Hey there, friends!
So, I've been thinking... We're in this odd dance, aren't we? On the one hand, we're trying not to slap labels on others while, on the other hand, we're on this constant quest to figure ourselves out and, well, slapping a label on it. It’s like we’re saying, “Hey, don’t box others in, but I'm totally a [insert label here]!” Isn’t it a bit of a brain teaser?
You know how it is. We say, "Don't label people," but then we're quick to declare our labels - whether we're a Leo, an INFJ, or a typical middle child. It becomes a rite of passage to define and know ourselves, to find that label that just ‘clicks.’ I mean, I'm a Taurus, and sometimes I feel like it's spot on. But then, there are all these other labels we stick on ourselves and, worse, the ones handed to us by others.
The under-discussed issue, from my perspective, is that our brains love to put things in neat little boxes. It's how our brains save energy by sorting everything quickly. This tendency is even how algorithms work. Have you noticed how online shopping recommendations always seem to 'get' you? (Check out my TED talk on this if you haven't already.)
Let me share some of my labels: I'm a Taurus, use she/her pronouns, and I'm an ENTJ to the core. I'm an early riser, which apparently makes me a 'Lion' type, go figure. Oh, and let's not forget, I'm an 'Old Millennial', diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia, which definitely makes life interesting. East coaster, too. I'm like a walking, talking label machine!
So, What's the Deal with All These Labels? It's a bit of a pickle, isn't it? On one hand, these labels can help us understand ourselves and find our tribe. But on the other hand, life isn't that simple to nitch down without nitching down. We're more than just a collection of labels... unless we choose to be.
What do you think? How do we navigate this sea of contradictions? I like to think that we can enjoy the insights these labels give us, but also remember we're way more complex and awesome than a few words can describe.
Over to You: I'd love to hear your thoughts! How do you feel about all these labels we have? Drop your stories and insights in the comments. Let's figure this out together!
Talk Soon,
Audrey
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