Unpacking the labels people stick on us: A Heartfelt take!

 Ever feel like you are drowning in a sea of labels?(Not the one’s on groceries)  One minute you are just living your life and suddenly someone decides to call you “the shy one” and it somehow becomes your label for the rest of your life. Trust me, I have had my fair share of labels slapped on me. I can’t even count how many times people called me “studious”(Only I know the amount of cramming I do before an exam to get a decent grade)  I have even been called “Too sensitive” “Too emotional” most of my life. Yes, I maybe all that but I am, also a thousand other things!

The Labelling Circus

You spill something on yourself while having dinner and suddenly you are “clumsy”. You express a strong opinion and boom you are “bossy”. You answer questions in class “ OMG! you are a nerd, and a teacher’s pet!”  There you go, just like that you earned a shiny new badge. Speaking of labels don’t get me started on being called an “Overthinker” I was called an overthinker once and guess what I was awake the entire night that day questioning my entire existence, by 2 a.m., I was in a full-blown existential crisis, questioning my entire personality. So yeah, that label really stuck. (I am basically like Walter White, instead of meth, I cook thoughts and a little anxiety,)(It is supposed to be funny, please laugh) (It was a breaking bad reference btw)

What I’m trying to say is, once you start believing these labels, they start becoming your reality. Before you know it, “Clumsy” is your middle name, and “Bossy” is  your new Wi-Fi password. But hey, at least “Nerd” comes out with good grades, right? It’s almost impressive how quickly people can reduce you to a single moment.  And let’s be real, its funny how these labels can make you feel boxed in, it feels like you are wearing something that is two sizes small. These labels make you question your every movement, they make you extremely self-conscious. Personally, I dealt with it in school and when you are a child you start believing what other people say. You end up questioning your worth based on someone else’s perception. But it is important to remember that at the end of the day labels don’t define you and its okay to be clumsy, nerdy, and even overthinking  helps at times(I have predicted exam questions, thanks to the power of overthinking)

So, lets raise our glasses and remember that in this great label game, the only label we should truly wear is “awesome’!

 The Labelling effect

Time for some real talk! These snarky little labels have a deeper effect, you heard it right. The  funny comments you pass around are more than just that, they affect how an individual views themselves. They distort our self -image and perception. when someone casually calls you “the anxious one,  you might catch yourself thinking, “Well, I guess this is my role now”

Suddenly, every little moment feels amplified. You replay that time you stuttered during a presentation, instead of recognizing your ability to think ahead, it becomes a source of stress but here’s the thing: you’re not just “the anxious one.” You’re the friend who  knows how to make others laugh, the one who plans spontaneous outings just to break the routine, and the person who’s always there to lend an ear when someone needs it.

Labels can feel like a double-edged sword. They might help us identify who we are, but they can also create this crazy pressure to live up to those expectations. Like the time I was asked if I finished a project, and when I said no, someone shot back, “But you’re  studious! How could you not?”(this happened last week by the way) There I was, trying to be honest about my procrastination and lack of motivation, and suddenly, I was put into the role of someone  who had let everyone down. In that moment, I felt this intense pressure to justify myself. “Well, Netflix just dropped Nobody Wants This and I was busy being lost in Adam Brody’s amazing acting…” But instead, I just stood there and said nothing! and its not even about being labelled studious, imagine being labelled the life of a party per say and you are constantly under pressure to look happy, when in reality you are probably at your lowest. “Fake it till you make it” is probably the worst thing ever in my opinion. You should be allowed to show your feelings and not be confined to someone else’s little perception of you.

So, the next time you find yourself spiralling into a rabbit hole of self-doubt, remember that you’re not just a label. You’re a unique combination of quirks, humour, and heart—and that makes you truly one-of-a-kind. Even if it takes a bit of overthinking to get there, you are navigating life like a pro, one step at a time guys!

Breaking Free and Embracing: The Dual Journey of Labels

In a world that loves to label us—often before we even have the chance to label ourselves—navigating this maze can feel like being trapped in a game where the labels just keep coming. But what if we learned to both break free from their hold and embrace the beauty within them? It’s a little chaotic, a little hilarious, but totally possible!

Breaking Free from the Box

Let’s be real, who hasn’t experienced the pressure of living up to a label? It’s exhausting! You feel like you’re in a never-ending audition for a role you didn’t even want. Breaking free is about giving yourself permission to embrace your quirks and your chaos

Life is too short to be stuck in a box marked “shy,” “nerdy,” or “the sensitive one.” Let those labels go! Dance like everyone’s watching (but you really hope they’re not). Because at the end of the day, you’re not just one label; you are wonderful mix of everything that makes you, well, you! So, let’s ditch those labels and unleash the fabulous chaos within!

Embracing the Full Spectrum

Now, let’s talk about embracing those labels. It’s not always about throwing them all away; it’s about recognizing the unique traits they highlight. Being “the sensitive one” isn’t a flaw, it’s a gift that allows you to have deep connections and feel things on a level that others might miss. Sure, you might cry during a heartwarming commercial or find yourself tearing up at the end of a beloved TV series, but guess what? That’s also a sign of your capacity for empathy. It means you can truly understand and relate to the feelings of those around you. At the end of the day, embracing the full spectrum of who you are means celebrating every part of yourself—the silly, the serious, the emotional, and the quirky, they reflect the wonderfully complex person you are.

 The Balancing Act

Ultimately, breaking free and embracing is all about balance. You might be “the studious one,” but you’re also the spontaneous friend who can turn a dull study session into a dance party, they are part of our identities—full of laughter, tears, and everything in between. Life is too short not to be your fabulously authentic self!

In this journey of breaking free from labels and embracing who we are, let’s remember that we are all wonderfully complex individuals. Each label might hold a grain of truth, but they do not  define our entire being. When someone calls you “the shy one” or “too emotional,” remind yourself that those are just small parts of a much bigger picture. Let’s celebrate the beautiful mess of being human. It's okay to laugh at our quirks and shed tears when we need to. Life isn’t about fitting into boxes but about exploring who we truly are. So, embrace every part of yourself—your strengths, your vulnerabilities, and everything in between. You are a masterpiece in progress, and your story is worth celebrating.