chameleons and thermostats

Are you a thermostat or a thermometer? I heard a preacher once ask this question. He went on to explain that one's presence in any situation should always make a positive impact. A thermostat does just that, it measures the temperature of a room and changes it to an optimum level that is best. Where a s the thermometer merely reads the temperature and reports back it's findings not changing anything.

I have often taken pride in the fact that I can in almost chameleon like fashion fit into any environment I find myself in. I have taught children from poor communities and conversed with their parents on their level. I have also au-paired for some of the wealthiest families in cape Town and mingled with them and their friends after hours. I can talk to almost anyone, it's just part of who I am. But does that mean I am a thermometer? I don't really like to change the dynamic of a group upon entering it, I merely blend in and add to the conversation. I end up changing just a little of myself to suit the current surroundings. Or am I in fact changing the dynamic slightly just by engaging in the conversation in my own way? This leads me to wonder who I am really when I am all by myself.

when walking alone in the forest there are no 'airs' to put on no social masks to wear. just me and my (sometimes scary) thoughts at one with nature. so as much as I love being a social butterfly and I do really. I love meeting new people and going to new places, engaging in conversation with people I have just met is always very exciting to me. I feel that it's vitally important to the well being of my soul to get a good balance.

so when all alone I can ask myself: am I a thermostat or a thermometer?