The Labels We Live Under

How the labels we use become the rules we live by

Have you ever paid attention to the labels you give yourself?
If you listen closely, you’ll notice you have a lot of them.

Common ones sound like:

• I drink a lot of coffee

• Don’t talk to me until I’ve had coffee

• I’m a clutz

• I’m a failure

• I’m lazy

• I’m bad with money

• I’m bad with relationships

• I’m a hot mess

• I’m a perfectionist

• I’m a control freak
  I’m independent

• I’m a survivor

• I’m a recovering people-pleaser

• I’m here for the snacks

• I’m the strong one

• I disappoint everyone
  
  

And the list goes on…

But have you ever noticed what these labels say about how you see yourself?
Or how they quietly shape what you believe you’re capable of?

Some statements don’t sound negative at all — like I’m a survivor or I’m independent — but even those carry a certain weight.

“I’m a survivor”
Yes, you may have survived a lot of heavy things. But are you still living in survival mode… instead of actually living?

“I’m independent”
Independence is powerful. But does it stop you from letting people help you?
Do you let your partner, friends, or family be part of your life, or do you hold firm to I don’t need anyone?
Because being capable isn’t the same as being connected.

Labels can feel harmless, funny, or empowering — but they are also instructions.
They tell your mind how to behave.
They tell your relationships how close they can get.
They tell your heart how much it’s allowed to receive.

So…

What kind of message are you sending yourself with the labels you use?

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