There was some interesting synchronicity this past week. I not only came across this Alcott quote,
I also came across a 1994 Newsweek article about the Enneagram (pronounced any-a-gram), a personality-typing system I studied years ago. It gave me some good insights, which is why I saved the article. I’m a Six, which the Newsweek article describes as
Plagued by doubt, loyal, fearful, always watching for signs of danger.
Here is the description at truity.com:
Sixes are defined by their desire for safety and security. They seek to anticipate and avoid risk, and to ally themselves with trustworthy authority figures and institutions.
Sixes are alert and vigilant, always thinking several steps ahead to anticipate and prepare for what could go wrong.
Deepest Fear: Sixes fear being unprepared and unable to defend themselves from danger. To cope with this fear, they attempt to be prepared for every possible turn of events.
Core Motivation: This type is motivated by their need for safety and security. They seek support and reassurance from other people, and are extremely loyal to people and groups that they trust.
The Enneagram Institute ends with,
The biggest problem for Sixes is that they try to build safety in the environment without resolving their own emotional insecurities. When they learn to face their anxieties, however, Sixes understand that although the world is always changing and is by nature uncertain, they can be serene and courageous in any circumstance. And they can attain the greatest gift of all, a sense of peace with themselves despite the uncertainties of life.
Amen to that! That’s what Alcott is talking about. I was lucky enough to decide in my mid-to-late 20s that I wasn’t going to run scared all my life. The best preparation for the future was to handle problems in the present as well as I could. No matter what happens keep learning and growing. In other words, learn to steer our own ships. Well said, Louisa May!
If you are curious about the Enneagram there is a free test at truity.com. I haven’t taken it myself but it seems to get good reviews.
May 15, 2022
i did not take the test but the description of six is me. the difference is I never overcame that fear of not being prepared and at 77 am still fearful and miss out on a lot of things because it might not be safe…
I thought I answered you last night. Senior moment? 🙂
Anyway, I thought of you when I wrote this post. I figure thanks to the internet and creative digital tools we can have a lot of adventures from the safety of our own home.
I suppose I am for sure a 6. A worrier, and always thinking of the worst case scenario in the future. And in fact, we cannot prepare for the future because we do not know what is going to happen. And as the saying goes “I don’t know, and I don’t want to know. God gives us strength for only the day at hand. It is a great blessing to me that I don’t know the future, so am not burdened with that as well. It would be overwhelming.
I figure the best preparation is to use present day problems as a chance to increase our resilience and coping skills.
Well, I will try the test in the morning. Right now I gotta charge my phone.
Have a peaceful evening Jean.
I got a “5”.
Andy’s a Five, and I have Five tendencies too. One of my Enneagram books had a cartoon of a guy and a gal sitting happily leaning their backs against one another and reading books. The thought bubble said, “This is the best first date I’ve ever been on.” 🙂
I recently found out by way of a test that I’m a HSP. highly sensitive person.
it’s an actual trait that you’re born with… like having blue eyes or brown.
looking back upon my childhood I could finally see WHY I did things or felt things the way I did. it dawned on me that it was why I’ve always connected to Henry David Thoreau too. I think he was an HSP too. even though they didn’t know about it back then. I’ll never forget when I discovered him… I felt suddenly … somebody like ME! lol.
I have finally learned how to steer my own ship. it has taken me a long time.
but it’s worth the effort! xoxo
Amen to that!
after the zillion questions — I’m apparently a Four!
Yes! That fits.
I took the test and I’m a 5. The description matched me pretty good I thought
This is my response to Anni above:
This is interesting…will follow the links later. I might have more to say then.
Only if you are interested in this sort of thing. 🙂
I love this sort of thing — more so now learning how you took that rationale and adapted it. Steer your own ship, indeed!
PS – I learned I’m a ‘6’ several years ago; same thing a few minutes ago. My weakest link was a ‘3.’
It’s nice to have company. 🙂