This rather alarmed me. I started to think, HEY, maybe I’m not just a blogger, but maybe I AM ALSO A WRITER! Maybe I have arrived!
I recently went back to school and on the first day we each had to introduce ourselves to the class. It was interesting to listen how each person described themselves. We all used labels as a short-cut to describe who we are. Most everyone in class described themselves by the type of work they do (or did), if they were married, divorced, or single, and where they grew up. None of us went to the next level of including more interesting labels and descriptions, such as “I’m a binge drinker” or “I am a closeted nudist”. We only shared the minimal and acceptable labels and behaviors with people we didn't know.
Kind of typical, I know.
I then looked back at my own history to review some of the labels used in our family. My mom gave each of her daughters a label, such as "the reliable one", or "the screw up" and those labels are things we still carry with us even today. It is amazing, but true.
One of the most interesting labels was one my mom used to have. Most of the time mom was "just a housewife" but occasionally she described herself as "an Artist" and when that happened you could actually see a change in her countenance. Her personality and demeanor actually morphed and she was empowered. She stood up a bit more erect, her posture more firm, and she started to act like she was best friends with the Kennedy's. It was rather amazing to see how that little label of "I am an Artist" completely changed her appearance and personality.
I even printed up some business cards that included her title of "Artist" and gave them to her. She said that was one of the best gifts she had ever received. Imagine that. An official looking label printed on business cards and a person changes and feels more valued.
So I have decided it is time for me to try on some new labels, too. The first one I’ll be trying on is “I’m a Writer”. So move over Nora. I’m following your lead.
