I’m a Big Fan of Freedom

There are two things I really scratch my head over. One is crazy impractical foot wear. I don’t see it as much in real life anymore (thankfully) but every once in a while I spy a stiletto at the supermarket on an icy winter day, and inwardly feel pain. The second one actually is very common these days, and that’s extreme nails. Just the other day at a clothing store, the store clerk waved around her 3 inch long bejeweled nails and I couldn’t help but wonder, “How does she use her hands?”

I’m a big fan of freedom and fitness is a prerequisite to freedom. The freedom to move – being capable and strong – is priceless. All the money in the world can’t replace one’s own personal sense of freedom. Time and time again, I think women sacrifice their freedom in the name of beauty. We get imprisoned through cultural trends. Today’s version of foot binding and tight corsets are high heels and fancy nails.  The way I see it, these things chip away at our freedom. If you need to take the elevator because of your shoes, or you can’t prepare a meal because of nails, you’ve been compromised. 

But hey, different strokes for different folks! Maybe you love your extra long nails and they don’t pose a problem, and maybe high heels for you are really no big deal. That’s all good, but be on the lookout. When and if things impede on your sense of freedom, draw the line. Don’t handicap yourself in the name of beauty/prestige/fitting in. Be fit. Do you, but stay free. The world needs you at your best.