Last post (Part One) I talked about the differences between octopuses and polar bears and how we can relate to those differences as humans. Just to recap: an octopus adapts to any situation but a polar bear always behaves like a polar bear. But we all like a good swim (I have no idea what that means but it sounded relevant).

BEING AN OCTOPUS

Octopuses are outgoing, charming, fun-loving and carefree. Everyone loves an octopus and the octopus loves being loved. An octopus needs to be around people almost as much as they need air and water. It energises them. Octopuses need to share their learning and experiences for things to become real. For most octopuses, it is this need to share that drives them.

Most of the time octopuses raise the energy level around them and everyone has a good time. If you are an octopus you may find that you often rely on the reactions of those around you to support your actions. Especially when you are in ‘entertain’ mode. You may notice that your more tentacle-challenged friends wonder how on earth you maintain the appearance because it seems like such an effort. But to you and your tentacly-gifted friends you are blending in and being perfectly normal.

But sometimes octopuses don’t know when to take off their party gear and go chill out. If you are an octopus who is constantly accused of being ‘too full-on’ it’s important to form your own vision of yourself in a positive way. Embrace your charisma but be aware that there are times that you may need to tone down your energy to allow others the chance to be seen and heard. If you struggle to switch off, then you may want to investigate the benefits of yoga, tai chi or meditation.

NOTE: if you feel the pressure to change your personality on a more permanent basis, remember: someone has to be the life of the party so it might as well be you. You are who you are!

BEING A POLAR BEAR

Polar bears are calm, intuitive, highly attuned to their surroundings, emotionally sensitive (self and others), creative, intelligent and nurturing. They have an innate sensitiveness. Generally speaking polar bears are naturally shy and prefer to take on the role of observer or work behind the scenes rather than take centre stage (say ‘thanks’ octopuses).

But there’s a problem with being a polar bear. As a general rule the octopus is more accepted and well-liked in society. This means that some polar bears want to be octopuses. Just do a Google search on ‘how to become an extrovert’ and you’ll see what I mean. The question is, why would you want to become something you’re not? As a general rule, society values extroversion over introversion. Extroverts are good self-promoters and attention seekers so they are first to be chosen for jobs, teams and other competitive roles – especially those that are high profile, influential and sought after. It’s easy to see why polar bears would feel the need to change: to compete.

In certain situations we all have to compromise our behaviour so often it’s necessary for a polar bear to ‘fake it’. If you’re a polar bear considering such a compromise, simply ask yourself: how much am I prepared to compromise myself to have/do/be this?

NOTE: if you feel the pressure to change your personality on a more permanent basis, remember: you play a vital role in society – one that has been undervalued for far too long – so stand strong and proud… in your own way. You are who you are!

BEING YOU

Octopus or polar bear, we all want to feel comfortable in our own skin. None of us want to feel the pressure to become something we’re not. When you learn to accept yourself everything starts to make sense. What’s more important than being liked or disliked is being true to your uniqueness. Trying to be someone else doesn’t work. People see through it, either knowingly or subconsciously. The only way you are going to get what you want out of life is to be yourself. Then love and respect will come your way and it will be genuine.

Being yourself leads to being the best you can be. When you are yourself you think your best, feel your best, dream your best, and live your best.

Until next time, swim your own stroke, fishy-peeps!

Tracey