Labels.
They can empower us or pull us down. Just because a label fit you before doesn’t mean it fits you now.
I am a RUNNER.
I am on a DIET.
I read CHILDREN’S LIT (and like it!)
I used to look at runners in awe and disbelief. Why would anyone in their right mind run? Scary Bear … Run Like Hell. For fun? Not so much. I would pass a runner by in my car, and wonder why? What would possess a person to get all sweaty and run?
Now that I wear the label of runner, I get it. I understand that high, the sense of empowerment and the pure energy one feels during and after a run. It was a life lesson. If you do not understand it, try it.
I used to not work out everyday.
I used to snack.
I used to be able to eat almost anything and be alright.
Now … I have different labels that match where I am right now. It is hard to shed the old labels. Sometimes it is hard to believe in change. I work out everyday. I may not look it (yet), but I am a fit woman. I am strong.
I used to make excuses for who I am. I would get embarrassed that I liked certain books, or genres. I would poke fun at myself for liking the works of Joss Whedon (think Buffy), that I collect dolls, knit and would rather spend the night in reading than out at a club.
As nerdy as all those things are. The grand total make me. I am a creative soul, that likes to play lego, My Little Pony, video games, colour and sing songs in the rain with my kids. As an adult I like a little fantasy in my Middle Earth, there is room for fairies, hobbits, Ents and magic.
We all have labels.
Do you have any labels that do not fit anymore but keep hanging around?
How do you shed the negative or the old labels?
A Canadian mom with three cute kids. This blog chronicles our lives my creative pursuits. 
You’re deep.
I LOVE children’s lit, and not just because I teach. I’ve always loved it and always will.
I am trying to make rather big changes in my life…who knows what the labels will be but I generally feel that what others label me with isn’t right.
nicole @ much more than a mom´s last blog ..5-7-5
As I think of former labels, I mostly think of the things I was mocked for in my early years: “four eyes,” “Pippi Longstocking head,” “freckle face.” Now I get compliments on my glasses, hair, and complexion. I guess sometimes the labels were dumb to begin with; we just needed to ride them out.
Jocelyn´s last blog ..
I recall some mean label given to me in High School but I don’t live in the past. I have acquired a few labels that I am enjoying over the past few year; mommy, photographer.
I am hoping to get the label of “fit” as I have gotten the 30 Shred and love it. It’s hard but I believe it will get easier. Thank for the inspiration!
cara´s last blog ..Week 9
I used to be a goth! Well, my look was more goth. No real goth that I ever met thought I was deserving of such a label
Right now, I am still wearing the labels of “frumpy” and “overwhelmed”, which seem to be running hand and hand with one another. I am trying hard to break free of them, but it is a slow, SLOW going process. I am about to add “yoga student” as well.
I bailed on FF this week, since I worked all day and had some excitement of the not-so-great variety after work, and Thursday was non-stop.
This Belle Rocks´s last blog ..Pssshhh, so tired!
Interesting post. My most fitting label would be “work in progress”
Holly´s last blog ..Goal Setting
Labels are for file folders
The one label I refuse to shed is runner. Over the years people have always asked me why I ran in high school and college and I did it because I loved the feeling and elation of accomplishment. Now run because it a part of me, I’ve always known it. It’s my joy. I’ve been insulted and laughed at but ultimately those people who don’t run especially because they love it will never understand the power of true satisfaction and pure enjoyment.
I’m glad your running too! You should shoot over to the DailyMile.com, a great family like community
Char´s last blog ..My iTunes Playlists
[...] 2010 March 7 by hjdong Chelle wrote an interesting post about labels, perhaps it was interesting because of its coincidental timing. I was on-line because I was [...]
I don’t know that I worry as much about actual labels as I do about possible ones.
What do people really think of me?
And if they’re wrong, as they so often are, how do I shed the label? How do I prove them wrong?
Very interesting post.
Yeah I think I have some labels in my own head that are ready to be thrown out with some emotional spring cleaning. I am so happy that you feel good about yourself. Keep up the great work. I am proud of you but more I am happy that you feel good.
Running is certainly hard work and I don’t understand why people can just go on and on
I am pushing myself to the limit too and boy it feels so good after a good workout 