Labels

 I'm going to be forthright and say right away that I don't believe in labels. This is not to say that labels are not useful or necessary for many people. What I mean is that I don't believe in using labels in a strict or dogmatic manner. Obviously this isn't a super hot take, but I think it's an important distinction to make for some people who really get caught up in their heads a lot. Remembering to keep yourself open to expressing your feelings freely may not feel as important as keeping track of where you are in a more "universal" sense. For example: You may identify yourself under one label's banner, but in doing so find that you sometimes feel you are only pretending to be like that. Knowing you identify as a certain label allows you to anchor yourself to a point, but prevents you from exploring other parts of yourself that may differ from that banner's identity. It is important to remember that you are not your labels, you are a growing, living being, who may find that other labels better define you, and that though you may change anchor points, you can still climb higher past. I'm not saying you should free climb, as this certainly isn't for everyone, but remember that you are you, regardless of what anyone says, even yourself. 

 

Cherish yourself, and grow beyond the darkness.