I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of soulmates.

In theory, it’s a beautiful notion, this idea that there’s someone out there who you’re destined to be with. A person designed specifically for you. But in all of the optimism of finding that special one, comes along with the scathing reality of not finding the one or even losing them. It got me to thinking. In life, are we allowed more than one soulmate?

In asking this question, I first had to ponder what does that even mean? What exactly is a soulmate?

As someone offered on my Facebook post today, soulmates are those people who stay around for the long run, but maybe not a lifetime. I happen to believe that the word is a kin to it’s namesake, a person who’s soul or spirit connects with yours. For me, it can be any person who’s made a significant impact in your life, whether it’s a lover, family member or friend. This person went onto say that there are three types of people you encounter in life: Kindred Spirits, Soulmates, and Twin Flames. Kindred spirits, she suggested, are people you “vibe with,” like minded but they may not be around long term. She further explained that the “true goal” is to find your twin flame – the one person who’s meant for you.

Whatever name you want to call it, my question remains the same. Do you believe that in a lifetime, you only get one true love?

My ex & I had a disagreement about this a long time ago. His position was that you only get one true love. I remember we were talking about marrying our soulmates, at that time, we believed each other to be soulmates. He said to me, “When I marry you, that’s it. Ain’t no other soulmate for me.” In a genuinely curious moment I asked, “Not to be morbid babe, but what happens if I die?” He insisted that he believed that you only get one & after that, he’d be done. It made me sad. Having lost a man who I believe to this day was my soulmate, I expressed how I believed my ex would have wanted me to love again, the same way I would want him to. Think about it. Imagine falling in love  & marrying “the love of your life” when life takes an unexpected turn and you lose the person who was your entire world.

If soulmates & twin spirits are restricted to just one, then what a sad notion it is that you don’t get a second chance at true love. I truly believe that some people are lucky to find one person that they get to spend their entire life with. The rest of us are blessed to get more.

Call me crazy, but I happen to believe in the abundance of love.

-TheRealBlackCarrieBradshaw