The Labels You Didn’t Choose
We’ve all heard the saying, “You are who you believe you are.” But what happens when your identity is shaped by someone else’s judgment, instead of your own truth? For many of us, this journey begins in childhood, where the labels we didn’t choose started to stick.
When I was younger, I was often told I was “too sensitive” any time my emotions didn’t fit with others’ perspectives of a situation. It was a label that felt heavy, like a tag that couldn’t be peeled off. Every time I cried, every time I felt overwhelmed by my emotions, there it was: “You’re too sensitive.” It wasn’t just a passing comment—it became a defining part of how I saw myself.
But here’s the truth: that label was never mine to wear.
The Burden of Labels
As a child, I didn’t have the words or the perspective to question this label. I absorbed it, and it became part of my story. When you’re labeled “too sensitive,” it’s easy to start believing that something’s wrong with you, that your natural emotional responses are “bad” or “excessive.”
This label made me feel like I was too much. Too emotional. Too reactive. But what I didn’t realize at the time was that these labels weren’t a reflection of who I was—they were a reflection of someone else’s judgment, a manifestation of their fears projected onto me.
When we’re told something enough times, we internalize it. That becomes the lens through which we view ourselves and the world. But here’s the powerful shift I eventually made: I realized that the label wasn’t my identity—it was someone else’s fear-based perspective.
Reclaiming My Sensitivity
As I grew older and began my own journey of healing, I started to unravel the layers of these old labels. And one by one, I shed them. I came to understand that my sensitivity wasn’t a flaw—it was a gift. Being deeply attuned to my emotions meant that I was also deeply connected to the world around me. It meant that I could empathize with others, feel compassion, and notice the subtle shifts in energy that most people overlooked.
I wasn’t “too sensitive”—I was emotionally aware and intuitive. These qualities allowed me to connect deeply with others, and most importantly, they eventually helped me understand myself.
Breaking Free from the Labels
We all carry labels—some we’ve chosen, and some that were placed on us by others. But it’s important to ask yourself: What labels am I carrying that don’t belong to me?
Maybe you were labeled “too quiet” or “too bossy.” Maybe someone told you that you weren’t “enough”—not smart enough, not strong enough, not good enough. But these labels, just like mine, don’t define who you are. They are someone else’s judgment, and they only hold power if you let them.
Here’s what I want you to know: You are not defined by labels. You are more aptly defined by your choices, your growth, and the love you have for yourself. These are the things that determine who embody in your world each day.
The Path to Freedom
When you start shedding these old, destructive labels, you create quantum space for your true identity to emerge. You give yourself permission to be who you really are, without the constraints of others’ opinions. You remove the authority that you thought other people had over you, and realize that you determine the course of your reality.
So, I invite you to ask yourself today: What labels have you been carrying? Which ones are you ready to release? And most importantly, who do you choose to be from here on out?
Your true identity is not confined to the labels you were given. It is something deeper, something only you can define. Let go of the labels that no longer serve you, and step into the fullness of who you truly are.
A New Perspective on Sensitivity
For those of you who were labeled “too sensitive” (or any other judgmental label), I want to leave you with this: Your sensitivity is not a weakness—it’s a strength. It’s your ability to feel deeply, to empathize, and to connect. It’s a part of your intuitive nature, your unique gift to the world.
Let’s stop letting others’ judgments define us. We get to write our own story.
How to Apply This in Your Life
1. Challenge the Labels:
The next time you catch yourself thinking, “I’m too emotional,” or “I’m not strong enough,” ask yourself, “Is this really true? Or is this something I’ve been told?” Challenge the stories you’ve been living by and rewrite them with your own truth.
2. Practice Self-Compassion:
Let go of self-criticism and give yourself permission to feel deeply. Remember, sensitivity isn’t something to hide—it’s something to embrace. Be kind to yourself in moments of vulnerability.
3. Set Boundaries:
If someone tries to impose their judgment on you, set a clear boundary. Just because someone else labels you doesn’t mean you have to accept it. Protect your energy and your sense of self.
4. Create New Labels:
Start labeling yourself in a way that empowers you. Instead of "too sensitive," maybe you label yourself "emotionally aware," "deeply empathetic," or "intuitive." Choose the labels that reflect your true essence.
If this message resonates with you, I encourage you to take the first step toward reclaiming your true identity. You don’t have to carry the labels that others have placed on you. You are more than enough, just as you are. If you’re ready to explore how to step into your power, set healthy boundaries, and heal from the labels you didn’t choose, I invite you to reach out for a free clarity call or download my free Peaceful Accountability Starter Kit.
With love,
-Ashana.
