Oh, my… Where to even start… Today I’m launching a series I’ve been thinking about doing for some time now. Actually, I’ve wanted to do it since I started the blog. However, I have done a few “Life Lessons” posts over the years, but I really want to make it a regular thing on OSB. So what does a “Life Lessons” series include? Really, it could be a ANYTHING… But I’m going to be focusing on those things that have really impacted my life: dating, becoming an entrepreneur, stress and anxiety, friendships, hardships, and more.
For this very first post, I want to talk about something that has become extremely eye opening for me over the last few months. It has helped me understand who I am and why I act the way I do more than anything…no joke. Also, it made me realize I’m not just a crazy girl when it comes to dating and a few other areas in my life. It’s called The Enneagram Test.
So let me start off by saying this post might be a little long! I’ll start at the beginning of my Enneagram journey… Back in February I got dumped completely out of the blue, desperately needed a roommate to help pay my mortgage, didn’t have any new client prospects for work, and my faith in God was a gone. I felt numb to everything. That drive I normally have to pick myself up and “get it together” just wasn’t there… I needed a mental break from life.
That’s when I decided it might be a good time to go see a therapist. No matter what my friends and family were saying to try and encourage me it just wasn’t getting through. I needed an outside opinion and help. Luckily, two of my best friends told me about their amazing therapist and couldn’t say enough good things about her. My first session with her was 2 hours!
I don’t remember if she told me about The Enneagram Test in my first session, but she did tell me it was a big part of her training. Of course, it wasn’t required that I take the test to see her, but my two friends really persuaded me to take it. So I took it… Holy shit, I thought someone was inside my head reading all my thoughts. It was scary how accurate this test was about my personality, traits, thoughts, and so much more.
So what the heck is The Enneagram? Basically, it’s a personality test but on a much deeper level of self-discovery. (TIP: Pay the $12 to take the full test!) You are scaled on a number system from 1-9, but all numbers are good. Don’t think any one number is better than the other. We all have issues! Each number falls in a “center” which refers to their main issues. I’m in the “Thinking Center” which means I have major issues with fear. Also, each number has a “wing” which means you carry some characteristics of a number next to you. Lastly, every number has a number they move towards when they are stressed and a different number they move towards during growth.
Okay, so I’m a SIX! My number is called THE LOYALIST. Apparently, we are the easiest numbers to spot. We are the most stressed and anxious number within the Enneagram (#awesome). We are also the most loyal people you will ever meet, and you want a friend like us!
Our basic fear is not having support, and our basic desire is to have security. Yep, nailed it. I’m pretty darn confident, but I’m always looking for someone to back me up or tell me I’m doing the right thing. Let’s go back to February… I was the most insecure I’ve ever been. Literally, I had no idea where things were going with work, thought I was going to have to sell my new house and move back to Oklahoma, and I was convinced I’d never meet another guy or get married. FYI…sixes go to the worst case scenario a lot.
Clearly, that isn’t the case. The blog was doing really good so I decided it was time to give the “full-time blogger” thing a chance and took the leap to start the Blogger Boss Workshop! There are still lots of insecurities with both, but I’m loving it! Obviously, I’m still not married but I have faith God is working on that part of my life. Speaking of FAITH… That is one positive about sixes. We may struggle with worry and anxiety, but when we establish a trustworthy belief (for me faith in God) we hold on to it freaking tight.
I mentioned on Instagram that last week was a very difficult week because my faith was questioned. I let my fear take control instead of believing that God’s plan is greater than mine. This is a common pattern for me when I’m dating. I get so scared the guy isn’t going to like me for me, and then my mind goes “girl crazy”. I’m so confident in all other aspects of my life, but I swear when it comes to a guy I really like all my confidence goes out the window. I’m not letting that happen anymore!!
Actually, one of the biggest things I’ve learned from the Enneagram is everyone doesn’t think the way I think… I seriously had no idea other people didn’t talk to themselves in their head, or play out conversations repeatedly. The Enneagram Six description even says our minds are like a ping pong ball constantly going back and forth! No wonder I’m freaking mentally exhausted so much!!!
Okay, I’ll wrap it up… After taking the test I’ve learned so much about myself. I’ve learned how to deal with my worry and anxiety SO MUCH BETTER. I can recognize where it’s coming from, and not let myself go over the edge. Also, I’ve made everyone in my life take The Enneagram Test, haha! I don’t think they all wanted to take the test, but I pretty much made them. And because of that, I feel like my relationships across the board are stronger.
This test may not change your life like it has mine, but I guarantee you will take something positive away from the experience!!! Please share below if you take the test!
-The Blonde
Kara Krittenbrink says
This is the best personality test I’ve ever seen!! It’s so comprehensive and truly made me understand myself better than anything else! I am also a 6 so I can really relate to your post!
Kara
http://www.everydayk.com
One Small Blonde says
Ahhh yay another 6!!! Maybe we should start a 6 support group lol 🙂
Carrie Barker says
Can’t wait to take the test!
One Small Blonde says
You’ll love it!
Misha says
Love an honest post! It’s so easy to get caught up in the perfect life of bloggers, but so refreshing to hear that we all have struggles at times and how you got back up after feeling down! Way to go girl!!
One Small Blonde says
Thank you! It’s very true… Life isn’t all rainbows and butterflies being a blogger 🙂
cathytwilliamson says
Brooke, I am so proud of you for being so authentic and real! We all struggle in one way or another and I love the fact that you are so open about it. Thank you for sharing this post and I am taking that test immediately! Even “old” ladies still need to learn! xoxo
One Small Blonde says
Thank you friend! 🙂 I can’t wait to see what number you get!
shopsiloe says
I loved this post! Hearing other people talk about real life and issues helps me realize I’m not alone. This test definitely sounds interesting to take, and I would also recommend the Myers Briggs test. I realized many things about myself that i wouldn’t otherwise had known.
Tabitha
https://shopsiloe.com/
One Small Blonde says
Yep that was another good one that people recommended to take too! You’re definitely not alone 🙂
Marissa Giletto says
I can’t wait to take this test! I’ve been dealing with anxiety my whole life without even knowing it until I started medicine three years ago. I can’t wait to dive deeper and learn more about myself with it. Thank you!!!
One Small Blonde says
Yay let me know how it goes!!
Meredith says
New reader and I’ve taken the enneagram test – I’m a 9! Just like you, when I got my results it opened my eyes so much! Thanks for sharing this with us and being vulnerable. Takes guts and it’s appreciated!! Can’t wait to tune back in for more posts 🙂
One Small Blonde says
Yay! Glad you are here 🙂 Isn’t it such a good feeling? Thank you for the support!
One Small Blonde says
Thank you for reading 🙂 Yes let me know your number!
Amanda Reynolds says
I absolutely love your authenticity. I relate so much to this post in many ways. I feel like I could have a glass of wine with you and talk for hours about so much you wrote. Thank you for sharing and being so open. I pray you continue to see God’s amazing path for your life. Truly appreciate your words!!!
Irina says
Reading this post, I felt like I could have written it myself. I am also a 6 (just took the test) haha. with 1 and 3 wings, makes so much sense. We’re in a similar boat in the sense that I also was broken up with unexpectedly, and like you, I am trying to work through it and trust that there is a much better plan out there for me. I love your blog, your positive attitude, and you’re gorgeous! Things will work out for the best, they always do 🙂
One Small Blonde says
Everything will work out for the best, right?! Glad you read the post, and hope it helped ease the pain a little 🙂
Cortney Marsh says
I follow you on instagram but never looked at your blog. I have to say, I find you to be very humble and fearless. It takes a lot to put yourself out there and your doing it. May you always let god lead you to greener meadows! Thanks for being you!
One Small Blonde says
I appreciate you taking the time to read the post and comment 🙂 It means a lot to hear such nice words from everyone, and encourages me to do more. So thank you!!
Alison says
I just took the test, and am a two, but six was number three on the list. 🙂 Thank you for sharing this. I love your blog, and love that you sent this out!
One Small Blonde says
I have two friends that are 2’s! Glad you read it and took the test 🙂 Thanks for following!!
Whitney Nystrom says
Not surprising that you and I would both be Sixes! Always in our heads just thinking 🙂
Jessica M Olexa says
I’m a 6 too! I feel like I have so much in common with you. My faith is also in God. Also a single lady in my 30s and very confident in my career and friendships, but not so much in dating. I would love to hear more from you on how you’ve leveraged these learnings in the dating area of your life!
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