LABELS,LABELS

MORE THAN WORDS

Why do we put labels on people and allow ourselves to be label by others?. We not only allow it, we wear it proudly as if that is all we are. We are so quick to judge and categorized each other based on our beliefs, mistakes, struggles, downfall and circumstances forgetting that in our own time of hardships we hope for a hand of compassion and understanding not judgements and labels. Are we not allowed to make mistakes?. Isn't that how we learn and grow?. Are we not capable of understanding that we are more than our flaws. More than our religions. More than our bank account. More than the numbers on the scale. More than the likes we accumulate on social media. We are so much more than we allow the world and ourselves to see.

THE CHECK IN TOOL

The experiences and mistakes we encounter throughout life are useful tools helping us understand more about who we are in the current moment. Assisting us in discovering what works for our betterment but also what is no longer working for our higher good. We can then take the information we gain and make adjustments that's needed in order to move towards the person we want to become. Its pretty amazing if you think of it that way. When we learn to accept and be thankful to our experiences for all the lessons it brings and appreciate the mistakes for the awareness we gain, we no longer have to be afraid of it. They are more like "the check in" tool. It brings awareness to our current state of being and therefore giving us the chance and opportunity to make the changes necessary for our growth. It measures our progress but it does not determines our worth.

LABELS BLOCKS CONNECTIONS

As humans we are constantly evolving and changing. There is no one word that can sum up anyone's worth or importance. Weirdly, judgements and labels have been a part of humanity since the beginning of time. We have been taught to distance ourselves from those who are not like us. I was taught to use my judgement to decipher the good from the bad like the Jews from the Gentiles. One was seen as "GOOD" and Gods people, saints worthy of his love and grace and the other was seen as "BAD" worldly sinners. This kind of thinking is what created hate and separation within us on both sides. When we reject parts in others that we identify as bad, it generates friction and separation from within ourselves also. Anything that we reject in others we also reject within ourselves. This is the main reason we are afraid of being vulnerable and therefore restricting real connections and communication to develop.

I UNDERSTAND

We have become hardened and insensitive to the way our words affect each other. In this age of technology it has become easier and easier to spew out hatred and take no real responsibility for the consequences on the other side of the screen. We have direct access at our fingertips to either tear people down or uplift them. Some people see it as their God given right to stand firm and voice what they believe, even to the detriment of others. I understand this because I use to have that same mindset. I was taught that if I wanted to save souls I have t0 be brave enough to make others aware of their sinful ways no matter how hard, so I did every chance I got. I wore the "Christian" label loudly above any other label. I was a Christian first before I was a mother, wife, daughter, sister or a friend. It created separation and divide with my friendships because they constantly felt judged, and in my marriage because he wasn't of the same faith and was seen as a sinner, but mainly within myself because it meant I had to reject the feelings and curiosity in me that mirrored those of the "worldly sinners." I notice how it was now affecting my children in their lives and it just no longer felt right teaching my kids that Love and judgement exist together. How can I teach unconditional Love if then I lay out a list of conditions in order for us all to earn acceptance from the 'Man Above'?. How can I preach freedom of choice and then tell them that there is only one path worthy of taking and every other road leads to hell?. How can so many good people be seen as sinners and bad? I wasn't perfect by a long shot and neither was any of the Christians that were considered "Gods people." but we was told that God knows our hearts and forgives because at least we were trying. My religious belief and my soul belief were constantly at war. It just didn't make sense to me anymore.

BREAK THE CYCLE

The labels I was wearing was chosen for me as a child by the adults in my life based on their beliefs. Now here I was putting labels on every one around me based on those same beliefs that I didn't choose. I couldn't silence or fight these questions brewing inside of me. The labels I wore and the labels I put on others was starting to cause friction in my home and within me. I was now the one with the choice to continue that cycle of beliefs with my children or end it. I no longer wanted to see people through those labels and I no longer wanted to wear or be seen by the labels that was chosen for me. I wanted to choose and create a different belief system for me and my family. One that is accepting of all the lessons life has to offer. Accepting of all the different people and their different ways of life. Understanding of the process needed for growth. Willingness to co-exist peacefully together appreciating the different perspective we've experienced. A safe space to be vulnerable to make mistakes and not be worried that it will define us.

NEVER TOO LATE TO MAKE NEW HABITS

Now that I understand the patterns that was laid out before me and why I walked it, I can use the wisdom I've gained as a tool to navigate going forward. I am not ashamed of my past. I don't regret any of the pain and hardships I went through because the lessons I've learned and the wisdom I've gained is priceless. I experienced being hurt by the labels people placed on me and I've experienced hurting others with the labels I placed on them. By learning what I don't want, I now know what I do want. I have laid out a new path for myself to walk. I will Live and lead by example. Create a safe space for my family and all the people that will come in my path to feel safe to be themselves. First step to creating new habits is Awareness. Now that I'm aware I can set goals and take action. I am thankful to my past mistakes and struggles for making me aware of how strong I really am and for giving me the chance to make the necessary change to be the person I truly want to become.