We are all just little lost souls; we float around trying to find a meaning, a purpose to direct our lives. We cannot stand-alone. We need guidance. We need support. We need love.
I always thought of myself as an incredibly independent person. And I am - to a certain extent. I moved out of my home city at 18, I funded my way through University and a few months ago I packed my bags and emigrated to Italy.
Time and time again, people praise me for my bravery. They congratulate me on my confidence to go and do it totally by myself. And when they do, I can't help but feel like a fraud. Because the fact is, I couldn't have done any of it without the help of my tribe.
The past year has been fundamental in realising the importance of surrounding yourself with the people that truly add something to your life (and in the process, cutting out the poison). You know, not just the people you do shots with on the weekend, or the people that only materialize when they want something out of you; the people that make you a braver, stronger, happier person.
I feel blessed that I am part of a tribe that adds so much joy and beauty to my life. And I am not ashamed to say that I need them; I need them every single day. Whilst on the outside I may come across as a pretty together kind of person, on the inside I continue to battle against myself. Every single day. I get anxious, I get scared and I get mind-blowingly confused. Yet, time and time again, my tribe is there to push me through the madness.
Each member of that tribe adds something unique to my life.
I've got a Dad who never fails to put a smile on my face, and constantly provides me with unconditional love. He makes me feel proud. He makes me feel like I am something special. I've got Sisters who bring me back down to earth and give me the tough love I need, whilst being the best friends a girl could ever dream of. I've got an Auntie who gives me the support to constantly strive for me, whilst never putting myself under too much pressure. A childhood best friend who is a brother to me, who brightens up the dreariest day and always provides a shoulder to cry on. Another best friend who knows me better than I know myself and makes me feel less alone. She teaches me to be strong and confident. She teaches me how to be brave. I have two beautiful friends I write to every single day; they connect with my soul and push me to be a more inspired, creative human being. And then I have my tribe here in Italy; the girls who force me to think of the bigger picture, who help me to love every single moment of life and dream, dream oh so big!
Really, that hardly even scratches the surface. I could go on and on about the many people that make me want to be a better person. And that. That makes me feel so very lucky.
Because we are lucky, aren't we? We are lucky to have these magnificent souls that want to help us. The people that remain, through the tears and the heartache, and never fail to turn around and say, "I'm here. And you're going to be okay."
So what I want is this. Let's use our tribe. Let's embrace them. Relying on, needing them is not a sign of weakness. It shows that you want to be the best person you can be, and you are not at all afraid to admit, "Hey, sometimes I need a helping hand. Sometimes I am not enough."
Take a moment to consider your tribe and the impact they have had on your life. Consider the things you value most, and how these people somehow add something wonderful to that.
Because that's what they do, our tribe. They break down all the barriers and enter our inner being until what's left is raw and real. And for that, we are eternally grateful.
Read more of Amber's work at Buttercup Belle.