Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I’m just so busy,” or labeling someone else as “so disciplined,” “so organized,” or “such a hard worker”? In this episode, I’m unpacking the subtle (and sneaky) way we project identities onto other people—and onto ourselves—and how those words quietly shape our relationships and our reality.

This conversation was sparked when someone told me (multiple times!) how busy I must be. And while that may have been true in past seasons, it made me pause and ask: Is that actually how I want to be known? Is that the identity I want to reinforce?

Today, we’re talking about:

• How the phrases we use about others often reflect our own insecurities or desires
• The way labels create comparison and distance in our relationships
• Why repeating identity statements (“I’m just bad at this” or “We’re just a boring married couple”) can lock us into cycles we don’t even want
• And how to swap rigid identity statements for season-based language that gives us room to grow

I’ll also give you two simple, practical action steps:

1. How to catch projections in real time and replace labels with curiosity-building questions.
2. How to reframe self-labels into season statements so you stop boxing yourself into identities that don’t align with who you want to be.

If you’ve ever felt boxed in by a label—or realized you might be boxing someone else in—this episode will help you shift from projection to curiosity, from comparison to connection, and from fixed identity to intentional growth.

As always, if this resonates, share it with someone who might need the reminder. 🤍

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Don't forget to check out Shared Shelves Book Club pod!