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FORT LAUDERDALE FASHION WEEK MAGAZINE
EDITOR'S LETTER
What a magical time when Spring is in the air, a time when we move out of the hibernation and solitude of winter, to a world transforming with bursts of brilliant colors, the sweet scents of dainty flowers, the sunshine gently warming the atmosphere, and the buzz of twitterpated creatures flittering about. Such a beautiful time of renewal, and not unlike our world today. With the extra-long hibernation and isolation of lockdowns, this pleasant shift of seasons has sprung hope and a freshness of life to our lives. The pain and stress of a world gone mad, one begins to breathe again as the ice on our hearts begin to thaw and melt. The world emerging into a new type of transformation, though unlike what we are used to in the past, as it will never look the same. As more states open up, people feel some reprieve from the persistent shockwaves we have all endured. While we have yet to see all the detrimental aftershocks from this tragic time that await us, we feel weight lifted off as we begin the healing process. It’s time for joy. It’s time to breathe in the comfort of the Friend. The world’s ready for life and freedom. The world’s ready for joy. So where do we go now? If we had a year left on this planet, what would you do? What would you want transformed or renewed? How would you want to help others in this time? How would you want to grow physically, mentally, and spiritually? I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for the sludge to be removed that’s been put on us to hold us down. There is a way to break free. And there’s no better time to start than today. Transformation is a complete or major change in someone or something’s appearance or form. Transformation can come in many forms. It could be transformation of outward behavior or appearance, or a transformation of the heart – a metabolic transformation from being infused with the Creator – an inward, spiritual, metabolic process. Through metabolism – a breaking down and discharging of old elements and the building up of new ones – an organism lives, grows, and develops. How does one transform themself? We can transform ourselves physically by getting a new look through a new wardrobe or new hairstyle, or we can start working out and eating healthier. Or even change our physical space by redecorating our house in a new style. Now, in a world where we have grown so accustomed to wearing comfort clothes, we’re ready to dress up again, to explore the fantasy and imagination of fashion. We’re ready to go back to vivid colors, the dazzling sparkle of sequins and metallic, the pleasant touch of silk and velvet. Why not get dolled up even if you have no place to go, but it brings you joy? We miss getting dressed to the nines – it’s just fun! Not to mention it always puts you in a good mood, and you move into a realm of dreaming, possibilities and options. We find deeper transformations when we turn grief and loss into carrying on of dreams and changing lives. The rescuing of a sex trafficked child, who becomes whole, free and thriving in a healthy home filled with love. An abused victim finding meaning and purpose again through the unconditional love of one person. It’s someone set free of a drug addiction who no longer escapes the pain through the use of drugs, but rather has hope, belief in themselves, and enjoying life again. It’s moving from being in the spirals of depression, to finding new excitement for life and dreams for the present and future.
Different transformations can last a season, a lifetime, for generations, and for eternity. Lasting transformation always begins as an internal job; the best transformations start from our heart, move to every part of our body, and then on to our outward life. If you really want to transform, look deep within yourself; look at the core, look at your heart. What are you believing? Who are you believing in? Where are you self-sabotaging? What holds you back? In order to be truly transformed and renewed, we must look at our hearts and our minds. It’s like the definition of insanity – doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. We can’t keep doing the same thing. To get a different result, we have to change, we have to shift. Our choices, like a rock that’s thrown into the water, have ripples that can have cataclysmic effects or dynamic effects. We have to turn away from those things that keep us enslaved in bondage. We have to turn towards what is good and right and true. Throw off your former way of living; renew your thoughts and attitudes. Transformation takes renewal, reeducation and redirection of our mind. Think a new way, perceive things a new way, and change your direction on the things that aren’t working and what’s gotten you into the pit. Do the opposite and see what happens. You get to choose. When you choose love and compassion, love transforms the world. True unconditional Love is a never ending, never giving up, always and forever love. That’s the help; that’s the victory. The caterpillar is a perfect picture of the transformation process. The caterpillar does what it’s made to do and is how it was created to be. It sheds all the old clothes, it’s old being, and takes on its new nature. Who the caterpillar is before the transformation is not how it comes out of the cocoon; it comes out transformed into a beautiful butterfly. Just as one who is living one way chooses to turn away from those unhealthy things, they too come out as a new transformed being full of life, being who they were created to be and doing what they were created to do. As you read this issue, may you receive new insight into renewal and transformation, be filled with hope through the stories of transformation within these pages, and have courage to step out and take action in your own journey. You are a beautiful masterpiece, a magnificent creation, and wonderfully loved. We believe in you and are cheering you on!
Editor-In-Chief
