Why I Run Like a Girl...

Thanks to one of my bestest and truest friends, Melissa, for sharing this video with me!!

I was encouraged by this video and thought some of you all may be as well.  It is always a nice change of pace to see a big national company take a stand against the stereotypes and external forces that are pressed upon women.  Always has kicked off a campaign that is challenging the ever-popular and degrading phrase, "Like a girl."  It is often stated in reference to a sport or sport-like activity, but personally people have applied it to my feelings, reactions to situations, etc.  Being a female should not be an insult.  This video shows the beauty of innocence and the unsettling truth that at some point during development each woman feels as though she has to fit into this peg hole of what a woman is 'supposed' to be.  It is a movement fighting for strength in our female bodies and courage to be who we are, which is fantastic!  If you're sporty, rocker, hipster, pretty-in-pink, or a bit of a mixture of all sorts of things more power to you!  As the woman in the video says, "Keep doing it - because it's working."

Now, if you know me at all you know I am a woman of action steps.  My motto is feel how you feel, what you do and how you do it is what matters most.  I feel upset that I live in a society where my biological makeup is used as an insult to describe someone as weak and pathetic.  I feel frustrated that if I cry or get emotional during a situation that may not call for it I'm told to stop acting like such a girl - when,in fact, I am a girl.  I feel appalled that this society is tainting the truth that lies in the hearts of our young girls who do not understand why being girl would change the way they run a race or play a game.  It's time for real change to happen, and it can start with you and me.  One real and easy action step to take today is stop saying, "like a girl" to insult someone.  It is as simple as that.

I know that wrapped up quickly, but I like to take baby steps at first to make sure something truly sticks.  :)  Please check out the video if you have a couple minutes!  Just a personal note: there is no need to insult someone (period), but especially by means of degrading another person's characteristic.  You were carefully and wonderfully made; you are incredibly precious.  Do not believe the lies that you are weak and incapable because you are just a female.  Your design is no mistake.
Happy 4th of July, friends!

Best,
RC