People often define themselves by their careers, religious beliefs, eating habits, hobbies and anything else that they do. Often the conversation goes like this when you meet somebody; "Hi my name is (fill in the blank) I am a (computer analyst, bank teller, school teacher, dancer, artist, musician, scientist, doctor, and the list goes on. ) Then they often proceed to speak of their other facets of life such as , "I am a vegan, or I am a (Buddhist, Christian or Atheist.)" I am an avid "(scrapbooker, basketball player, or fisherman.)"
There is a flaw in this type of conversation. There is not enough space on a label to truly define all that we are. Most of all, labels set us up to some sort of set of rules, beliefs or standards that we somehow must adhere to in order to continue to authentically "wear the label".
I enjoy listening to podcasts on minimalism and organization. One podcast in particular shares ideas about minimalist living and making one's life more meaningful. There is a segment of phone questions that they answer. It astounds me every time that I hear callers ask "How can I be a better minimalist?" or "When can I truly call myself a minimalist?" When were there ever rules on how to "be" a minimalist? I have never heard of them, yet so many are in the search for the "rules" so that they may be able to wear the label with pride. Then they can finally feel like they belong to part of a group or movement.
By the applying of a label to ourselves we are then either doing it the right way or the wrong way. For example, a person who is now a "vegan" must never eat anything that has an animal product in it or they can kiss their vegan identity goodbye. They will not feel like they belong 100% to the "movement" anymore. A Minimalist can't own too many things, (how ever many things that is, I don't know) but if there is clutter in their home, according to some minimalist standard, then they are not a minimalist, they are a failed minimalist or better yet..."On a journey." That one kills me every time. It is not a journey, it is a set of ideas that you could apply to parts or all of your life if you like them. There is no specific path or ending.
When we define ourselves by our employment we then lose our identity if we change jobs or careers. If we define ourselves by religious beliefs, we will most likely feel unworthy of the title if we happen to be human and not perfect. (That is just a personal peeve of mine for many reasons.)
There is no right or wrong way to define the things that make you who you are. The list of talents, personal beliefs and the types of jobs that you may do throughout your life are numerous. They may change often or remain static until the end of your days. It is your life. There is only one you. Avoid putting yourself in a box with a label on it. You are so much more than that.
So, to finish I will tell you about myself. I shall avoid labels, and in doing so, I think I give a much more accurate picture of the things I love at the moment and some of my talents and passions.
Hello, my name is Jennifer, I am a person who is interested in many different things like writing, music, and reading. I try to keep a pretty tidy home and have an organized life. I like spending time alone and writing or reading a good book. I suppose one could say I display an introverted personality. I have cultivated my talents in music throughout my life and I enjoy playing various instruments, piano being my primary instrument. I have also developed my ability to sing and write songs, having used those abilities to earn a living.
I own a recording and teaching studio for my work. Religion does not interest me, but I enjoy learning about spirituality. I love animals and have two lazy cats and three spunky dogs.
I live with an amazing man who I love dearly and who would give me the shirt off of his back, and actually has done so. I have a wonderful son who I think the world of and I love him to pieces.
Perhaps you may think of the many facets that shape your unique life and the next time someone asks about you, you will be able to paint a very true picture of who you really are.
- Cheers
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