There’s a memorable line from the movie ‘Jerry Maguire’, when Tom Cruise wins back the heart of Renee Zellweger with the words: “You complete me”.

Some consider such phrases to be romantic, others see them as being more harmful than good.

Selina Meade would probably fall into the latter category.

She has decided to host a singles conference from May 16 to 18, with the goal of showing people you don’t have to be part of a couple to feel complete.

‘Living Single ... In Faith’ is a spiritually inspired weekend, jam packed with entertainment, panel discussions, workshops and interesting conversation.

Ms Meade aims to bring together singles from all walks of life — anyone who has never been married or has not yet found ‘the one’, as well as unmarried couples, those who are divorced, widowed or choosing to live a single life.

She said the event was designed to “empower and motivate, helping attendees to grow both spiritually and emotionally”.

“This fun, contemporary weekend will surely open your mind and encourage you to celebrate yourself and thrive,” she added.

A single woman herself, Ms Meade understands the societal pressures to get married and the stigmas attached to being single.

She said her faith walk has helped her to recognise that there are lessons in the falls, trips and bruises along the way; and that there is a greater purpose for her life — whether single or married.

“In my scenario I ended up getting so distracted about finding ‘the one’, but in reality I am the one. It begins and starts with me,” she said.

“And when you can free yourself from looking elsewhere to be complete and look within, you free yourself and free your destiny.

“There are many others who are older and younger than me who are losing focus and wasting time, but living single is a viable option these days,” she continued.

“Not everyone is called to be married. Being single is not a negative or disadvantage or deficit. It’s affords you the opportunity to shape yourself in that season. It allows you to be whole, rather than waiting for someone to complete you.”

Ms Meade wants people to walk away from the conference with a better understanding of their purpose in life and what they should be looking for in a mate.

People will be taught about what qualities to look for in a soul mate and how to address past hurts before entering a new relationship.

Ms Meade said she really wanted men to come along — seeing that they often don’t have a safe space to discuss their issues and concerns.

“There’s this impression that men don’t need help or if they do they should handle it on their own, when in actuality they are no different than us,” she explained.

“That’s part of why I invited the keynote speaker, Jeff Ansorge, to share his inspiring story. Jeff was a top chef in Minneapolis making a good salary, but on the personal side he was going through a divorce and dealing with stress and depression. He ended up quitting his job and finding his spiritual purpose.

“Now he’s the head chef for Salvation Army’s soup kitchen and revamped their menu by adding a lot of healthy choices to it. He also found love and was remarried.

“I want people, especially men, to see they are not alone,” she continued. “There are avenues to get help and it’s important to feel whole before trying to enter a relationship.

“If you don’t deal with yourself, you are just going to injure the next relationship you are going into.”

There will be separate break out sessions for men and women. One of the female-only sessions is called ‘Finding Your Boaz and how not to deal with Bozo’, with the aim of showing women what to look for and what not to settle for.

‘Living Single ... In Faith’ will start on the Friday night, with an evening of entertainment.

Ms Meade said they wouldn’t be getting too deep into the issues on the first night, but were looking to “kick start the conversation” with a panel discussion on dating.

“It’s about reflecting on relationships and I want people to walk away from the event on Friday feeling inspired,” she said.

“It’s a faith based atmosphere, but we are hoping to reach out to both those who are churched and unchurched and give them a little more hope.”

On the Saturday, the general workshop will be taking place, as well as break out sessions on different topics like ‘dating after divorce’, ‘overcoming loneliness’ and ‘finding your passion’.

Guest speaker Monica Chavier, a marriage therapist, will also be sharing her personal journey of being single and about her experience as a marriage counsellor.

The event will close with a Sunday evening service led by Bishop Nicholas Dill, from 6pm until 8pm.

Ms Meade said: “The goal of the conference is to rechart people through their singlehood so they can focus on their contribution in society.

“There is often this wrong message out there that if you aren’t coupled up you’re nothing, but I want people to live with a sense of hope and maybe even chart a new direction for their lives.”

The Friday evening event costs $65, while the Saturday workshop is $55. If you want to go to both events the combo price is $105; Sunday’s service is complimentary. Tickets are available at www.bdatix.bm.

For more information, visit: www.spiritualbydesign.bm, e-mail info@spiritualbydesign.bm or phone 707-3903.