A Dose of Reality

You may have noticed that I don’t post many ‘inspirational’ photos of women lifting weights with well defined muscles, with messages about overcoming hardships and claiming victory over challenges.

That’s because any person who has the time and money to lift weights as a hobby and pursue a well defined physique doesn’t really have ‘hardships’. Their basic needs are met. They can focus on those things because they don’t have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, or if their husband is going to be kidnapped and beheaded on his way home from the job that pays 60 cents a day, or if they might get blown up at the market, or if their daughter might get raped to death by men who think doing so will cure their HIV, or if their government is going to dam the river that they depend on for survival.

We are so unbelievably fortunate. My thighs are a hardship? Hell no. There are billions of women on this planet who would trade places with me in a heartbeat.

We have the luxury of pursuing excellent health, and I am so glad I have the opportunity to share my experiences with you and support you on your way to better health. I try to remember every day, though, that the choices I make have far reaching effects on other people on this planet, and on the planet itself. Every choice I make and every dollar I spend is a vote for either the status quo, or change. I have great power because I have so many choices and dollars to spend (no, I’m not rich by American standards, but I am by global standards). I do it as mindfully as I can, keeping in mind that my appearance is far less important than the negative impact a mindless choice can have on someone else in this world.

We can make choices that make us healthy AND that create positive change in this world. Be mindful of where your food dollars are going. It is one of the most profound ways you can help others, while still prioritizing the health of you and your family. Foods that are produced in ways that sustain the environment and the cultures and individuals that contribute to that production are, by and large, the same foods that will support excellent health and vitality on an individual level.

12 thoughts on “A Dose of Reality

  1. Pingback: Reference Page: Go Kaleo | Taper Strength Training

  2. Pingback: All WODs: Monday 120805 | CrossFit NYC

  3. Love your attitude- well said about how every dollar you spend has far reaching, widespread effects, on people (and other living creatures) and the planet and that we can either be the status quo or “be the change we want to see in the world”. I wish more people saw it this way- but it’s inspiring to see in our lifetime that we can share and collaborate these thoughts and ideas, hopefully gain momentum and inspire more people to change! Good work!! You’ve inspired me.

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