Your Best Girlfriend Just Might Be Your Soulmate
I met my best friend when I was 11 years old, and what I loved most she had such much soul.
Okay, seriously, the way Common personified hip hop and made H.E.R. his mirror, his heart, his rhythm, his soulmate, I could undeniably relate because I had my own her, without the beats and the rhymes, but heart and soul nonetheless. It'd take me years to realize just how or why, it'd take me years to realize that my best friend exemplified my true soulmate.
In fact, it was last month while I was attending her wedding and acting as a maid of honor when the realization really hit me. I cried tears of joy as I delivered my toast to her because her husband-to-be loved her the way she deserved to be loved, like I loved her. The love I have for her is so deep that it has endured 14 years, so immense it's stood the test of distance as I lived in one country and her in another. We went from talking everyday to every now and then, but the love and our friendship was resilient. And to think, I used to naively believe female friendships were drama-ridden and not good for the soul.
Thankfully I am a recovered from that old misguided sentiment and have amazing women in my life that pulled me away from that point of view, including her. There's true value in women befriending women: they unequivocally and unabashedly know you, your struggles, your emotions, etc. A best friend pronounces that even further. I find myself in her.
I think that when we think about soulmates, it's a missing piece told from the perspective of a romantic relationship. I don't believe that it stops there though. Regarding the topic of soulmates, Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert says:
“People think a soulmate is a perfect fit, and that's what everyone wants. But a true soulmate is a mirror, the person who shows everything that's holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life. A true soulmate is probably the most important person you'll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake."
We spend our lives on the pursuit of our better halves, unaware that soulmates come in more forms than just romantic. Below are four reasons your best friend might be all the soulmate you need in life:
She Calms You
The wrong person, the wrong relationship, the wrong friendship can bring out every insecurity you have and make them appear louder and louder, heavier and heavier until you can't bear the weight anymore and it crushes you completely. You feel small and insignificant. The right relationship does the exact opposite of that. You're big, important, valuable – all of the things we are taught while we're young, but emphasized even further by the joy the company you keep brings. That's often the case for soulmates and in this case, your best friend. As the result of being in something so healthy as the thriving friendship and amazing bond you and your best friend share, you're safe to be a comfortable and confident you. The friendship radiates a calamity and thus, so do you.
She Mirrors You
What is significant about a mirror? A mirror does not lie. It shows you exactly who you are, flaws and all, and makes no apologies for it. Perfection is not the point of a mirror, imperfections are. Your best friend and soulmate have that in common. They don't point out your flaws as a means to ridicule you, but instead they raise you up and influence you to embrace those aspects of you because they are what make you who you are. While acting as a mirror for you, you do the same for her, both of you share an unconditional love for one another where you accept the good and bad aspects of each other.
She Connects With You
Ever meet someone who just “gets" you? Well you've felt that way about your best friend ever since you met her. She likes the same obscure bands and films as you, listens to the same ratchet music, finishes your sentences, and understands your quirks. The things about you that might make you look weird or crazy to other people, she just gets. Sometimes it takes years, but almost always with a soulmate, it feels instant, easy, and permanent. It's like you've known each other all of your lives when in fact, it's only been years. And although life might have you apart from each other at times, it's almost as though your friendship is not dictated by time.
She Challenges You
A lot of people believe that soulmate means relentless ease. Like any relationship involving two people, there will be ups and downs. A telltale sign that it is a soulmate you're dealing with is that in the face of those challenges, you strengthen oppose to breaking. Through such permanence and stability, you share comfort in knowing that even when times get hard, there is no threat to the demise of the friendship as you work to find yourselves individually while still having each other. She's not a “yes" woman and isn't afraid to put you in your place or check you when you need to be checked. You can also talk about controversial subject matter, discussing topics in a mature way in which you seek to understand versus seeking to be right. With hardships and difficult interactions that often take place in relationships, soulmates bring forth necessary life lessons and therein lays the true value of the friendship.
Is your best friend one of your soulmates? What are some things that solidify that for you? Share with me about who your best friend is and why below!
Featured image by Getty Images
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ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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It’s almost that time when the girlies are gonna be hopping in the chair to get the most popular style of the warmer seasons: goddess braids. Goddess braids are not just a hairstyle; they're a statement of elegance, power, and divine beauty. Whether you've recently adorned yourself with these stunning braids or are considering them, one thing remains certain: maintaining them is key to preserving their splendor. In this guide, we'll delve into the art of maintaining goddess braids, ensuring they remain flawless for longer periods.
Let’s start with some pro tips from Breanna Knights, a Brooklyn-based stylist with over a decade of experience in the beauty and fashion industry, specializing in goddess braids. She takes pride in maintaining the beauty and longevity of her clients' goddess braids, focusing on ensuring their scalp and curls remain healthy and hydrated.
Knights’ expertise extends to understanding the tension level, hydration needs, and proper cleansing techniques for goddess braids.
Hydration Is Key:
Moisture is essential for maintaining the integrity of your goddess braids. Use a lightweight leave-in conditioner or moisturizing spray to hydrate your scalp and braids. Pay attention to the ends of the braids, as they tend to be the driest part. Avoid heavy products that can weigh down the braids and cause buildup.
“To maintain neatness and longevity for goddess braid styles, I recommend treating the goddess hair just as you would your natural curls," Knights tells us. "This consists of putting up your hair at night in a bonnet. I also encourage using mousse or a bottle of water mixed with conditioner to make the curls bounce back. These two options depend on if the curls are a synthetic blend, or if it’s 100% human hair."
When it comes to keeping the goddess curls refreshed and hydrated, Knights’ favorite mousse brands include:
Bumble and bumble's Bb Curl Mousse
Bumble and bumble
Bumble and bumble's Bb Curl Mousse is a lightweight mousse that enhances curls with a blend of oils and butters, providing long-lasting volume, and bounce without stiffness.
The Vigorol Mousse Olive Oil
Amazon
The Vigorol Mousse Olive Oil is a fave amongst the girlies. Reviewers say, “Product works well taming frizzy curls as well smoothing natural hair, human hair, and synthetic crochet or individual braided hair. Adds shine without looking or feeling greasy.”
Knights also recommends using Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment mixed with water in a spray bottle. “These products are sure to bring curls back to life," she adds.
If you’re looking for particular techniques or tricks to alleviate tension or discomfort often associated with wearing goddess braids, Knights shares that knotless goddess braids are usually done with less tension at the scalp, rather than traditional braids. “I highly suggest gauging tightness throughout your braiding session with your stylist. Should your braids end up too tight, one of my favorite go-to's is the Bumble and bumble’s Hairdresser's Invisible Oil. It provides a cool sensation on the scalp, without over saturating the scalp with oil,” Knights says.
The stylist also suggests a spray bottle with water to relieve tension. Additionally, less styling in the first few days of installing the braids to avoid scalp irritation.
Gentle Cleansing:
One topic that can be confusing when committing to goddess braids is the washing process. Should I wash my braids? How often should I wash them? We had all the questions, and Knights came with the tea. “Everyone’s wash [day] routine is different. To each client’s discernment, by weeks 3-4, if your scalp is itchy or shows signs of dandruff, it would be safe to wash your braids.
"I highly recommend paying more attention to the scalp rather than the braids itself. Keeping the braids up in a bun while saturating the scalp will keep the curls from matting and tangling during the wash process. After washing the scalp I recommend reapplying mousse and tying the hair down with a scarf to help tame any frizz that may occur after washing.”
Protect Your Crown:
One of the biggest keys to the longevity of goddess braids is having a braid bonnet and shower cap to ensure that the braids are dry. Invest in a satin or silk bonnet or scarf to protect your goddess braids while you sleep. Cotton pillowcases can cause friction, leading to frizz and flyaways. Additionally, tying your braids with a silk scarf can help preserve their shape and prevent them from unraveling.
“Combing through the loose curls with your fingers and having a routine to ensure that the hair isn't matting or entangling into one another can help with longevity as well," Knights shares. "The same way you’d care for your curls after a successful wash day would also promote the longevity for any 'goddess' style!”
Courtesy
Regular Touch-ups:
As your natural hair grows, your goddess braids may begin to loosen or develop new growth around the edges. Schedule regular touch-up appointments with your hairstylist to re-braid the edges and ensure a seamless look. Avoid leaving braids in for too long, as this can cause tension on the scalp and lead to breakage.
Minimize Manipulation:
While it's tempting to constantly touch and style your goddess braids, excessive manipulation can lead to frizz and premature loosening. Limit the use of styling tools and refrain from pulling or tugging on the braids. Embrace the natural beauty of your braids and allow them to flourish with minimal interference.
Nourish from Within:
Maintaining healthy hair starts from within. Ensure you're consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and hydration to promote hair growth and vitality. Incorporate foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and plenty of water into your daily routine for optimal hair health.
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