Extroverted Hermit and Organized Procrastinator

Definition of oxymoron:  a figure of speech in which contradictory terms are combined, as in:

deafining silence

mournful optimist

living dead

original copy

controlled chaos

pretty ugly

military intelligence

sweet sorrow

freedom fighters

educational television

silent scream



The term oxymoron came to my attention when I was in college.  Upon hearing the word itself, if you will excuse my ignorance, I wondered if it were a 'zit' cream.  I soon became fascinated, however, by the real definition.  The class was instructed to create personal oxymorons that embraced in a positive fashion differing sides of the 'self'. 

The first personal strength that came to me was being an extrovert.  So what was the opposite, but not negative.  As I explored my inner landscapes, I knew that I was gregarious with people, but then I quickly remembered my need to withdraw and have my own quiet space.  Ah, a hermit!  Thus my very first oxymoron was an extroverted hermit.  It best describes me even after all of these years.  I thoroughly enjoy people, but oh buddy, I need my cave time!

Searching for another oxymoron, I thought of how obsessively organized I was with projects and commitments, but quickly recognized that the opposite was true as well.  Even though I loved outlines and diagraming sentences, in some areas of my life, I was very much a procrastinator.  I once had a book about how to overcome procrastination sitting on my desk.  It sat there for at least two years.  People would come up to my desk and pick the book up asking, "Is this any good?"  I was embarrassed to report, "I don't know.  I have never read it, but I intend to!"

It is very important to recognize all sides of our self.  We are like crystals, multi-sided.  When we try to be one dynamic to all people, we silence areas of self and dishonor the true beauty of 'all our parts'.  As we slide on a mask rather than show our true nature, we are depriving the world of our unique personality.  In order to stretch and grow into all we are meant to be, one must explore within and be cognizant of the dark shadows as well as the brilliant light.