“Labels help define you, but they are not you.” Colin Wright
There is one thing that is really important to me that you hear me say over and over again. The label is important, so we can learn.
Most things in life are neither good nor bad. I know many of you are all upset with this statement. You are listing things that are bad and saying, “See this is bad.” What I will say in response is that “We, as a society have labeled a situation, behavior, or outcome as “bad”, as it does not produce the appropriate outcome that “we” deem best for society or the community.”
Let’s lean in a little to my concept. Most things in life are neither good nor bad.
What if the situation just means things are different?
What if people will place the “good” or “bad” labels on the situation and you get to decide?
What if you pick a label? Did you know that it will then form all of the decisions you make moving forward and that becomes your present life and future?
Why does this matter so much? Because when it comes to adults with neuro differences like dyslexia, ADHD, ADD, anxiety, depression, and autism “We” apply meaning to this difference as being a “bad” thing and in doing so, we limit each other’s ability to grow into the amazing persons that we are designed to be.
History has a way of showing us different options. In small community societies, like tribes, they don’t need to apply a definition to each person. They measure someone by their strengths and gifts and help to build them in the direction of their gifts. If a person is a terrible hunter, she should not be the main person in charge of hunting for the whole community, everyone would starve, and she would feel like a failure. That is what I call a lose-lose situation. Small communities can’t afford those types of outcomes. They have to go with people’s strengths.
Don’t apply meaning to the terms and labels people share with you, that you find yourself a failure or an outcast. Just take them as something to explore and learn how to work with it and how to avoid doing something you might never be good at.
Life is a journey, and you get to pick the destination you are aiming for. Don’t aim for someone else’s broken description of you. Aim for the destination you dream about when you are bored and fantasizing about an amazing life. Make sure you live outside the label.
JoyGenea Schumer
Business Owner, International Neurodiversity Coach and Speaker