Breaking Free from Labels: Insights from My Conversation with Phabien Doiron

In a recent conversation I had with Phabien Doiron on the podcast, we dove deep into the topic of labels—specifically, the labels society and even we, ourselves, place on our identity. Phabien’s story resonated with me and offers powerful lessons on breaking free from these labels and recognizing that we are not defined by our diagnosis or our past experiences.

As men, it’s easy to feel weighed down by the expectations and stigmas that others impose on us. But Phabien’s journey is a reminder that these external labels don’t have to shape who we are.

You Are Not Your Diagnosis

Phabien shared his vulnerability around feeling that, despite all the personal development work he had done, there were still pieces of him that felt broken—especially when stepping into a men's retreat. He spoke about his fear of not being accepted because of labels that had been put on him in his youth. The feeling that his diagnosis somehow defined him was something that lingered.

However, during our conversation, Phabien emphasized an important shift in his mindset. He realized that those labels, the ones that society puts on us, or even those we’ve internalized, are not our identity. He said, "I had to learn to see my experiences in a different lens, that those labels were just part of the story—not the whole of who I am."

The Power of Vulnerability

One of the key points that stood out to me was Phabien’s willingness to be vulnerable, both in his own healing journey and during our conversation. He described how stepping into spaces like men's retreats allowed him to confront these labels and rewrite the narrative.

For years, he had carried the weight of stigmatization around mental health, much like many of us do. But in that circle of men, where everyone was encouraged to share openly, Phabien realized the importance of vulnerability. It’s not about being broken—it’s about healing in community and recognizing that our past struggles are part of what makes us whole.

Shifting the Perspective

Phabien’s insight into labels goes deeper than just letting go of a diagnosis. He pointed out that many of us attach our identity to these labels, which can become disempowering. It’s easy to feel like we are the problem when, in reality, we are just navigating experiences that are part of the human condition.

During our conversation, Phabien talked about how liberating it was to shift his perspective and see himself as whole, rather than broken. By reframing his past traumas and experiences, he learned to view them as lessons that allowed him to grow and evolve into the man he is today.

Takeaway Challenge: Rewriting Your Labels

Phabien’s story left me reflecting on how many of us are still carrying labels from our past, labels that no longer serve us. His journey is a powerful example of reclaiming our identity by shedding those labels and embracing our true selves.

So here’s my challenge to you: Take some time this week to reflect on a label or diagnosis that has defined you. How has it shaped your self-perception? Consider sharing it with someone in a safe space, whether that’s a close friend or a support group. Notice how it feels to open up and begin releasing its hold over your identity.

For Further Exploration

If you found Phabien’s insights as powerful as I did, I encourage you to listen to the full conversation. It offers even more depth into how he navigated his journey of healing and breaking free from the labels that once held him back.