Be an Ultimate Designer Label Junkie
By Colleen Daly
As a society we are extremely concerned at what other people think about us. What we wear, say, do and earn often determines how other people value us. Colleen Daly, Project Manager of City Hearts House in Sheffield, reveals how we should dismiss the negative labels placed upon us and yearn for the ultimate designer label in life…
Here's a truth … what other people think about our lives holds a valid level of importance to us. Most of us yearn to be liked, loved, acknowledged, accepted, valued and affirmed by the people closest to us.
At times it can become frustrating when friends, professionals, and family members label us in a certain way. Certainly, a number of the labels are true to our individual characters but others are merely assumptions or individual perceptions. We may receive positive comments such as "You are clever", "You're a great mum", "You are fun", "You are friendly", "You are reliable" etc. These affirmations boost our esteem. However, not all comments are positive and can be extremely damaging. There is a favourite saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but calling names won't hurt me". From personal experience this expression is far from the truth. Labels such as "You are thick", "You are unlovable", "You are a failure", "You are fat" etc, can often stay with us for life. We have a tendency to not only listen to these comments, but we believe them, and act as though we are a particular way. What started out as "You are unlovable" eventually becomes "I am unlovable". Labels not only damage our self-esteem but they also place limitations onto our lives. They prevent us from living life to the max.
Negative labels can affect us in different ways:
We believe what people say and live accordingly
We begin to lose sight of who we are and what we want to do and be
We are frightened to step out and try new things
We lose confidence and trust in people
However, whether we live with these labels or not is a choice. We do not have to live a limited life. It is not the label that damages us but the way we react to it. Throughout life, we will be criticised and ridiculed. It is a fact … but it doesn't have to become our reality.
Here are five keys to get rid of your labels and live the life you have always wanted:
Recognise the labels
Take off the labels that people have placed upon us
Start to give yourself positive labels, value yourself more
Start to dream and set yourself a few goals to achieve
Speak to your mind when it plays tricks on you
You are talented, fabulous, valued, courageous and gorgeous. You deserve the very best in life. Why not throw off these negative labels that hold you back from an awesome future? Why not desire the ultimate designer label? What is it? It is a deep seated knowledge that you are unique, special and have a part to play on this planet. There is only one of you. Your fingerprint is one of a kind and so are you. Do not deny the world a beautiful thing. It is time you placed your fingerprint on this world. We need you. You are so unique that there are gifts and talents that only you can bring to the table. There are people out there that only you can reach. Could you be the one who makes a difference in this world? We think so. My friend, it is time to get rid of the junk that clutters your life and wear your designer label with pride. Are you fabulous? Absolutely fabulous!
Colleen is the Project Manager of City Hearts House in Sheffield. She loves everybody and everything. Her heart is so big that she has had to build an extension on her house just to fit it in!