When labels hurt you and keep you from being who you really are

Growing up I was told to lower my voice and sit still. Don’t talk back because it’s rude. Be a good girl. Do as told. Mix in with the rest. Don’t stand out. Don’t drawn attention to yourself.

In school I was told that I would never be “somebody successful” because I was shy, introvert, emotionally weak, couldn’t spell properly (still can’t) and was not good at math.

As a young woman I was labeled with anxiety and depression. A confused soul with no direction in life. A person who was unable to finish things and get stuff done. (Very unlike who I am today).

Every negative label that was put on me I accepted as my truth. I accepted that other people put me in a “box” and I believed that my place was to draw inside these lines.

But one day EVERYTHING changed. I snapped! Some might call it a breakdown, I call it a breakthrough!

My therapist was putting yet another label on me; “Christina you have Angrophobia” (fear of anger).

She hardly finished the sentence before I exploded. I jumped up from my chair like I was the karate kid, kicked down the coffee table, and shouted “I’ll show you anger lady!!

I ran out slamming the door behind me. I never went back. I never looked back. This girl was DONE with labels.

It was a major turning point in my life; the first time I really allowed myself to express my anger. This was the day I took back my POWER and decided to NEVER again let anyone tell me who I am.

No more people pleasing, no more washing away my true personality to fit in. No more living like other people wanted me to live.

I’m so thankful that my inner warrior showed up to fight for her rights to set boundaries.

I’ve become my own Mr Miyagi telling myself to “Wax on… Wax off” all the limiting beliefs and all the labels.

I’ll always get up after I stumble and fall. Wether I run, walk or crawl, I’ll set my goals and do my best to achieve them.

Every day I have the opportunity to be who I want to be, and step by step I walk to the beat of my own drum.

So to everyone out there who was once told that; you cannot do something, you cannot be somebody, you cannot achieve your wildest dreams... Don’t listen! 

Don’t create your narrative based on who you’ve been. Don’t plan your future based on what you’ve been told you can’t do. Create a narrative based on who you want to be.

Never accept the negative labels that others put on you, because they will keep you limited and stuck.

When you boldly decide that you can be who you want to be, your circumstances will change.

Keep walking. Keep trusting yourself.

Wax on… wax off all the crap people tell you.

You don’t need anyone else’s approval or judgement to guide you.

You are worthy of everything good in this life❤️

With Love, Christina

About Christina Greve

Christina Greve is an experienced Photographer, Educator & Mindset Coach with a passion for flowers, decorating & country living. She's the founder of The Lifestyle Photography Academy + The Empowered Creative Show. She provides tools, education and inspiration designed to help multi-passionate women, artists and creative souls find direction, push through self-doubt + make a living doing what they LOVE.She is known for her elegant storytelling photography and draws much of her inspiration from the Nordic countryside, travels, food and still life.Her work has been featured in numerous magazines, blogs and books worldwide. After a decade of working with psychology, Christina's passion for photography evolved into a full-time photography and coaching business.Today she runs a thriving + fast-growing international empire specializing in professional online training, motivating and engaging female photographers, designers, bloggers, makers and creatives. She has coached thousands of fabulous women from more than 40+ countries.With her Podcast "The Empowered Creative," her popular Instagram posts, and quickly sold-out workshops, Christina has become the go-to person for many creatives seeking like-minded sisterhood, real support and heartfelt encouragement.