I remember a grocery store we used to shop in when I was young would have a box at the front door with cans and jars with no labels. They were free to take; however, you had no idea what was inside until you opened it. I have heard that food banks often have them now.
Labels are important so we know what we are dealing with. If you are planning dinner and wanting some veggies to go with it, you might be a little unsure what to do with the can of peaches you just opened.
As a society, we seem to need labels on everything so we can maintain order.
- Continents, countries, regions, cities, areas, streets and house numbers all help us to find where we are going. We get our mail and deliveries through this intricate labeling system.
- Schools, universities, colleges, and other places of learning, shops, malls, online stores, and businesses, all have names to identify them.
- Cuisines, food items, snacks, etc. are “labeled”.
I could go on but I think you get where I am going there.
Some “people labels” are perfectly fine as in men and women, young and old, short and tall, etc. However, there are many labels that can make a person uncomfortable.
Race and religion are two very gray areas. A person can be referring to a nationality, a skin color, faith, gender, sexual preferences, and so on in a matter of fact way – an accurate and positive description. However, these same “labels” (or more derogatory ones for the same person) can be used in a very hurtful way.
This is how it can be for people with chronic illness of any kind.
When I first became outspoken about my mental illness many people (some in my church, friends, and family) distanced themselves from me. They took it as a totally negative thing – an excuse to write me off. Others, however, embraced me for being strong and speaking out on behalf of others. It took awhile, but these are the people that I have kept in my life and who have actually motivated me to rise above the labels and the illness.
It is actually harder to rise above labels when you have chronic physical illnesses.
Why?
I think it is because physical ailments are more “invisible”. We try to act normal when we feel as far from normal as you can get. I have learned when someone who hasn’t seen me for a long time says I look really great and how am I to say “I’m glad to be here”. I honestly think most people don’t really know or understand what it is that is physically wrong with me. And that probably is a lot my own fault because I keep it to myself. I am so used to the mental labels (manic, “loopy”, neurotic, depressed, etc.) that I shy away from getting physical ones.
I hope that this post doesn’t sound angry because that is so far from the truth about what I am trying to say. My point is just to say to everyone – the labelers and the labelees – labels are words, nothing more.
They are descriptions just like on a can of soup.
Lydia!
Well said. You raise very good point!
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Thank you!
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great post. xx
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Thank you!
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I agree, really well said 🙂
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Thank you!
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Beautifully written… thanks for highlighting this truth yet again… 🙂
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Thank you!
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Good point but please allow my 2 cents. Those who distanced themselves from you, might have done so for the reason that they didn’t know how to handle the news. I was in this situation when a friend told me she had cancer. I just couldn’t bring myself to stay in touch as I knew the things were bound to turn for worse. I finally have gotten over that and we were in touch again but I vividly remember the shock at hearing the news initially.
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Thanks, Anna, and I always appreciate your “2 cents”! I do understand that line of thinking. However, the people I am referring to went out of their way to make me feel inferior, flawed and unwanted. I believe in the two main cases that it was actually their own insecurities they were battling. However, it didn’t make it hurt any less.
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Your words are inspiring. If I had to give any labels..I would label you brave my dear Lydia! 💖
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Thank you so much. I am blushing!
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Reblogged this on Dream Big, Dream Often and commented:
This is Being Lydia!
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Thanks, you caught me showing my controversial side 😉
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That’s okay. Controversy is always good! lol
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🙂
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You say words that can’t be said enough! Well done! Too many of us have had to suffer through labels that do not describe who we actually are.
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Thank you!
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Great post. I’ve experienced similar circumstances myself… I would, however, be partial to side-effects that people cause (ex. drowsiness, irritation, or use caution while driving under the influence);-) Be well!
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