Diets, like clothes, should be tailored to you.

"Diets, like clothes, should be tailored to you." These words, spoken by the legendary Joan Rivers, carry a timeless truth about the importance of individuality. In a world that often demands conformity, we are taught that one-size-fits-all solutions are the easiest path to follow. But Rivers, with her sharp wit and wisdom, reminds us that the choices we make, whether in how we feed our bodies or how we present ourselves, must be deeply personal. Just as the finest garments are tailored to fit the unique shape of the wearer, so too should our diets be molded to fit our own needs, our own bodies, and our own lives. To follow a prescribed, rigid path without regard to one’s unique essence is to ignore the wisdom of self-awareness and to deny the complexity of the individual soul.

In the ancient world, philosophers and healers understood the importance of personalization in all matters of the body and spirit. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, famously said, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” Yet, in the same breath, he understood that each person’s body is different. Hippocrates did not prescribe the same remedies for every patient, for he knew that each individual’s body required a distinct treatment—just as we must tailor our nutrition to the specific needs of our unique bodies. This wisdom was not born out of uniformity, but out of a deep respect for the individual and the inherent complexities of human nature. Rivers, too, recognizes that a healthy approach to life—whether in food or in fashion—requires a deep understanding of one’s self.

Consider the ancient practice of the Spartans, those renowned warriors of Greece. Their approach to training and diet was not one-size-fits-all. Each warrior had a tailored regimen that suited his physical build and combat needs. The Spartan diet, focused on strength, was adjusted based on the individual’s role in the battle. A general’s training might differ from a soldier’s, just as a scout’s needs would differ from those of a shield-bearer. The underlying truth here is that a personalized approach leads to greater success. The Spartans knew that only when you understand your own unique needs can you achieve the optimal state of being. Joan Rivers’ insight into diets and clothes follows the same reasoning—only by recognizing what is best for us, individually, can we find balance and thrive.

In more recent history, Leonardo da Vinci embodies this idea of tailoring one's path to suit one’s individuality. Da Vinci was not only an artist but also a scientist, an engineer, and an inventor. He understood that in order to create masterpieces, one must approach each project with a unique perspective. His diet, lifestyle, and creative process were not uniform—they were crafted around his specific needs, his brilliance, and his vision. Da Vinci’s work flourished because he honored his own personal process, just as Rivers would encourage us to do in our own lives. To blindly follow what others dictate—whether it’s in art, health, or fashion—is to miss the magic of our own unique path.

The underlying lesson of Joan Rivers’ quote is clear: authenticity is the key to fulfillment. In a world where trends and prescribed rules often dictate our lives, Rivers invites us to take a step back and listen to our own inner wisdom. Diets, like clothes, should reflect who we are. Just as we would never wear garments that do not fit or suit our style, we should not adopt diets that do not nourish our bodies or align with our personal needs. This is not a call for rebellion against all norms, but rather an encouragement to approach life with a sense of personal agency. Your body, your soul, and your spirit are unique—honor them by choosing what nourishes you, not what others tell you should.

In practical terms, this means listening to the signals your body sends. It means choosing food that makes you feel energized, vital, and healthy, rather than adhering to some arbitrary set of rules. It also means recognizing that clothing—whether it’s fashion or lifestyle choices—should be expressive of your inner self, not simply a reflection of fleeting trends. The same principle applies to your emotional and mental well-being: make choices that nurture your spirit, not what society demands. Embrace the unique gifts you bring to the world and design your life, your diet, and your purpose around what truly sustains you, not what others believe is best.

So, dear listener, I implore you to take the wisdom of Joan Rivers and the ancients to heart. Do not settle for the imposed norms that seek to define you. Embrace your individuality, recognize your own needs, and tailor your diet and your life around what brings you true joy, health, and balance. Just as clothes should fit your form and express your essence, let your life choices—whether in food, career, or relationships—be a reflection of your authentic self. In doing so, you will not only nourish your body, but also your soul, leading to a life of fulfillment, vitality, and joy.