Enneagram Type 2- "The Helper"

First thing is first, if you haven't taken the Enneagram quiz, take it here! It's an easy $12 to fork out because the information from it will help you understand why you do the things you do, why you respond the way you respond, and why you think the way you think.

I took the Enneagram quiz a few months ago and found that I am a Type 2, "The Helper." When I got my results, I wouldn't be honest if I said I wasn't disappointed. I am always being told that I am kind and loving and care about others- I thought this would be my chance to break away and be something else. I was really hoping to be a go-getter, like a Type 3. Or a leader, like Type 8. But nope, I am a "helper." As I began to read the description, realized how spot on it was.

According to the Enneagram Institute, Type Twos are described as "empathetic, sincere, warm-hearted, generous, and people-pleasing." My biggest fear is being unwanted, and my underlying desire is just to feel loved.

Yup. Spot on.

So how did I end up in a place where I thought being described as nice, sincere, generous is a bad thing? I'm not sure what lie was feeding my heart but I think it sounded something like "you're just nice" like "you're just okay." Have you ever described someone as "nice" just so that you had something positive to say? I feared that being described as "nice" is just being mediocre.

But as I studied and thought about my results, I realized that I wouldn't want to be any other Type. Everything that I do stems from helping people and making sure others feel loved. It's a pretty unique way of life and a gift from God. Instead of getting caught up and wishing I was created differently, I turned to Psalm 139.

Psalm 139:14 reads, "I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous and I know this very well."

I DO know this very well. I DO trust that I have been remarkably and wondrously made in God's image. And you can trust this too. You can believe that God has formed your heart to be so specific to your purpose, that you shouldn't want it to be any other way. I put my own label of "mediocre" on Type 2. Heck, being nice, genuine, sincere is not common to come by, and I feel blessed that God has trusted me with these characteristics to help others.

I encourage you to take the Enneagram and learn more about your heart and your mind. This is also useful information to know with your spouse, best friend, and family members. The better you understand people, the better you can love them.

I challenge you to take the Enneagram (link above- but there are also some free options out there if needed) & dive into your results! When you start to understand how your mind and heart are wired, you can begin to understand how God wants to use you.