LABEL

Webster's definition of label is, "a classifying phrase or name applying to a person or thing, especially one that is inaccurate or restrictive."  So, it ponders the question, why are most individuals caught up on labels?  Although, labels may seem innocuous, they can be harmful to our personal growth.  Some labels can be extremely harmful which can lead to negative stereotyping While other label are societal classifications to bestow respect on certain individuals.  In either case, labels are inaccurate and restrictive.  I practice law as a choice, but rarely do I identify as an attorney.   The practice of law may be my chosen career path, but I don't identify my existence as an attorney.  I am a spiritual being living in a human body.  I may also be a father since I have children, but again I am just a spiritual being living in a human body.  I have many other societal labels bestowed upon me but, none will ever define me.  Soren Kirkegaard wrote, "Once you label me, you negate me.  When the individual must live up to the label, the self-ceases to exist."  The same is true of self-labels.  You could be negating yourself by identifying with your trademarks, rather than your own potential for growth.  I understand that we live in a society of labels.  Individuals from all walks of life will label you including yourself.  The only thing labels are good for is your ego.  
 Labels have a negative effect on your personal development, imagination and creativity because we subconsciously start to believe that we are useless without the self-inflicted psychological wounds of labels.  I believe it can become a serious problem when we really start believing we have to live up to those labels.  On a personal note, the best compliment I was ever given is when someone I met, who doesn't know what type of work I do but, somehow finds out I practice law is shell shocked.  They usually follow up with "I would have never guessed you are a lawyer."  And "you don't look like a lawyer."  I'm not even sure what a lawyer is supposed to look like.  I don't remember being taught in law school what a lawyer is supposed to look like.  If there was a class on how to look like a lawyer, I must have slept through it.  In my opinion, labels force you to give up your inherent power to live how you want to live.  I understand it is difficult to give up labels.  We have all been labeled in some form or another ever since the age of reason.  We have had labels attached to us from grade school, our parents and loved ones, all through the various times of our lives to the present day.  I understand, you're not going to wake up in the morning and say, "I read Jay's article and therefore, I am eliminating all labels."  However, through this life's journey, my hope is that you can at least take a step back and view yourself as an infinite spiritual being living in a human body.  A spiritual being with absolutely no limits.  What you see in the mirror when you wake up in the morning is not who you really are.  You are a spiritual being who is here on earth at this time for a purpose.  Part of that purpose is to live your life to the fullest and when your time expires, to be able to say that you have done your part to make it better for others.  I leave you with a quote on point by Martina Navratilova, "Labels are for filing.  Labels are for clothing.  Labels are not for people."
  Just a thought.
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