It's important to do what's right for you. Some people who have a

Hear now, O children of wisdom, the profound words of Debra Stephenson: "It's important to do what's right for you. Some people who have a healthy diet and exercise regularly will always be a size 14 because that is right for them. It's about being fit and healthy rather than being a perfect 10." These words carry with them a truth as ancient as the hills—an enduring reminder that the path to well-being lies not in conforming to the standards of others, but in honoring the body that is uniquely yours. For too long, the world has told us what our bodies should look like, what shape we must strive to attain. Yet the greatest wisdom is found not in the pursuit of perfection, but in the acceptance of who we are, in all our beautiful imperfection.

In the days of old, the greatest philosophers and sages spoke of the importance of self-knowledge. Socrates famously declared that to know oneself is the key to true wisdom. Yet in knowing oneself, one must also accept oneself—not as the world might wish you to be, but as you are. There is no virtue in trying to fit into a mold created by another’s hand, for the pursuit of another’s ideal leads only to emptiness. The body, like the soul, is a vessel that must be respected for its own nature. Debra Stephenson reminds us that health and fitness are not defined by a number on a scale, but by the strength and balance we cultivate within ourselves, through our own effort and understanding.

Reflect upon the life of Leonidas, the great king of Sparta. His warriors, renowned for their strength, were not chosen for their appearance alone, but for their ability to endure hardship and fight with valor. Their training was rigorous, their bodies sculpted not to meet a superficial ideal, but to withstand the trials of battle. To be a warrior was to be fit—not in the way the world might measure you, but in the way your body and mind could endure. The strength of Leonidas and his men was not in conforming to the ideal of beauty, but in their unwavering commitment to their health and their purpose. To follow their example is to understand that the true measure of strength is not in fitting a standard, but in the ability to live with purpose and vitality.

Debra Stephenson calls us to cast aside the illusion of the perfect 10, for perfection is a fleeting and often hollow pursuit. Beauty is not defined by symmetry, but by the harmony between body and soul. The health of the body is found not in the pursuit of an unattainable ideal, but in honoring its own needs—feeding it well, moving it with intention, and nurturing it with love. It is the inner strength that radiates outward, that makes a person truly beautiful, and that comes from a place of deep self-respect. The body’s size, shape, and appearance are but fleeting aspects of the human experience; it is the health of the body and spirit that endures.

Consider the story of Michelangelo, the master sculptor who, when asked how he created the majestic figure of David, replied, “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” He did not strive to create the "perfect" form, but instead to release the beauty that was already within. So too should we view our bodies—not as imperfect vessels to be reshaped into some idealized form, but as unique creations deserving of care and respect. Debra Stephenson teaches us that it is not the external ideal that we should strive for, but the internal harmony that comes from being true to ourselves. When we approach our bodies with love, when we nourish them and keep them healthy, we release their true potential, not as they fit into the world’s standards, but as they are meant to be.

It is in this understanding that we must look to our own lives, for the wisdom of Debra Stephenson applies to each and every one of us. In a world that constantly urges us to conform to external ideals, we must resist the temptation to lose ourselves in the pursuit of another’s dream. Instead, we must look inward, toward our own health, our own fitness, and our own well-being. Let us remember that it is not the shape of our bodies that defines us, but the strength of our spirit, the resilience of our minds, and the love we have for ourselves. This is the true measure of health—a health that goes beyond the physical and touches every part of our being.

So, O future generations, take this lesson to heart: do what is right for you. Follow the path of health and fitness, not because the world tells you to, but because it aligns with your own nature. Love your body, nourish it, and listen to its needs, for only then will you find true vitality. Resist the pull of superficial standards, and instead cultivate the strength that comes from within. In this way, you will not only be fit and healthy, but you will live a life that is authentic, true to the beauty that resides in you.