Just about every characteristic that makes our personalities unique lies on a spectrum. Each characteristic that we have falls somewhere between two points, but rarely sits on one of the furthest sides. Likely, it falls somewhere in the middle, even if that point gravitates heavily towards one side.
The points on each spectrum slides back and forth as we progress through life or go through different experiences throughout our week.
Take the Myers Brigg test for example. There’s four major components, and while we may majorly identify with a characteristic, it’s never 100%. It’s a split, somewhere on each individual spectrum:
- Introversion vs. Extraversion
- Intuition vs. Sensing
- Feeling vs. Thinking
- Perceiving vs. Judging
Myers Briggs believes that these are the four major spectrums of human personality.
I’m an INFP, but those individual characteristics aren’t 100% dominant. Each spectrum is diversified. Some fall closer to an end of the spectrum, others fall closer to the middle.
The Myers Briggs tests have helped me to get a better understanding of who I am, why I do things in the ways that I do, and why I have the feelings in the ways that I experience them.
Yet, I think it’s worth exploring other spectrums in our life.
In recent months, I have been exploring a spectrum I have been afraid to come to terms with in my heart, let alone admit in a public domain: masculine vs. feminine energies. That it’s possible I may actually want to embrace and explore feminine qualities and things “reserved” for women. At least by society’s standards.
I started to connect with the topic after a workshop in my dance community.
The hosts talked about how each of us have masculine and feminine energies within us, regardless of our gender. These energies can fluctuate on the spectrum based on who we are, what we’re experiencing in life, or what our heart/soul wants to express.
Sometimes we need to enact masculine energy (direction, control, competition) while other times we may need to embrace feminine energy (creativity, compassion, collaboration). It will change over time, based on who we are and the work we want to do in our life.
But like the Myers Brigg tests, it’s a balance of these characteristics. It’s not one or the other, but rather a blending of them that makes us who we are.
Of course, this is only my perspective.
Not everyone will have the same thoughts, let alone care.
I only share because it’s a message of curiosity that repeats in my heart. I know that simply sharing my perspective may help someone who is trying to explore a spectrum in their own life.
Exploring spectrums in my life enables me to develop a better understanding of who I am and will improve my ability to express myself in a truly authentic manner.
So what does this mean?
For me, it’s a willingness to approach and explore the things my heart yearns for, even if they are, by society’s standards, considered “feminine.”
As it stands, it’s more acceptable for women to do “guy things,” whether that’s in their choice of style or the activities they take part in. But it’s far less common for guys to do “girly things.”
Which, doesn’t make it that much easier.
Truthfully, exploring the depths of that spectrum is intimidating, which is why I am likely to explore them in individual, quiet ways until I find more comfort in them.
It’s one thing to say it here, but another altogether to actually embrace it with my actions.
Therefor (as a reiteration to myself), if you feel compelled to explore a spectrum out of curiosity: go for it. See both sides. Figure out what you like and what you don’t. Find the sweet spot in the spectrum that will allow you to better understand yourself and your unique contribution to the world.
Find your own unique style, do things because you are interested them, impact the world with your own signature.
Follow what feels right to you.
Nothing more, nothing less.
Exploring spectrums allows me to to either say, “this is me,” or “… nah.”
It will no longer be a nagging curiosity in the back of my mind.
It’ll be yes or no, left or right, blue or pink.
I’ll know, because I’ll have experienced it.
If who I am is radically different than you, I hope I have the courage to embrace it fully.
In the end, it’s not the critic who counts.
It’s the man who is actually in the arena.
