Why I No Longer LABEL Myself

What do you think about labels? Do you find them useful or restrictive?
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[@denisemarie485]

As a fellow introvert, i can relate to all you have said. Most of my life, I tried fitting in with everyone else just to be accepted. One day I just had enough and chose to be fully myself. Some couldnt take that and that was their choice. I now don't feel anxiety over pressure to go somewhere, do something or forced conversations. Wish i did this years ago. Keep being you sweetie 🥰

[@renayusufova4584]

You hit the right cord. You put it so well. I need do that too and stop following anyone steps. Just to be myself and enjoy my own company. Thank you for your input.

[@denisemarie485]

@@renayusufova4584 Unfortunately, many do not understand introverts in an extroverted world and think our behavior is weird but in order to be fully happy and content, we need to be who we were born to be. We contribute a lot more to this world than most realize 😉

[@Truerealism747]

​@@denisemarie485yes the modern world is not built for hsp.my grandfather who was the same told me as a child ime on the same holding.my.mum.was born and now buried peace haven

[@cindy7702]

I am 75 and was definitel a label person.. I made the labels unfortunately.. I am happiest at home doing my own thing and I go where I want and enjoy my life.. It took a looong time to get here. You are so smart to realize it so early

[@emilycurnow389]

I feel that we just need to be who we are. I'm trying just to be myself with no guilt for not conforming to society. It's not easy.

[@colorsofavon934]

I just returned from Ireland. I live in the California desert, so seeing all that green was breathtaking. I love that you share Scotland for all of us. Best wishes🧡

[@hippyhighlandliving]

I'm glad you enjoyed!

[@hebulanebula]

A famous quote from a book I have , called The Untethered Soul by Michael A. singer .... “Only you can take inner freedom away from yourself, or give it to yourself... or like everyone often says, You ! Do YOU ! live , and Let Live

[@guidedbysunshine333]

I’ve struggled a long time to find myself, and part of that need felt for years I had to define myself through this spiritual book or that one. And it is dangerous, it almost cost me my marriage, my life and everything. That illusion is scary. I am happy. I am human. I can do whatever I want in my divine authentic opened hearted way 🌸

[@hippyhighlandliving]

How beautiful, I'm glad you've found some peace :)

[@judithrussell9162]

One ‘box’ I was relieved to put myself in was a 16 personalities one, because I’m a very typical INFP and feel better knowing that. Now I’m comfortable doing what I need to for myself, as long as it doesn’t hurt others. It’s normal, for me.

[@Hare1812]

Hi Molly How interesting. Thank you for chatting about this. Labels have been incredibly helpful to me (especially the HSP one which you highlighted) They have given me the confidence to understand who I am and how I best work. I feel I don’t need the labels now that I have a better understanding. Thanks again for your lovely, authentic, calming content Jane 😊

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thanks for sharing! That's a great way to look at it :)

[@scottishislandliving]

No need to regret. It’s just learning, no more complex than that. X

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Agreed :) x

[@denysetwomey7459]

Hi Molly, finding your channel has been a breath of fresh air. I’m Australian and my partner Paul and I have just finished a life of housesitting (12 yrs) and we chose the UK (Paul is English and my parents were) parts of Europe, Australia and New Zealand as places to wander and explore. Amazing life. Probably cared for 150 dogs (a few like Skye). Terrific breed. Lots of farm animals too. Decided to put down roots again in Oz and that is bringing us much joy. More than we had thought possible. Housesitting brought out our resilience and trouble shooting skills. Not everything goes according to plan whilst travelling but those episodes now make great stories to share. We went “outside the box” of what most people were doing. Made life long friends along the way. Loving animal friends. Glad we made the leap of faith and did it. In 2025 we are planning a UK holiday predominantly visiting Scotland. Can’t wait! Keep well and thank you for being YOU. 🌺

[@hippyhighlandliving]

What a wonderful life story! :)

[@janelleturner237]

Just found your channel and I love it!! I would love to hear more about your job as a conservationist and how you got there, that's the career path I'm going to school for and would love advice:)

[@AlexisRoberts-k6c]

First time commenting on any channel, and I follow a number of them. I have been watching yours from the beginning and look forward to every new post. I am a 73 year old living in Southern California, and I love spending time in your landscape. I appreciate your thoughts and depth - identify as an HSP as well ("no labels"!!!) and also was relieved, as I think many are, to discover that I am not weird or handicapped in some way to be so sensitive...that there are others out there like me, and that it can be a blessing, once understood. This may be my favorite of all your videos thus far, even though I tend to gravitate to the stories out in nature. The intimacy and authenticity of this one strikes a chord. You are lovely, and I feel grateful to have found you, your dog, your philosophy, and your stunning Scottish highlands. Thank you.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you so much for your kind comment. I am honoured :)

[@alisonwheeler8929]

Wise words Molly. I absolutely share your love of hand crafted mugs. I am drinking my morning tea in my mug from Mull - colours of the sea. I have another thrown at Cley pottery in Norfolk where I visit to go birdwatching - that one is the colour of flint on the beach with bird egg blue in the glaze. I can only really enjoy a tea or brewed coffee in a hand thrown mug!

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Your mugs sound wonderful!

[@cheche2181]

My border collie thought you were talking to him when you asked Sky if she wanted to go for a walk. He’s now staring at me expectantly…we only got back an hour ago🤣🤣🤣

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Haha aw I'm sorry! The same thing happens here when I watch KZbin 😅

[@kariannecrysler640]

💯 agree with label free for the most part. If I focus on being perceived by labels I do myself and others an injustice by limiting the potential of us all. Some things I will label myself because they are descriptive, but that is for others to better understand me. But since life is constant and ever flowing change so will I be. Unsettling for some & the great beauty of existing for me. ✌️💗

[@lindaashford7187]

Dissolving and removing my labels one at a time. Thanks for the inspiration Molly x

[@Ginascottage]

I tend to think along the lines of the old fashioned steamer trunks and luggage. People would travel and get stickers of places they’ve been. Over time many get covered over. We place our labels on our luggage but we’re free to place a new sticker over an old one anytime we wish. A vegetarian may switch to vegan. New label. No problem. Maybe one has decided their more of an essentialist than minimalist. Slap a new sticker on your trunk. Honestly I feel like labels are used to facilitate describing where we are in life in the current moment. They’re just a quick way to relate to others. But anyone can be removed or covered over anytime we choose. Just like changing jobs. One might be a teacher. That’s a label. But they change profession and become a nurse. Now they have a new label. Only we can decide our labels and we decide when to change, or tweak, them.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

I love this way of looking at it :)

[@elizabethtipton3929]

I have learned so much from your videos Molly. You remind me a lot of myself when I was your age. I wish I’d had the awareness then that you have now. I see your mug collection as a tiny handcrafted art collection❤. Your trip to London was a great choice for you, scary as it was. I used to have to make trips to New York to take part in trade shows to support my business as an artist. It was very hard and scary. But years later I’m very proud of what I accomplished by doing that. Each choice is an individual decision, made in each moment. These days I listen for what to do next and try not to be attached to any outcome. I’m finding so much freedom in that practice. I find my creativity building again, anxiety lessening. By fully accepting myself in each moment, no matter what my emotions has given me tiny growing wings to fly again after these past several years of deep work. I love connecting with your videos each Sunday and thank you so much for your sharing yourself here. Keep going you are making a difference. With much love (from Nashville)❤

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for such a thoughtful comment! I love the idea of my mugs being an art collection! Yes, sometimes its the things that scare us are those we should do the most :)

[@GK49245]

My mother in law always said: “You don’t worry what other people think, when you realize how little other people think.” Our brains are pattern matching machines, which is why we are so good at labeling or categorizing. Don’t connect labels as being negative. When you understand that logic, physics, and modern neurology rule out humans having free will, we can be all our labels, and that is perfect. 😊

[@jannybranciforte9295]

Intersting perspective, thank you.

[@efortunywhitton]

I think you are spot-on in your reflections: 'labels' are just a way for us to get to know ourselves... & to a certain degree, each-other. I would definitely call myself an introvert & highly sensitive; these things just are, it is just the way I am. In my experience, given these attributes of self, I can definitely attend functions like the one you described, with like-minded people, for a cause, etc., these I can do, and enjoy every second. The difference is when placed in a situation with a party, no cause, no like-minded people; just a party; small-talk, etc. Honestly, I'd rather scrub toilets than this kind of setting. Perhaps if there is a pretty garden to escape to within such a setting, etc., I can just about stand-it, but then I think: what is the point of wasting my time, if I find no real joy in the situation? I know myself well-enough to know what will interest me and what will not, and that's good enough for me. In the words of Oscar Wilde: If one cannot enjoy reading a book over-and-over again, there is no use in reading it at all. -- Hugs! x

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for sharing lovely! I can completely relate to that party setting!

[@LFetterman7903]

Loved this video, this is a wonderful topic! Labels can be very helpful…to a point! If not used judiciously, assigning labels can be restrictive and limiting. We all do our own version of minimalism, or a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle, for instance. No judgement, and no absolutes! That’s what makes life SO interesting! And fun! Many thanks Molly, you’re a lovely, lovely soul, and this world is a better place with you in it!❣️ Much affection from the city of Detroit (Michigan, USA)!

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you lovely! Such good points :)

[@hapijojo]

I’ve found myself thinking about this video repeatedly since watching it 2 days ago , cos I too have given myself many labels which actually restrict me, and it’s left me feeling inspired to do some of the things I’d like to but feel anxious and scared of…in a similar way to you, ie: going in to busy central London. Labels aren’t a subject that are spoken about very often I don’t think, at least I’ve never seen or read anything about them, so I just wanted to come back on here to thank you for making me think about it. 😎 I love your videos, they’re always thought provoking and relaxing to watch.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Aw thank you so much for your comment! I'm really glad you find value in my content :)

[@Alaskaventureswithbrodie]

I also stopped labeling myself and identifying. I became more of an observer. It changed everything. I think seeing the capital riots in out county the US watching that on tv changed me. I stopped identifying and labeling myself that day. That includes everything. I feel more accepting. And people cant argue with me because of my position.

[@KarinaSVTamera]

Congratulations for being a contributor to such a successful TV programme😃 So glad you went to London.

[@arlenecoury9976]

Absolutely! I think we all go through "seasons" and we re always learning and evolving as you mentioned. Labels can be very restrictive , and stunt growth. No limits......keep learning, keep growing, keep exploring. You can get one go around, so fill your days with JOY and purpose.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

I so agree :)

[@TheSelfCenter]

I love the message of this! Thanks for sharing your lovely thoughts... Just live and let be, and don't be afraid to go outside the box! ☀️✨✨

[@hippyhighlandliving]

I'm glad you enjoyed!

[@highlandjournalart654]

In my 60 th year I discovered that I have very strong attention deficit traits. It explains an awful lot of why I struggled at school and in work and daily life. I don’t define myself by it but it’s hugely helpful to understand its impact and then find better ways to get on with stuff. As to boxes, I think it’s always good to step out of our comfort zones. Nice insightful vlog x ❤

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for sharing your story :)

[@JordiDL]

"We are more than a copule of words" I totally agree 😊Thank you for this video! I love your channel

[@TheEmpressgoth]

You wonderful lady are fine. Thank you for sharing your thoughts And love the mugs being yourself is alright 👍 ❤ labels eh to heck with it.

[@pineconelife]

Molly you are so wise. I’m 65 and if I stuck with all the labels put on me or put on by myself I would have missed out on so many opportunities in life that enriched me - including spending time in your beautiful Scotland. Thank you for sharing this with others. BTW got your Notion template and love it!

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Aw thank you Heather! I really appreciate your support :)

[@jessiemillard4704]

Thanks for bringing this up , I think it is something really important to think about , I feel that sometimes it can be helpful to identify traits or philosophies we share with others but agree we are so much more than those labels, and that we can be restricting ourselves without realising it sometimes ❤

[@emmawood7483]

This really resonated with me today! As an autistic person, finding my ‘label’ (first through self identification, and then formal diagnosis) has been life-changing in that it gave me a better understanding of myself on multiple levels. Not only did this help me to be more compassionate towards my ‘shortcomings’ (I.e., sensitivities!), it also helped me to better plan supportive strategies. I wouldn’t call these ‘rules’ as such, more just an awareness that certain places / people / activities are likely to be more or less challenging for me. The ‘label’ itself also helped me to find my people. BUT I’m now at the stage where I can see that this label can be limiting, and maybe discourage me from certain things (again this might be activities, groups of people, physical spaces). And I really think if we completely shut ourselves out from things that might challenge, we miss massive opportunities for growth. My latest challenge was running the London Marathon - crowds! City! Noise! But while aspects of this WERE difficult, it was an amazing experience and I learned so much from it. I needed a HUGE amount of downtime and recovery afterwards (luckily had a trip to the Highlands planned!). But definitely agree if labels are limiting our choices, a shift in perspective or flexibility is sometimes needed!

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! And congrats on running a marathon! Very cool :)

[@adamlogan7340]

Hi Molly, Found your topic on labelling thought provoking. Hope you have a good week. 😊

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you!

[@pandrew3146]

Yummy bars. I agree labels can limit us. Good on you Molly 😊❤

[@rhodagambler5611]

I just want to say that I recently came upon your videos. You're such a lovely person and your videos are relaxing. Thank you for your content!

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Aw thank you so much! 😊

[@marinaeaton124]

I've found your channel about a week ago and since than I'm literally soaking up video after video 😍. Thank you so much for your work and your being! Your words at the beginning of this video made me very emotional and I can relate extensively to a lot what you are putting into words... Thank you 🙏❤

[@margaretpiddock455]

A lovely sentiment at the beginning, i am in bed, but i sure could eat one of those granola bars now 🤣. Glad all went well with your trip x

[@Anita-rq9ev]

Interesting topic Molly. In my opinion we are far to complex to label us, because we change. I myself don't think about Labels, I am who I am. Those bars looked delicious 😋. Have a great week

[@LFetterman7903]

Good point Anita! We are always changing, always evolving, we are ALL a work in progress! ☺️

[@Anita-rq9ev]

@@LFetterman7903 so true. Thank you 😊

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Agreed! They were! My new favourite snack :)

[@simonhayward1851]

Hi, enjoyed your vlog, very interesting, as I've thought we all liable everything and yes, as you explain very clearly these labels can limit us so much. Glad you went to London. Enjoy life x

[@mtnshelby7059]

Labels are for products. For people, they function as shorthand. I suppose if someone finds meaning in a label, thats great. Otherwise...live label free. ❤

[@hippyhighlandliving]

I like this summary :)

[@davidthescottishvegan]

Molly a fantastic idea to ditch Labels and just be you. Another fantastic video and loved 🥰 it. Love 💓 Molly.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you!

[@madelinevegas8123]

Great video I need that

[@jannybranciforte9295]

So thought provoking, thank you Molly for sharing your thoughts on labeling ourselves and others. The “restrictive” and “ judgemental” words you used gave me much food for thought. I continue to look forward to watching your video every week. Yours, along with a few other superb individuals who have wonderful channels on You Tube, are providing me with a spectacular alternative to the obnoxious and noisy and much of it mindless drivel on tv. More and more I am turning to you and these precious other creators to fill my time when I’m wanting to relax and fill my mind with intelligent filmmaking. Thank you.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for sharing lovely! :)

[@mastandstars]

THIS! Thank you. This was great. All the best to you ❤️

[@stevethomas74]

Hi Molly (and Sky!) I hope you're having a lovely Bank Holiday so far. I'm just off to chill before zzzzz but just very quickly wanted to say that I agree with what you said in this video. As someone who is a fellow introvert and HSP, I do use those terms broadly to get an understanding of why I am the way I am etc. But like you, I can thrive in some social situations IF it's with like-minded people (i.e. when I go walking in a group of sometimes up to 30+ people like last weekend). But if I was sat around a table somewhere indoors with loud stimuli (music, noise, lights, rowdy or noisy people etc), then I can find it very draining and it will often really take it out for me for a day or so. P.S. Those home-made granola bars look absolutely mouth-watering!! 😍😋I can't be getting peckish at gone 11pm, I stop eating around 8pm! 😄

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for sharing! Hope your enjoying your weekend :)

[@stevethomas74]

@@hippyhighlandliving You're welcome and yes, it's been a quiet one as usual. Just how I prefer it, mostly 😀

[@cathylynnpietranton]

Hi Molly yes labels can help in some situations but also can have the opposite affect. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on labeling ❤

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you lovely :)

[@ruebennomura9143]

Like this video and keep up the good work

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you :)

[@lindatoms1209]

Just found you🎉 So inspiring - thank you from one introvert to another. Xx

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Aw welcome! I'm so happy to have you here :)

[@shinrin-yoku3877]

I read the titled and loved it ❤🥰😍

[@nikkifangaiuiha6081]

Thanks for this vlog it was very helpful an bringing this up very true,😊❤❤❤

[@donnaclark6201]

You probably need to be a bit of a minimalist to live in a comparatively small house, but I see no harm in having a few more of things you love like your mugs or your books!

[@Khaleesi_Tess]

I think labels are a bit of a double edged sword. On one side they often offer a way into a community with like-minded views or similar life experiences, such as meeting other people with creative ideas for minimal living or feeling less weird when I hear that other people with ADHD have some of the exact same thinking patterns I do. But on the other side I find myself feeling guilt and frustration when I fail to meet up to a label I've given myself, such as having a 'cheat' day from my vegan diet or feeling like I'm doing the wrong kind of minimalism because I like knick knacks. I guess I think that labels are useful when we allow them to be flexible (e.g. 'minimalist-inspired' or 'mostly vegan'), or when there's no way to 'fail' at them (e.g. I can't fail at being ADHD - that's intrinsically part of me, I'll always have ADHD).

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Such good points, thank you for sharing :)

[@starlight0002]

I think there’s a difference between values and preferences. And being a purist or not. Often I hear the “I feel limited by putting myself in boxes” as an excuse offered by ex-vegans. And I strongly disagree with that take. Especially as it discounts the animals and planet. And normally, it seems they turned their back on veganism due to social pressure - which is ironic. Anyway, the bars you baked looked delicious! Thanks for the video :)

[@jaseman]

I think the labels are useful not so much for yourself but for other people - especially people that don't know you well. I can tell them - I am an extreme introvert, a highly sensitive person and have at INTJ personality. Sure there will be some nuances and exceptions - but it gives them a broad understanding of the type of person I am - and what things I'm going to be uncomfortable with.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

I agree at times they can be useful :)

[@Tracywhited2]

I’ve never understood the whole labeling yourself phenomenon. Why limit yourself that’s way? It just seems confuse people unnecessarily. Just be who you are. It’s easy. 😂❤

[@aussiejubes]

You're extremely lucky & blessed that you find being yourself easy. Appreciate that about your life 😊

[@Tracywhited2]

@@aussiejubes thanks. I think life would a lot less complicated for folks to live out loud and not in a box. All the best ! ❤️

[@Truerealism747]

With being a hsp do you have any pain symptoms for myself fybromyalgia

[@freedomzvision]

Your are beautiful. That's who you am.

[@elizabethtownsend-ui6by]

Do you plan on having children ? Just curious as your life is lovely and chilled