Ignorance is bliss, except in self-awareness. What you don’t know about yourself can hurt you and your relationships and even keep you in the shallows with God ~ authors of The Road Back To You

Do you think you know yourself pretty well? I thought by the time I turn 40, I would have myself figured out and be confident in who I am. So when at the age of 47 I was still questioning some things about myself, I decided to sign up for a five-week-class called Enneagram 101 with Ezer + Co. Most of you have probably already heard about the Enneagram. It’s a nine-point personality type system explaining how human beings are wired, both in positive and negative ways.

When I started this journey of self-discovery, I was confused and self-conscious about not knowing myself well enough. Two weeks into the class I started to panic. What if I don’t figure this out? What if I’m holding myself back from being the best version of myself?

The third week in, as I was reading about the Enneagram number six, it all clicked. My need for security, always foreseeing a possible danger (my husband always jokes that I should work as a risk assessor), my need to feel like I belong, but also my need for inner quiet…all of these traits were described in this profile! It all wasn’t just some craziness I created in my head. Also reading about the positive attributes of my type six such as being loyal, hard-working, trusting, dependable, logical, persevering, organized, grounded, funny, playful, and affectionate when being at my best…well, it all clicked. 

t was a very humbling experience. It was like someone shined a flashlight deep into my soul. But this wasn’t just about me. I also learned about the other Enneagram types. Knowledge is power and I now can better understand others’ reactions and why we don’t always see eye to eye. That’s the thing, once you understand that we were all designed differently, our compassion for others expands. As the authors of the book The Road Back To You say: “The Enneagram is a tool that awakens our compassion for people just as they are, not the people we wish they would become so our lives would become better.”

Finally, I loved learning about the tools I could use to help me become the best version of myself. I learned to ask for assurance when I need it, to run through possible outcome scenarios when I feel doubtful or negative. Since security and stability are very important to sixes,

I’m learning to meditate on “All shall be well” and to pray for “Faith over Fear” to calm my anxious mind. I am hoping these and other tools will help me become a healthier six and strengthen my relationships. 

Have you ever considered digging little deeper? If so, here is your chance. Ezer + Co. is offering another course starting July 16. To sign up for the five-week course, just click here.  

Here is to never stop growing!

Disclaimer:  I am NOT associated with Ezer + Co. and do not make a commission from recommending this course.