We live in a culture that uses
labels as a means of understanding the world and the people living in
it. As a result, many of us find ourselves laboring under labels that
have a negative connotation. Unless we can find a way to see the good in
such labels, we may feel burdened by an idea of ourselves that is not
accurate. It is important to remember that almost nothing in this world
is all good or all bad, and most everything is a complex mixture of
gifts and challenges. In addition, different cultures revere certain
qualities over others, but this does not mean that certain qualities are
inherently good or bad. For example, a culture that elevates outgoing
behavior will label an introvert in a negative way, calling them
antisocial. In truth, the ability to spend time alone is one that most
great artists, mystics, and visionaries share. Owning the positive side
of this label can lead us deeper into our vision and fertile
imaginations.
When we look into the lives of many of the great people in history, we
find that they had quirks and eccentricities that earned them
less-than-ideal labels from the societies in which they lived. Many
famous artists and musicians were considered to be isolated loners or
disruptive troublemakers, sometimes both, yet these people altered
history and contributed an original vision or advances in our
understanding of the universe to the world. If we can remember this as
we examine ourselves and the labels people use to describe us, we find
that there is a bright side to any characterization.
If you have been labeled, remember that all you have to do to see the
positive side is to turn the label around. For example, you may be
called overly emotional, and the fact that you are perceived this way
may make you feel out of control. But also notice the gifts of being
able to feel and express your emotions, even in a world that doesn't
always encourage that. You might begin to see yourself as brave and
open-hearted. You may also see that there are certain paths and
professions in which this is a necessary ability. As you turn your label
around, the light of your true nature shines to guide you on your way.(Daily OM)