I had a great conversation with a friend of mine who has overcome a lifetime of challenges. The challenges my friend faced are the kind many of us can unfortunately identify with, ranging from being the target of insults and exclusion as a child to unwelcome sexual assault, and people taking advantage of the benevolence and kindness my friend offered in personal and business relationships. However, my friend has chosen to put in the work in order to resist the label of victim, and instead has chosen to focus on an identity of one who intentionally learns, grows, contributes, and thrives.
It's so easy to take on labels others give us, not recognizing the limitations holding such a label places on our actual potential and ability to see more, do more, realize our fullness. It's important that we take inventory of the descriptors or labels we use for ourselves and others. Many times those labels are really just experiences and circumstances we can grow from or that allow us to connect with others in a unique way.
We must remember that we ultimately define ourselves. Why not define ourselves from a a perspective of fullness instead of limitation? Think of the possibilities and encourage others to do the same. Get rid of the limiting labels.
