We should all be in a state of growth and elevation. The thing is that journey does not always look the same for everyone. We are all on a different path to ultimately get to where we are supposed to be. We are becoming aware of what we need to do in order to accomplish our goals. We are on different paths that leads us to these destinations. Sometimes we find someone that can help us along the way.
This can be anyone in your life such as parents, siblings, mentors, or old or current bosses. We also need to stress that the role your significant other or partner plays in your life is a major factor in your journey. The person that you choose to spend the rest of your life with is going to be a major asset in your journey or they can be a major liability. When I say major, I mean major. The effects of toxic relationships can be debilitating. People go through mental issues such as depression, anxiety and a variety of other things when dealing with a toxic relationship. Even after they have left. One thing to keep in mind is that all relationships go through things. You need to realize there are healthy ways to do it and resolve conflict. Also everyone isn’t for the mess.
Here are four couples that exemplify allowing growth with your relationship. This can be inner growth, career, spiritual, literally anything. Let me put a disclaimer out there. We do not always know what goes on behind close doors and everyone does not have the same relationship goals. BUT these couples you cannot even deny makes your heart strings tingle every time.
Ciara and Russell Wilson
How can we not include this beautiful dripping in black excellence couple on the list! We all know the back story behind Ciara and Russell’s marriage. Even years into the marriage they are still making moves together. They are building their empire and leaving behind a legacy. They just launched their joint business venture this year with R&C fragrance duo.
In an interview with People, the singer stated, “I do feel that I’m a better woman because of him. Obviously, I have my own vision for myself, but my husband definitely makes me better and that is what marriage is about. You both make each other better.”
She also told People, “Russ and I always like to have the conversations and reflect on our years in general, whether it’s what we’ve done individually, but also together and how we can keep on leveling up our love.”
Ciara and Future remind us that even after a toxic relationship you can find yourself again. You can become better with the right person by your side.
Barack and Michelle Obama
Again, not another surprise here. It is our Forever President and First Lady. The Obamas are an inspiration to people all over the country for an obvious number of reasons. They are literally the definition of being inspirational but so is their marriage. Michelle was able to hold Barack down while out here making moves on her own. Though their marriage did not come with its struggle moments either. The former president recently released his memoir, A Promised Land. He talks about the strains that his presidency put on their relationship. Also, how it has been able to be reconciled now that his term is over.
If you have also read Michelle’s book you understand that it took sacrifice and support from both of them at different times in their life and career that help them get to the White house.
An article on Vox, the former first lady recalls when a job opportunity came up that would include a decrease in pay. She contemplated taking the job.
“His was the lone voice telling me to just go for it, to erase the worries and go toward whatever I thought would make me happy,” Michelle writes. “Don’t worry, Barack was saying. You can do this. We’ll figure it out.”
The Obamas remind us that with growth, support and sacrifice is required from your partner.
Angela Bassett and Courtney Vance
Personally, I feel like they do not get the shine they deserve but they probably the way they like it. Angela Bassett is literally a Queen and has been killing it for years but so has her husband. They have been married for 23 years within the entertainment industry. The couple has stated that in the beginning they worked to build a friendship first to have a strong foundation. The couple puts their family first above everything and promote constant support of one another.
Image via Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
In an article in US Magazine Bassett states, “I’ve always told him: ‘Do what you want to do’ – meaning pursue his dreams – ‘because I don’t want you to get to the end and blame anything on me.’”
Bassett and Vance remind us that your partner is also your biggest cheerleader. What you want for your life matters. Just because you do get into a relationship does not mean your dreams necessarily have to change. You also don’t have to put them on pause either.
Lebron and Savannah James
Lebron James is my favorite basketball player and he is one of the best. Anybody disagrees we can fight right now. Another reason why I love Lebron James is the way he loves his wife. The two were high school sweethearts. They remain in love despite him being the ultimate figure when it comes to professional sports. James always gives credit to his wife for being by his side before all the glitz and glamour ever came around. James treats her like a queen. These are also his wife’s words not just mine.
Image via Johnny Nunez/Getty Images North America
In an interview with Oprah, Lebron recalls how he felt when he decided to propose to Savannah.
“I was nervous. It felt like before a finals game,” LeBron later told Oprah Winfrey in 2012. “I had been thinking about it for a while, but it just came to me one day and I was like, ‘This is a part of growth for me.’ This is the lady and the woman I have been with through all the good and all the bad. She’s been there for a long time and I wanted her to continue to be there with me, so I felt like at that moment it was time.”
The James reminds us that you have honor and respect the people who have witness your growth from the very beginning but also gave you the room to grow in the first place.
This is just a short list and there are so many others that could be included. The main point to consider while you’re dating and even when your single is that you want to surround yourself with people that encourage your growth in whatever way they can. Anyone who is holding you back bringing you down or not benefitting you at all may need to be left behind.
Your partner may be included in that if you do not choose wisely.
Victoria is a Disney fanatic and Team Marvel. A Southern Girl and Naturalista but loves a good wig. Victoria launched her lifestyle blog this year focusing on inspiring others with her experiences and words. Follow her on instagram at always_withlove_tori
Follow Us On Social Media!
