We’re living in an age of increased labeling and I really dislike labels.  Labels divide us in unnecessary ways. Too often people identify with labels to define their very identity.  Ease is also a factor as opposed to the often difficult process of research, discussion, real debate (not shouting) and thought.  When probed about how one might label themselves, the response is often without deep introspection, or worse, emotional and maybe not the result of uncomfortably hard homework.  

Before we label ourselves or another, we would benefit from asking: Does the label bring us closer or does it cause deeper division?  Is it kind?  Is it necessary to the story or is it a detail that is irrelevant and could be skipped?

We are different from one another. Our differences came with our birth. That said we have so many similarities. I’ve never met the person who didn’t want to be loved or wanted peace or a roof over their head and a full belly. We all want to be healthy and less stressed.  We want to connect with others on deeper levels.

Yet, I believe the intimacy we crave will only begin if we become acutely aware of how we label others and also label ourselves — often demanding others to do so, at our demand.  

I don’t have to like you. I don’t have to approve of you. I don’t have to want to spend time with you or even accept anything about what You believe. YOU don’t have to like me. You don’t have to approve of me. You don’t have to spend time with me or accept anything about what I believe. We don’t have to like others. We don’t have to approve of others. We don’t have to want to spend time with others or accept anything about what they believe.

Now that that’s out of the way…

We do still have to live with one another because we are all on this Earth.

So, this is why I write. I’m trying to figure communion out. And so, I share my thoughts in the process. More unfolding…

PS: This photo isn’t even a half of me. 😉

I’m @DianGriesel aka a perception analyst & strategist; creative attitude disrupter & adjuster Silver Disobedience® is a registered trademark.