Have you ever been romantically involved with someone that brought the absolute worst out of you, but did so in a positive way?
Talk about an oxymoron, smh. That person is something like a twin flame, a mirrored reflection of both the positive and negative aspects within you, bringing all of your qualities to the light, forcing you to examine yourself in a way that makes you both uncomfortable and insecure. It is a divine connection to say the least. Twin flames and soul mates are your Higher Power's way of pulling you further into the evolution and expansion of self.
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It is a common belief that a soul mate is a person who gets you like no other and is the person your soul has been waiting for since forever. While this isn't necessarily untrue, soul mate relationships are not always fine and dandy like a Nicholas Sparks novel-turned-movie will have you believe. Soul mate relationships are hard work, and are often times frustrating, bringing many flaws into the light that both partners need to work on. The purpose of a soulmate, is to grow, above all.
Soul mates come into your life in a flash, rock your world and leave you as an entirely transformed person, hopefully for the better, if you play your cards right.
Recently, I’ve met a wonderful man who is AMAZING beyond words in every way. A real King and a real protector. We clicked instantly and it felt like we knew each other in another lifetime. The divine connection was soooo real, it almost seemed too good to be true... And it was. Although my admiration for him is true, despite us both being on the same page as free spirits who don't like to rush into things, we still have had the rockiest start to any relationship/friendship I have ever been involved in. In a short amount of time, this man has already unknowingly brought some of my most major flaws to light. Ones that I didn’t even know I had.
He has snatched the facade I'm so used to hiding behind and has left me bare, vulnerable, naked and shivering.
Behind this facade of a woman who has it all together is a young girl who is scared shitless of being rejected, a young girl that worries about being worthy of love, a girl who is seemingly laid-back and nonchalant, yet also a handful and tough to understand. A girl who is EXTREMELY sensitive physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally...you get the picture.
A man who is able to love you through your pain and insecurity, is pure gold in a world full of coal. Don’t run away from discord, as this is your spirit's way of shaking things up to open you and your world for what's about to come. Embrace this time and this person's role in your life.
[Tweet "His purpose is to love you through your flaws, as you work on loving yourself in a deeper, more fulfilling way."]
Have you encountered a soul mate? What has she or he taught you about yourself? Let us know in the comments below!
Grace Grant is a Life & Wellness Coach and Founder of EnterprizeYOU, an Empowerment Community for the Free-Spirited Black Woman! Come join us, or connect with Grace on Facebook & Instagram
Tim Weatherspoon surprised his wife, Kelly Rowland, with a heartfelt speech as he presented her with the Fashion Icon of the Year Award. “I couldn’t pass up this moment to tell you that you’ve always been my icon,” the talent manager said. He went on to share that he scoured social media to pull some compliments from the toughest of critics. Weatherspoon said, “My assumption is that these are good ‘Kelly eats the girls every time. Fire emoji, fire emoji, fire emoji.’’’
As the Destiny’s Child alum accepted her award, she proclaimed her love for “that Black man.” Rowland was full of joy and adoration as she accepted the award, reminiscing on the days when she was a little girl from Texas in a group of country girls where stylists were not jumping at the opportunity to dress them. “Tina took matters into her own hands, and she dressed us. We learned what it felt like to start a trend. I remember what it felt like — the pride in it. I also know that ‘we’ start the trends and ‘we’ make what’s cool, cool. Fashion should be grateful for us.”
L-R: Tamron Hall, Stella Jean, and Brandice Daniel
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Then, the incomparable styling duo, Wayman and Micah, took to the stage to receive the Stylist of The Year Award. These two best friends were honored for their creative styling on the likes of Regina King, Tessa Thompson, Taraji P. Henson, Jodie Turner, and so many more. The partners in style applauded HFR’s founder, Brandice Daniel, for creating a table for us. “The table is marble and custom,” Micah exclaimed.
The fashion heavy hitters were absolutely in the building. Gabriela Karefa-Johnson, a New York-based stylist and VOGUE Global Contributing Fashion Editor-at-Large renowned for her eye for emerging designers and her narrative-driven approach to diversifying representation in fashion, accepted the Editor of the Year Award.
Tamron Hall sang the praises of the Designer of the Year recipient, Stella Jean, for being a visionary who not only creates whimsical pieces but takes a stand for what she believes in. “During this pivotal moment, one designer made a courageous and impactful decision. Stella Jean, an Italian-Haitian fashion visionary, took a stand in a bold and powerful move. Stella Jean pledged to return to the runway only when she would no longer be the sole Black designer on the Milan schedule.”
Johnny Nunez, the culture’s #1 photographer, reminded us of the importance of perseverance in the face of rejection while accepting the Photographer of the Year award. Just before his speech, Valeisha Butterfield, Google's Vice President of Partnerships & Engagement, gave Nunez his flowers for always making her feel seen and appreciated, which gave her the determination to be herself and take up space.
A$AP Rocky
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A$AP Rocky lit up the historic Apollo stage with his undeniable charm and intrinsic style. Dressed in a cardigan, Louis Vuitton tie, and a voluminous kilt while his head was adorned with embellished hair clips, he was walking proof that he’s a fashion, music, and culture innovator just like the name of the award he was receiving, the Virgil Abloh Award. For this Harlem native, it was a full circle moment as Abloh helped the rapper with his start in the industry years ago when he helped design his first album cover.
Designers Megan Renee, Nicole Benefiled Portfolio, and A. Potts showcased their transformational designs, which varied in style, texture, and color. Megan Renee's designs were inspired by unapologetic femininity. Nicole Benefiled Portfolio's designs were more geometric and modern, with a focus on clean lines and bright colors. A. Potts' designs were eclectic and playful, with a focus on mixed patterns and bold colors. All three designers created unique and eye-catching pieces that turned heads.
The show concluded with a beautiful tribute to hip-hop by the legendary Doug E. Fresh. The entire show was a celebration of all that is good about fashion, and it was a reminder of why the culture continues to inspire and influence people all over the world. HFR’s New York Fashion Week kickoff was a love letter to the culture, and it was delivered with nothing but style, care, and love.
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