Wear Labels Lightly

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Wear Labels Lightlyby Lin TurnerAccording to Dr. Rachel Remen, " A label is a mask thatlife wears. " She discusses labels in her book " KitchenTable Wisdom " and points out that a label is not the

" truth. " It is just an attempt to understand something bynaming it. A label does not capture the essence of thething named but only a quality, and sometimes not eventhat if the label is misapplied. Furthermore, since a

label is mask-like, it always hides something from view.Sometimes, it hides the potential for change.The basic problem of labelling is that once a label isapplied, it can become difficult to remove and may set up

erroneous expectations for what will be. The danger of amisapplied label is that it can become a self-fulfillingprophecy. This is especially true when negative labelsgiven to children. Labels like shy and awkward or rude

and rebellious.Label children as shy and you may start them on a lifelong journey that hides an adventuresome nature. Thesechildren can become overly fearful of risk and begin toalways say " No " when asked to do anything daring.

Label children as rebellious and the path towardresisting authority may be set in place while afundamental inner, cooperative spirit is hidden. Childrenoften grow into their labels, and if they do, their true

potential will be concealed.What happens if the label is " slow " as in slow to learn?This was said of Albert Einstein when he was a child, butfortunately he rejected his label. Labels do not have to

be accepted.As a child, did you have any labels applied to you? Ifso, you may matured into them thinking that they namedwho you were. As an adult you may still think of yourselfas shy and awkward or as always in conflict with

authority, and you may still be allowing such views tolimit your behaviour.Remember, however, that a label is only a mask and assuch it may hide your potential for change.Don't uncritically accept labels. Labels need to be worn

lightly. They are only attempts to understand something,but always fall short of their goal. Give up any labelsthat may be holding you back. Do so and see if your lifebegins to go better.

-- Diana Gonzalez Nothing wastes more energy than worrying - the longer a problem is carried, the heavier it gets. Don't take things too seriously - live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

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