Embracing Authenticity and Reclaiming Our Names

How Shedding Unwanted Labels Can Unleash Our True Potential

I think we can all safely say that there have been times that we have been bullied. At the very least, someone said something about us that wasn't true - and it hurt!

I'm so grateful I didn't grow up in the age of social media with all its social expectations and preconceived notions. Life is hard enough without the multitudes jumping on! But that's an article for another day.

Be Authentically YOU

Staying true to our authentic selves can be challenging. Labels, whether self-imposed or given by others, often shape our identities in ways we may not even realize.

Recently, a close friend, Renelle Everett Darr challenged me to be more genuine online. So I recorded this video .

The work I've been doing recently has, in fact, sparked a profound journey of self-discovery. Including the profound impact of names, labels, and the importance of authenticity.

As I was recording the video above, I realized I was wearing my mom's ballcap - which made me think of her. I remember how my mother, Dolores, insisted on being called by her full name. I always thought she was over-reacting to her nicknames, but I now understand why she said what she said.

The Power of Names

I now recognize the power of names in defining our identities.

Claiming our true name is akin to claiming our power and essence—it's more than just a collection of letters; it's a representation of who we are at our core.

Yet, names aren't the only labels we grapple with.

Hurtful nicknames, like the one I endured as a child, can leave lasting scars. These negative labels become sticky, affecting how we view ourselves and shaping our personalities.

The Transformative Power of Labels

Jamie Kern Lima emphasizes the transformative power of labels in shaping our identities and self-worth. She highlights how easily we allow labels to stick to us, whether given by others or self-imposed, and how they can deeply impact our lives.

(Check her video here: https://youtu.be/rhQPEvt-WZU?si=6OfhoALjrGV4BPVK )

Jamie shares personal experiences and those of others to illustrate the profound effect of labels. She recounts how hurtful childhood labels like "crazy" or "Eddie Spaghetti" can affect our self-perception and behavior. However, she also demonstrates how we can challenge and replace these disempowering labels with empowering ones.

The key, Jamie suggests, is to become aware of the labels we've internalized and their impact on our lives. She encourages us to identify disempowering labels, reflect on their consequences, and replace them with empowering truths.

By recognizing and challenging disempowering labels, Jamie believes we can break free from their constraints and unlock our true potential. She urges us to take a moment to reflect on the labels we carry, acknowledge their effects, and embrace empowering truths about ourselves.

According to Jamie Kern Lima, peeling off unwanted labels involves understanding their opposites.

Vivek... to Viveka

Those bullies called me Vivec*nt. That was painful. If affected me deeply.

But with Jamie's work, I saw I could reclaim my power by literally claiming my name.

In Tuetonic, "Viveka" can mean "impenetrable fortress". It can translate to "Life river."

The Sanskrit meaning of Viveka is "discernment or Discrimination learning . Viveka means to know what is essence and what is not essence. It is considered as first requirement for the spiritual journey

Call Me By My Name

I reclaimed and re-empowered my name, Viveka!

I encourage others to journal about their own labels, emphasizing the positive attributes they wish to embody.

Names, as I've discovered, are deeply interwoven with our identities. Understanding the intrinsic power of our names can lead to a transformative journey of self-acceptance and empowerment.

To anyone burdened by unwanted labels, my advice is simple: take those labels, find their opposites, and internalize the positive aspects. Peel off the bad labels and wash away the residue they leave behind. Only then can we truly step into our brilliance and authenticity.

And if your name doesn't jive with who you are - claim a new one!

The journey to authenticity and reclaiming our real names is never straightforward. Yet, as I've experienced, reflecting on our identities and shedding undesired labels can help us uncover our true selves. So, let's dare to be authentic, dare to claim our names, and dare to shine brightly.

What You Can Do

Here are some action items to complement the journey of authenticity and reclaiming our real names:

1. Journal About Your Labels: Take some time to reflect on the labels that have been placed on you throughout your life. Write them down and then identify their opposites or positive attributes you wish to embody instead.
2. Reclaim Your Name: If there are specific labels or nicknames that have affected you negatively, take a proactive step to reclaim your name. Embrace its true meaning and significance in your life.
3. Practice Self-Acceptance: Embrace your authentic self, including all your perceived flaws and imperfections. Remember, your value is not defined by external labels or standards.
4. Support Others: Be mindful of the labels you use to describe others. Encourage and support those around you to embrace their true selves and reject harmful stereotypes.
5. Challenge Bias: Speak up against bias and stereotypes, both in yourself and in others. Advocate for inclusivity and respect for individual identities.
6. Educate Yourself: Learn about the power of names and labels in shaping identity. Explore different cultural perspectives on naming and identity to broaden your understanding.
7. Seek Professional Help: If past labels or experiences continue to affect your self-esteem and well-being, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor.
8. Share Your Story: Share your journey of reclaiming your name and embracing authenticity with others. Your story may inspire and empower others to do the same.

By taking these action items, you can embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, embracing your true identity and reclaiming your name.

Let me know what your name means in comments below!

Need more resources? Head on over to www.beyondthedreamboard.com/welcome