Wednesday
WORD — by Diane, The
labels
"The
If I asked "who are you?" what would you answer?
What label would you use to describe yourself?
Between Oprah's webcast class on her new book club selection, A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle, and my what my Minister said at church this last Sunday, I have been asking what label I use to describe myself.
Oddly, that very label can take over who we are or
who we think we are. It can become a role we play in our life.
This issue has really been heavy on my mind the last few days. I have given this much thought and even asked a few of my friends if they thought the label that came to my mind is true for me. The first thought which came to me and continues to come up when I ask “what label seems to be true for me?” is: Independent.
Over the years I have taken great pride in
becoming independent. Yes, great pride,
and I have no issues with telling you how independent I have become and am
going to stay. I often say that I don't
answer to anyone, I do as I please and have no
responsibilities other than showing up to work for 8 hours and doing what is
before me at that moment.
This attitude isn't necessarily bad. It always seemed to me that being able to
work independently and not needing direct supervision is a good thing, right?
Knowing where to find answers and being able to take charge in situations is a
good thing, right? Or is it?
If my independence is a defense mechanism I use to
keep people away, it might not be working in my favor.
I asked one of my friends what she thought and she said that I was more rigid and that I was more black and white in my thinking. I do things my way and that’s the only way I’m going to do it. Period. The end.
Now the label “rigid” concerns me. Talk about self examination -- she has given
me much to think about for sure.
I feel the need to look a bit deeper into this independence issue. I need to ask myself exactly what it means to me and why I feel it is important to be this way.
Maybe I don't need to be so fast to say how
independent I am as it might make me appear a bit too serious at times and even
unyielding. What impression do I want to convey? Am I turning this
label into a role?
Now I ask you again, what label do you place on yourself?
Are you playing a role by giving yourself this label?
What do you think you project in this role?
Is that the impression you want to show the world?
— © Diane, The
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