The Unfolding of a Type 8

A Connection from the Very Beginning

There’s a certain knowing between my niece, Taylor, and me. It’s hard to describe in words—maybe because it’s been there since the very beginning, from the moment of her birth, witnessing her arrival into the world. Her mom put a lot of planning and intention into her upcoming delivery and asked me to be the one who cut the cord—a moment that sealed a connection between us that grew deeper over the years.

Taylor is a force of nature, a true embodiment of her Type 8 energy—fierce, independent, and deeply protective of those she loves. She leads with strength and conviction, always ready to stand up for the vulnerable or defend the causes she believes in. When she sets her mind to something, there’s no stopping her. Whether advocating for the environment, planning an upcoming adventure, or educating me on the finer points of recycling, Taylor lives by her values.

I’ll never forget the many times she’s expanded my awareness about trash, recyclables, and the little things I’ve overlooked, like plastic straws, baggies, and paper products. I used to think I was doing fine, but Taylor challenged me to reconsider old habits. With her guidance, we’ve taken it step by step—baby steps, I call them—because it takes time to rewire decades of learned behaviors. But thanks to her, I’m learning to rethink my daily choices and how they impact the world around me.

She leads with action, always with patience, showing me how to make better choices. It’s classic Taylor: strong, determined, and fiercely protective of the earth. Type 8s are natural leaders, and she’s been guiding me through this journey with the same fire that drives everything else in her life.

Over the years, our relationship has evolved alongside her growth. From her adventurous spirit, trekking the globe, to the quieter moments we’ve shared, we have always had a deep trust. Taylor may be fiercely independent, but she’s also incredibly loyal—Type 8s don’t let many people in, but once you’re in, it’s for life. I’m honored to be one of her “safe people,” the one she turns to when she needs to vent, brainstorm, or share her latest adventure.

One of the most beautiful aspects of Taylor’s Type 8 nature is her ability to soften, to let people in, and to trust in her relationships. That’s been a journey in itself—putting in the effort to decipher her own emotions and allowing vulnerability with those she trusts. It’s a powerful reminder of how even strong-willed Type 8s can embrace the healthy characteristics of a Type 9. She’s still strong and independent, but there’s a tenderness to her now that I’ve come to cherish. I see it in how she expresses care, whether she’s cuddling with the dogs or sharing her quiet moments of reflection.

Our time together is always meaningful, whether we’re laughing through a hike that ends up being longer, more vertically inclined than I expected, or just sitting side by side, talking about life. 

On her recent visit, we had one of those hikes with my son Bill, who had assured us it would be “flat and short.” Spoiler alert: it was neither! By the end of the hike, my muscles were reminding me it had been longer than I realized since taking my regular daily hikes, but Taylor was her usual determined self, pushing through with the same fire she brings to all her adventures, but also taking the time to check in with me to be sure I was doing okay. 

As we made our way along the shoreline, the vibrant autumn colors surrounding us, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for these moments. The reward at the end? Some of the best Thai food we’ve ever had, which made every step feel even more worthwhile. We sat there, savoring the meal, laughing about how easily Bill had managed to undersell the hike’s difficulty. It’s moments like these that stay with you, tucked away as little treasures in the shared history between us.

A few days later, we wandered through the local farmer’s market, where Taylor bought me the most beautiful autumn bouquet—deep reds, oranges, and yellows that lit up my home for over a week. It was such a sweet, thoughtful gesture that reminded me of the small ways she stays connected, even when she’s off on her next grand adventure.  Oh yes, she also brought me me a carload full of her beloved plants to care for while she embarks on her next adventure, rafting down the Grand Canyon. Trusting me with her plants is no small gesture! It’s her way of leaving behind a little piece of herself, tied to this home and to me.

Small Moments, Deep Connections: How Love is Shown Through Action

What stands out to me most is how these small, seemingly simple moments have become the foundation of our relationship. Whether it’s the beauty of a shared laugh on a long hike, the warmth of a bouquet that brightens up a room, or the trust she places in me to care for her beloved plants, each of these gestures speaks volumes. It’s through these everyday actions that Taylor shows the depth of her love and care. Her love isn’t always spoken—it’s fiercely loyal, protective, and tender, all wrapped up in the independent and strong-willed spirit that defines her Type 8 nature.

Taylor: The Fire, The Strength, The Love

In these moments, I also see the fire that drives her, the strength that sustains her, and the love that grounds her. Taylor leads from her Type 8, but it’s not just about being bold and strong—it’s about the depth of her heart and the fierce loyalty she has for those she holds dear. She’s taught me so much, not only about protecting the earth but also about how to live with courage and authenticity.

Taylor’s amazing story is hers to tell, but our story—Taylor and me—is woven together with love, strength, and the unshakeable connection we’ve shared from the very beginning. As I water her plants and think about her next adventure, I know she’ll return with more stories, more laughter, and more of that fiery spirit I’ve always admired. And when she does, we’ll pick up right where we left off—two souls who just know.

Diana

Love is ALL there is

P.S.  Check out these "telling" pictures of Taylor below.  From river running to volunteering in Africa to rock climbing (like her amazing momma), Taylor exemplifies love...and some powerful Type 8 tendencies also.