best, and because of him, I was the best. There were times I wanted to disagree with him, but trusting him was always the best option for success. 

Someone to Run To 

When there's no light to break up the dark,

that's when I look at you.

- Miley Cyrus, When I Look at You

Dee and Maddie will always be the people I can run to for help, my safe place to land. Being away from them has been hard for me, but it has only taught me to appreciate them more. I trust their advice because I know they want only the best for me. The same is true of Phil, but on a different scale. Along with having a personal, friendly relationship, Phil is representative of a deeper relationship with Christ. When it comes to making decisions, He is the the true advisor, and the safest place to land. 

Someone to be Thankful For

One of these days, I'll be born and raised

and it's such a waste to grow up lonely.

- John Mayer, Born and Raised

Trish is easily the most dynamic member of my BOA. We have an unexpected friendship, in that we have entirely opposite points of view. While we share similar goals and values, we typically disagree on how best to accomplish them. And, Trish is always honest about her disagreement, even when it hurts. But this is what makes our friendship work, and it's exactly why I value her so much. I've grown up with her by my side, and I've learned some of the most important lessons from her along the way.

Ultimately, my BOA serves as a point of reference, guidance, and love. They've served key roles in shaping who I am, and who I have yet to become. 

When it's all said and done

you can walk instead of run

because no matter what you'll never be alone. 

- Lady Antebellum, Compass