Are Labels Affecting You?
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
I was watching the movie The Flight of the Phoenix (2004) the other day and one of the characters said something I'll never forget. He said, "Religion divides people. Belief in something (referring to spirituality) unites them."
Now this isn't a blog about religion or spirituality but that statement got me thinking to how often 'labels' divide us. Think about politics, sexual preferences, food choices, job titles, diseases and the list goes on. We meet someone and right away we begin forming opinions based on these labels. Why do we put ourselves in these little "boxes" as my friend Derek would say?
It's these boxes that end up dividing people. Isn't it more important to unite people?
I get asked questions like, "are you republican or democrat." All I can say is, "well I don't know, both sides have some good and bad ideas, why do I have to pick one?" If you know me at all you'll know I try to avoid politics at all cost but some people get seriously taken over with "their side." So if you're a republican you can't think a democrat has any good ideas? Is this where we're at?
Sports is another one that kills me. I have family and friends that watch these games and you can just see their stress levels sky rocket. I've even seen people who are so loyal to "their team" get into fights over games. I'm curious did you start the team? Do you own it? Do you personally know and love anyone on that team? Why can't we all just walk away saying "good game, that was entertaining" and now let's go help some children who don't have clean water.
Examples of these labels affecting our lives goes on and on. The problem is that life is constantly changing. We're discovering new things and new ideas everyday, how can we, and why would we want to put ourselves in these little boxes?
Here in America we're always fighting and bragging about our right to freedom of speech. What about our freedom of thought? Many people place themselves in these tiny little boxes are then stuck to those thoughts and actions and it can be difficult to get out.
I'd like to offer up a solution to all of this. We're all on the same planet trying to do the same thing, survive. Let's help each other do that and live better lives. Race, religion, titles and political preferences aside, this fact supersedes them all.
Let others have their opinions without judging or criticizing them or finding it necessary to argue your opinion. It's Dale Carnegie who said, "Don't criticize, condemn or complain." These things only create hate and division. Now don't get me wrong I know I'm no saint, and I often fail at this too but what if we spent more time helping others lead happier healthier lives instead of solely being focused on our own?
Live YOUR life doing what you love and enjoy doing, and let other's do the same. Keep your mind and your heart open and instead of placing yourself in one of these labels always be open to new ideas. If you must place yourself in a box, maybe try this one... someone who's, Just Trying to Help Others Live Happier.
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