Did you know that how you approach a swimming pool reveals a lot about your personality? It’s true!
I’ve observed three separate “pool approaching” tactics through out my life time. And I am convinced that each approach reveals a little something about that person’s outlook on life. I refer to it as Poolology. It’s a thing, okay?!
Approach number 1 is what I like the refer to as The Toe Dipper.
This person stands at the top of the pool stairs, shivering, possibly even with their swim towel wrapped around them, and barely dips the tip of their big toe in the water. After their big toe adjusts to the water temperature, they’ll then ease their whole foot in the water. Once their foot adjusts they will then put both feet in, and so on. You get the picture. It might be 20 minutes later that this person actually gets to enjoy the pool. Which, if you think about it, is 20 minutes less to enjoy the pool.
My Poolology would bet that this individual has the same approach in real life situations. Fear and timidity mandate their approach to challenges and the unfamiliar. They approach situations with doubt, caution, and detailed analyzing, before determining their ability to proceed. And, just like the toe dipper, this person most likely misses out on a lot of fun, healthy, and wonderful experiences because of their inability to quickly move past the anxiety, fear, and timidity of the unknown.
Approach number 2 is what I like to refer to as The Classy Dipper.
This is that person that eases into the water like it’s not big deal, yet refuses to put their hand under for at least 10 minutes. They just can’t fully commit right away, until they feel fully adjusted, prepared, and ready for the full submersion! In my experienced pool observing, this person usually stays in the pool the longest, maintaining that posed, classy, chill vibe. They might even be that person that doesn’t want to be splashed, or that person floating around on their oversized pool floaty soaking in the pool festivities.
My poolology imagines that this individual approaches real life situations with an outwardly calm, smooth demeanor, while internally struggling to release control and fully commit. And though this person will get to enjoy a bit more of the pool environment than the toe dipper, there is still that inability to be all in and fully commit.
Approach number 3 is what I like to refer to as The Tidal Wave.
This person is the pool menace! Immediately upon arriving in the pool area, this is the person that takes off running and without any warning to those around, does a massive cannon ball right in the middle of the pool! They don’t care to test the water out pre jump. They just go all in, all at once, full of adrenaline and excitement. Most likely the first few moments after their tidal wave jump, they will holler and raise a ruckus on how cold it is. But, they quickly adjust and begin initiating all of the fun pool games, while yelling to the toe dipper and classy dipper, “Ah just get in already why don’t ya?!”
My poolology imagines that this person faces their fears and challenges head on, possibly without much regard to the aftermath. They are probably that person who figures out things as they go, addressing each issue as it arises. And though there might be some harm in this approach at times, this person most likely enjoys experiences to the absolute fullest.
My poolology , believe it or not, is relatable to how a person with OCD can choose to expose themselves to their irrational fears that tend to cripple and debilitate their mind. Most with OCD would fall in the “toe dipper” category. They are so overcome by the fear of “what ifs” and the anxiety brought on by the unknown, that they remain on the outskirts of all the activities and life experiences, clinging to what feels safe. They might even be too trapped inside of their intrusive, repetitious thoughts to explore the world beyond that false “reality”. The sad part about this, is that they are missing out on such wonderful, normal, and even healthy experiences. They set themselves up for being detached from social communities, which can lead to isolated anxiety and depression.
Some who have a bit more control over their OCD fall into the classy dipper category. Though they walk into an experience or situation despite their fear or intrusive thoughts, they might possibly never fully commit to enjoying an experience for what it truly is. This can lead to loneliness and an inability to relate to the rest of the crowd. They may be physically present, but internally they are most likely feeling detached and very separated from their environment.
Very, very rarely, will a person with OCD fall into the Tidal Wave category. In fact, most with OCD will place every other non OCD affected person into this category. We set ourselves up for believing that everyone around us gets to enjoy all of the things our OCD restricts us from, with no battle of fear, transitioning, adjustments, or challenges. If we aren’t careful, this can produce intense jealously, or feelings of hopelessness. It’s important to understand that even the most confident person goes through a moment, even if fleeting, of doubt, questioning, analyzing, and adjusting.
My poolology might be a stretch. But the point is, OCD and the irrational mental games that it plays on a person, can truly strip the joy of life away. We would do well to acknowledge our need for trying out different approaches of exposure to the very things we fear the most. Sure it might be uncomfortable for a time, even scary or unpleasant. But, with persistence, we will soon find ourselves adjusting, and even enjoying the very things we thought we could never experience due to our irrational thinking brought on by OCD.
If you or someone you know suffers from the effects of OCD, I hope you’ll consider following this blog, or sharing it with others. The purpose of this blog is to bring to light all of the experiences with OCD that most shy away from addressing or communicating about. I believe with everything in me that our best chance at experiencing mental health and balance, is to openly communicate about the disorder, and encourage one another towards healing.
Obsessive. Compulsive. Disordered. 