We so easily take upon us labels that stick and we live into. I know that for me, I took on the label BIG (I was taller that most at an early age – and on being told that I was ‘so big’ I shrunk who I really was. I felt so inadequate, flawed, and the ramifications have been very very unhelpful! Only much later in life have I been able to see and understand this. It really was just a STORY. This story has now, thankfully, being changed for a much better and TRUER one!).
This morning, Julia Samuel (the psychotherapist) reminded me (via Instagram) about the importance of NOTICING the labels that you are living by – and to RETHINK and UPDATE them. I suspect that you will see that there were words spoken over you many many years ago that you still imbibe.
UNSTICK yourself. Write down some NEW LABELS for yourself. As Julia says, you might have been told that you were lazy (as just one example), but there are ALSO so so many times when you have been excellently diligent and determinedly hard working. Yes, you might be ‘distracted’ but there are many times when you are deeply focused and apply yourself completely. You are NOT one or other. You are so many things.
Your brain is a learning machine and it is in the understanding of how it works, so you will understand that you can change the ‘go to’ thinking patterns. So, give your brain new information and update that data base. There are many versions of yourself and this is the magnificence of being so wonderfully human.
We need these insights and need a NEW LANGUAGE and much much better words that reflect the truth. I would love you to start really awaken to how you describe yourself and think about yourself and challenge what is not serving you well. And choose your vocabulary that suits the you that you choose to show up as.
If you would like to have an open conversation, that uplifts and restores your faith in who you are, please call me! Whether we meet face to face, online or for a walk (I am near Sherborne, Dorset, UK), I will see the best in you. I will see your strengths and your gifts.
Below is the Instagram link to Julia Samuel’s reflection about labels.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChjYKADgW9P/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link