If you’re not a professional runway model, don’t have an almost insane attraction for high-heeled shoes like me, or maybe indifferent about the length of your shoe heels, then I imagine walking in six-inch heels might not be such a fun experience. Now running in heels? I doubt even the most experienced model or myself would be able to pull that off easily and comfortably too.
Running in heels is the name of a program on The Style Network and it’s also the title I have decided to give this piece of write-up which really isn’t about the length of some Gucci or Jimmy Choos heels. No, it’s about surviving in unfriendly circumstances.Running in Heels (the program) features interns struggling to cope with various tasks in sometimes unbelievable circumstances, yet they must ….if they are to be what they aspire, which is to become part of the renowned fashion magazine/company they work with. I have come to realize that what these aspiring interns go through is no different from what other women round the world are forced to cope with. The 21st century woman must juggle a successful career with her responsibilities at home. She has to be the virtuous woman, capable wife, loving mother, and caring daughter. At work she has to be diligent and competent and rise above challenges some of which may unnecessarily arise because she is who she is – a woman.
At some point, she may be forced to make a choice, make certain decisions, take sides, all of which might prove to be tough indeed. In the course of her job, she will be criticized, sometimes, she will be unappreciated by her husband and her kids will take her for granted. Yet she must remain strong, for herself, her family and the people counting on her.
In one of his numerous speeches, Steve Jobs, co-founder and CEO of Apple Computers, and founder & CEO of Pixar Animation studios, once said “You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.” Now, every time I read this comment, I can’t help but attach an element of spirituality to it. If today’s woman is to maintain her balance, and avoid falling while running, she will have to be deeply spiritual. What I’m trying to say here is, she has to realize that physically, and relying entirely on her strength alone, she can only go so far. Christian or Moslem, the moment there is the realization that there is a God who can make things easier, things would definitely be easier. Man or woman, trusting in God for help truly makes all the difference.
Secondly, women have to remain inspired. The interns in Running in Heels still manage to remain fascinated and inspired by their work environment despite the difficulties. Inspiration leads to motivation and motivation helps keep the determination. Inspiration could be from anywhere- a hobby, God, family or friends…whatever the source the important thing is to never be without it.
Sometimes, I get uncomfortable in my heels and my ankle muscles become really strained, but I look down at my feet and think of how cute and gorgeous they are in my shoes and the discomfort is easier to bear. The point here is to remain positive. A positive and optimistic attitude won’t make the problems go away, but it’ll definitely make it easier to come up with solutions.
Trust in God, remain inspired and maintain a positive attitude. By the time you get to your destination, you’ll only look back and smile and be grateful for those heels!
