Be You

Fashion makes its demands. Its influence, as seen in the media, calls for being skinny, doing fierce exercise, wearing costly labels, having the latest hair-do and acting and speaking in what the big or small screen models deem as desirable and correct. When you pick up a magazine or newspaper or a site on line, you are being streamed. You want to be what you see. Very few of us can be what we see, even though we savor the life style. Very few of us can afford what we adore on the screen; it's beyond what we can manage. But we try, nevertheless. I see those who are in pain pounding the sidewalks in their stretch attire and ridiculous shoes. I hear about "hot" exercise sessions that must put a human body into jeopardy. I listen endlessly to women yapping about their diets and their weight. I go into stores that sell nothing but clothing made for over-gymmed, starving people whose genetics fit the clothes rather than fitting normal bodies. I watch movies with actors who have surgery and implants and ribs removed to serve the false fashion ideals they hold up to their adoring audiences. Young people are ostracized and often ridiculed if they can't "keep up" with their fashionista peers. It frequently leads to effects that  carry on for the rest of their lives. Just attend your high school reunions and listen in. In adulthood, we continue to struggle and strive for  what is often beyond us. We want the latest car, the best furnishings in the biggest house, seeing that our kids are braggable. It's human nature to try and reach beyond our grasp. Why? Psychologists probably have answers but answers don't eliminate the everlasting question. At some point in life, many souls decide that enough is enough and they  stop trying to change what nature gave them to begin with, what they feel doesn't come up to their false aspirations. We have many examples right in our own "backyards". There are films coming out that reflect this kind of feeling and show comedic examples of those who rebel, but still the madness goes on. Small groups of people, however, are bravely banding together to see change. They wear clothing that isn't designed to disguise, but rather to be comfortable while demanding a fashionable aura. They make their exercise something pleasant to do and not torturous. They eat and drink to moderation, what they like and they live with their extra pounds without shame. They don't talk endlessly about what not to do or eat or wear. They talk about things that matter such as safety, health and human welfare. They become happy people who live without guilt or labels. They design their own lives and do what they wish and not what's said to be fashionable. They have in their way, become happy people walking about free from plans that don't work for them. They are free and fulfilled persons. They smile, they thrive and they could be you and I.