Labels are a funny thing, and can be a contentious subject depending on the label (and the person being labeled). We embrace some and eschew others, and somewhere in between there are some we just live with.
I’m a musician, and an athlete. I like these labels because I work hard to achieve and maintain them, but they’re pretty broad-spectrum. They lack the specific nuance that sets me apart from other musicians and athletes. Regardless of the specifics, these labels are like clubs I belong to, that have pride and prestige despite some bad apples who inevitably spoil the perception of the bunch. I’ve also been a lot of things I never wanted to admit – drunk, fat, rude, underachiever, lazy, narrow-minded, set it my ways… it’s a long list.
But there’s a whole other kind of labeling we’re not quite so aware of. We label what we don’t understand, and we do this as an excuse to differentiate ourselves. Now the obvious example here are racial slurs (which I won’t use or condone the use of). However; in a more nuanced way, we label individuals as ‘special’ ‘talented’ or ‘gifted’ (among other flattering terms) as a way of assigning limitations to ourselves.
At the risk of blowing my own horn, I’ve been told “I could never do what you do” by some of the people in my periphery, and told that I am “more motivated” or I’m “driven” or I am “talented” that are intended to be complimentary, but when we say these types of things to each other, we place limitations on ourselves. For example, if I tell someone who’s a thoughtful and considerate speaker that they are “crazy smart,” I am not only putting them on a pedestal, I’m lowering myself at the same time because the implication is that they are “crazy smart” and I am not. What’s more, they may not feel my complement is accurate and feel inclined to console me about my self deprecating comments. It’s possible that this is what some of us are looking for when we do these things – consolation.
Beyond that, we provide ourselves with excuses for mediocrity at the same time. By someone telling me I am “talented” they are excusing themselves from achieving a possible goal, when the reality is this: Anything that is humanly possible can be done by you. That’s a lot to swallow all in one gulp, but the difference between a couch potato and an endurance runner is an allocation of time.
Don’t sell yourself short. We honor those around us by offering the best of ourselves. Don’t gloat… but don’t misrepresent yourself either. Words carry a lot of value, and you should know that you can do what you want to do.
Speaking of doing what we want to do… Training this week has been solid and consistent. Getting out and running in our River Valley is truly a gift, a measure of prosperity beyond money. I’m fortunate to do it, and I’ll be even more fortunate if I can conjure up a short run around Calgary tomorrow morning before I head back north. This week’s efforts have included cycling to work, which has been liberating in ways I hadn’t imagined. The commute has been 14.5kms with 83m of elevation change, twice a day. Completely magical.
Today, my band The Confusionaires are departing for Calgary to play the East Town Get Down festival. We’re on at 9pm at the Border Crossing – Hope you’ll swing by if you’re in the area. Lovebullies and Chixdiggit, and Julius Sumner Miller are playing the same room, so show up early and settle in!
The Conscious Pilgrim 