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 internationally recognized photography educator specializing in creativity and mindfulness. She is known for her elegant storytelling photography and draws much of her inspiration from the Nordic countryside, travels, food and still life. With over a decade of experience in psychology, Christina transitioned her passion for photography into a thriving full-time business focused on photography and education. Her work, both in photography and writing, has been featured in numerous prestigious magazines, blogs, and books worldwide.Christina is dedicated to empowering multi-passionate women, artists, and creative individuals to find direction, overcome self-doubt, and pursue their passions. Through her curated tools, inspirational content, and transformative courses, she guides her students towards making a fulfilling living doing what they love.Having coached thousands of women from over 40 countries, Christina is renowned for her expertise. For 15 years, she has led the highly acclaimed Lifestyle Photography Academy, providing invaluable guidance to aspiring photographers. Through her podcast "The Empowered Creative," popular blog, and sought-after workshops, Christina has established herself as a trusted resource for creatives seeking practical photography knowledge, genuine support, and heartfelt encouragement.