Balancing Passion and Authenticity in Family, Retirement and Life using the Enneagram

Life is a tapestry woven with unique personalities, quirks, and aspirations. At the heart of this intricate design lies the Enneagram, a powerful framework that illuminates the depths of our being. As a seasoned 65-year-old, I find myself finally embracing the Enneagram 3 with a strong 4 wing, an enchanting combination that influences every facet of my life, from family dynamics to retirement work and all my life adventures. So, let's embark on a whimsical journey as I share how my personality, heart, and sense of humor dance through the intricacies of life's tapestry.

The Enneagram 3: The Achiever, Now with a Personal Touch:

Ah, the Enneagram 3—the Achiever. It's like having a perpetual cheerleader within, always pushing for success and basking in the limelight of accomplishments. But let me share a little secret about this personality type: behind the glitz and glamour, there's a person who values authenticity and cherishes the art of self-expression. It's like winning an Olympic gold medal in being genuine and unapologetically me.

However, the shocking realization that I was an Enneagram 3 didn’t come easy for me. I actually thought I could be any of the enneagram numbers except for the number 3. I learned and studied the enneagram for years before figuring out what number I truly was. Always on the self-improvement journey, at one reflective point not so many years ago, learning I was a number 3 hit me hard, and I obsessed on one possible characteristic of a 3. I realized that instead of just being driven because I wanted to do good in the world, I had spent a big part of my life working hard to prove to the world that I was worthy of love…and it broke my heart.

I accepted that I had internalized and taken on the responsibility for the dissolution of my family when at age 4, I innocently announced to my mother that my father had kissed the pretty woman at the restaurant. Everything in my life changed after that and I, subconsciously took on all the responsibility, guilt and shame of sharing a secret and a dad gone…leaving us behind. Of course, that wasn’t true. I was a child and there were underlying facts that I didn’t know and wouldn’t understand.

I kinda understood this at a “head” level, but I didn’t get it at the heart level until that realization in my 50’s, I had been striving to prove that I was worthy of love and I was truly an Enneagram 3. For two weeks afterwards, I was super sensitive, walking around my house holding our sweet, 17-year-old, 3-legged, blind cat, Elle in my arms, like I was comforting a precious newborn or that sweet heart-broken child within. It was good for me, and I let go of a lot of the shitola I had been carrying around for years. It was liberating and for the first time in my adult life I truly allowed myself to “feel” joy!

And now, I embrace my 3-ness!

Retirement Work: Passion Unleashed!

Retirement—it's the time to kick back, relax, and indulge in all the things that make our hearts flutter. For an Enneagram 3 with a sprinkle of 4, retirement work isn't just about sipping margaritas on a beach (although that's tempting!). It's about reigniting passions and discovering new ways to leave a mark on the world.

As I work passionately from home, my love for writing takes center stage. After all, I'm a bonafide want-to-be author who strives to practice daily, and I get the opportunity working with my son in his ventures and with my WILDD Hearts. I will be a published author before you know it…another dream marked off the bucket list!

Family Life: Love, Laughter, and the Quirks That Bind Us:

Ah, family—those cherished souls who share our joys, quirks, and sometimes questionable dance moves. Balancing work, personal aspirations, and family life is no easy feat, but I've learned that authenticity and humor go a long way in weaving the threads of love.

In the realm of family dynamics, I wear my heart on my sleeve, sharing the triumphs and tribulations with those I hold dear. We embrace our quirks, laugh at our own mishaps, and create an environment where love and humor intertwine. Because let's face it, life is too short not to laugh until your belly aches, especially when Amy starts singing and Bill decides to break out into his infamous Elvis moves just before Thanksgiving dinner.

Daily Habits: Nature's Gym and the Art of Holistic Living:

Exercise—it's a word that can send shivers down even the most seasoned Enneagram 3's spine. But fear not, for I too have found solace in the great outdoors. Who needs a stuffy gym when you can conquer mountains, hike along breathtaking trails, or dance with the waves at the beach? Nature becomes my gym, my sanctuary, where I can sweat with a smile on my face, breathing in the beauty that surrounds me.

Additionally, I prioritize self-reflection and creative pursuits, allowing my inner artist to emerge and find solace in expressing myself through various mediums. Fortunately, it doesn’t really matter how talented I am, it’s therapeutic to open up and let the creative juices flow. No judgement here!

Being an Enneagram 3 with a strong 4 wing has gifted me with a dynamic blend of ambition, authenticity, and creativity. Embracing these qualities has allowed me to excel in my career, find fulfillment in retirement work, forge deep connections with my family, and cultivate a holistic approach to well-being. By embracing my personality, heart, and sense of humor, I continue to shape a life that harmoniously blends work, fun, creativity, and quality time with the people I love. Life is pretty good!

Love is ALL there is!

Diana

This episode was produced and marketed by the Get Known Service