Embracing Fluidity: The Freedom of Shedding Definitions

I recently listened to a podcast that really struck a chord with me. It talked about not tying ourselves down to any fixed identity. This idea challenges the norm — we love to define ourselves, which can drain our energy when we try to transition out of those definitions. The example they shared in the podcast was about the people who were super intense about being vegan ten years ago. Now they are creating content about how they are redefining their diets and becoming intuitive eaters. Spending time explaining to the world that you are shedding a definition that you have clung to can be exhausting.

I think this constant need to rebrand ourselves is a waste of time.

The podcast made me realize how much we're encouraged to present ourselves in a simple, one-dimensional way. As a photographer & director, I’ve always been told to boldly declare my profession and focus solely on it so people understand my brand. But this approach can be so limiting because it doesn't account for our multifaceted nature. We’re constantly evolving, shifting our interests, opinions, and feelings.

You might wonder how to apply this concept in real life. It's about recognizing that we don't need to justify or explain our evolving interests and passions. For instance, my involvement with 'Live Your Magic' and my photography business doesn't need to be logically explained. They are simply parts of what I am interested in.

In today’s fast-paced world, where instant gratification and high-adrenaline experiences are the norm, there's often pressure to stick to a single note, a palatable identity. But I believe people are more perceptive than we give them credit for. They can tell the difference between something genuinely multifaceted and something artificially simplified. Or at least I want to believe that they are.

This realization is freeing because it takes away the pressure to constantly present ourselves in a specific way. We often segment our lives, showing different sides of ourselves to family, work, and friends. This segmentation can come from a desire to control how we're perceived, but it's unnecessary and exhausting.

Instead, by embracing our multifaceted nature, we allow ourselves to live more authentically and in the moment. This mindset shift can also change how we see others. Rather than categorizing people based on their apparent roles or actions, we can give them more space to be fluid and evolving beings.

Practically, this might mean not assigning fixed opinions to things or people. It means giving ourselves and others the freedom to change without judgment. This approach not only simplifies our lives but also enriches our relationships, and establishes deeper connections based on mutual respect and understanding.

This concept encourages us to abandon rigid definitions and embrace the freedom of fluidity. It saves time, reduces stress, and opens up a more authentic and expansive way of living. So let's give ourselves and others the grace to evolve and grow, without the constraints of predefined labels.