Moments by the Water: A Reflection on Being More Than Labels

 

There’s something about sitting by the water that quiets the mind and soothes the soul. The gentle ripples, the soft light—it all creates a space to simply be. Hours into my time by the water, I was already immersed in its calming effect, feeling grateful for the peace that surrounded me.

But, as often happens, tranquility can be fleeting. Just as I was fully embracing the stillness, a group of loud voices arrived, yelling at the top of their lungs about... well, you can imagine. The noise shattered the calm, reminding me how fragile peace can be when others bring chaos with them.

Earlier in the day, I had felt the weight of an early class and the exhaustion from moving between distant buildings. It had already been a busy day, but that moment by the water was my chance to unwind and reflect. I had hoped for a quiet escape, and for a while, I got it.

It’s in moments like these that I think about labels—specifically, the label of being an "introvert." It’s a word that fits. I thrive in calm environments, cherish solitude, and find comfort in quiet reflection. But as fitting as the label might be, it doesn’t fully capture who I am.

We are more than the words we use to describe ourselves. They might highlight certain aspects of our personality, but they are not the entirety of who we are. I am not just an introvert. I am someone who seeks peace but also finds joy in moments of spontaneity. I am someone who loves deeply, laughs freely, and grows constantly.

As I gazed at the water, it reminded me that life is like those ripples—constantly moving, ever-changing, and unable to be contained in a single moment or description.

So, if you’ve ever felt boxed in by a label, let this be a reminder: you are so much more than a word. You are the quiet moments by the water, the unexpected bursts of joy, and the endless possibilities that make you uniquely you.