Labels

Ok. Gotta say.. because we all know that every once in a while, I need to rant. Here's today's. Just for fun.

I despise labels. Always have.. always will. I understand that some people are quite keen on labels. I feel there are two reasons for this. One... to attract attention because of a title, or two... to create fear because of a label.

Here is my theory. Labels, titles etc, are created to separate. Hear me out. You are a president. No one else is. Is that a distinction? Is that a label? Does it show a difference between you and me? Sure does. And it's not always respect, fear, or admiration that you gain by separating yourself from another.

This goes for all things. Autism... religion... culture... work... it's all derived out of separation. Someone is better than or less than someone. Sucks doesn't it?

Twice in the last 2 weeks someone has pulled a label card on me. I can tell you this right now, doesn't hold any significance to me or to my life what your label is. Not even a little. I could care less truly, if you are the president, an actor, a gazillionaire, a minister, a teacher, a student, a stay at home parent, a doctor, a mechanic...whatever. They are all separation words. You are telling me that because of your label or title, you may or may not rank differently in life than I do. Well, here's my take. If you are a good human being, treat others with respect and generally try to make this world a better place, I'm going to adore you to bits and pieces. If you depend on status, salary, or separation to prove your value, I am going to love you even more because you need it more than the rest of us do. Truly.

I work hard, I love hard, I play hard. I will advocate for those that do not have a voice or are too afraid to use it. I will hug anyone, and I will learn from everyone. I will respect you as a human being because it is not at all my position to judge. But if your status or labels make anyone feel awful about themselves, I will stand beside them and help them find the strength to be their unique, passionate, wonderful soul. We weren't put here to separate. We were put here to create. Each with their own unique abilities, ideas, and strengths. Not one of us gets to tell anyone else of their worth based on ignorance that separates.

I am out there chasing my dreams just like everyone else. My dream will never be the same as yours but that's not for anyone to judge. I don't need things. I need experiences. I need shared genius. I can guarantee you that if you give each human a chance... you will see their genius. We spend so much of our time putting emphasis on what makes us different. Why can't we put our focus into what makes us similar and then take value and education from the extraordinary differences our culture and histories bring to the table?

Last year, I met a man named Kody. I was sitting outside of a restaurant getting some air and he approached me. He wanted money, food, warmth. In speaking with Kody, I learned some huge, amazing lessons about what it means to be inclusive rather than inclusive. I bought Kody fries to take with him, and thanked him for educating me about how he got where he was. Kody gave me insight I'd have never been granted if I'd have focused on a label rather than humanity.

Take a chance on people. I guarantee you will be better for it.

#thethingsthatkeepmeupatnight