Labels

Bottom line is that we are what we are.  Simply put, we are the sum total of our life's experiences and factored by the manner(s) in which we chose to manage those experiences and events, or not. 

A "label" is something that we choose to accept by others - a "label" is how we are defined by someone other than our Self.  When we define whom and what we are, we aren't "labeling."  Rather, we are recognizing and acknowledging the events that have helped to shape our personalities, feelings, and perceptions, and our subsequent actions/reactions/responses to those events and experiences.  Whether we care about a "label" or not is a personal choice.  It's also a personal choice to ignore, avoid, and live in denial by giving our Self any excuse necessary to avoid healing the whole Self. 

Healing, on any level, is painful and we never fully recover from physical or emotional injuries.  Trauma of any type presents a reality that says, quite plainly, that we have been damaged, whether the damage was caused by a hiking accident or by emotional battery.  So, we're damaged - why bother attempting to heal when any healing attempt can never, ever take back the damage that occurred?  This is the uphill climb that requires courage and resolve - mind, body, and soul all must heal in unison to help all scars to heal over.  Yes, those scars will be there, forever, and somtimes they'll be rubbed back open either by another physical injury or by emotional triggers - this is all part of the Human Condition.

Personally (quite personally), I have a long, long road ahead and I don't much care for the work that I'm going to have to do to get where I need to be.  But, if I don't take a first step, I will forever be physically miserable, and physical misery can translate into emotional misery, and the soul finally gives in and gives up, as well.  For me, I have to gird my loins and prepare for a Whole Self Battle. 

Brightest blessings!