Harajuku snapshot, originally uploaded by manganite
When I was younger, and I suppose this is common adolescent behavior, I spent lots of time evaluating a list of labels to define "who I was." I defined myself by what I did, or how I dressed, or who I hung out with. It was an easy way to pick a pre-defined identity without bothering to develop a unique personality. Bicyclist, hippie, punk, Christian, hipster, father. Just slap on a label, and you're done.
The problem with labels is that they didn't make me a more complete person once they were applied. To the contrary, they limited my freedom by restricting my own definition of who I was. Gradually I'm realizing that I didn't need labels to define myself. In fact I don't need to define myself at all.
I can just be what I am, and that is enough.