In order to reflect gratitude and kindness to one another, we should start by speaking kindly to ourselves. The Enneagram can be a tool for personal development and growth. As it directs us toward understanding tendencies we might have and the “why” or the motivation behind them, instead of using it to excuse bad behavior, we can use it to point us toward personal development and growth.
Instead of using it to excuse bad behavior, we can use it to point us toward personal development and growth.
Here are affirmations based on the Enneagram to encourage growth and gratitude for who you are today.
Type 1: The Reformer
As a 1, you might be tempted to believe your criticism is helpful as you direct it most harshly toward yourself, and at times, toward others. Although you are quick to see avenues in which you can grow, instead, try to focus on what is already good and beautiful just as it is.
Affirmation: “I can show up just as I am today, and be loved by myself and others. I am enough and worthy of love even if I don’t change anything about myself today.”
Type 2: The Helper
As a 2, you show up for everyone else. This is a gift and a beautiful quality, but sometimes, you forget to show up for yourself. Today, shift your focus toward recognizing that you can just be there for yourself, and you don’t have to hold everyone else up.
Affirmation: “I am not responsible for other people’s emotions or well-being. I don’t have to hold everyone else up in order to be loved.”
Type 3: The Achiever
As a 3, you are driven, capable of completing any task at hand and motivated to succeed. What if failure isn’t failure at all, what if it’s an opportunity to grow or a chance to be seen for who you genuinely are by others?
Affirmation: “I can be authentically myself. I don’t need to accomplish anything or prove anything. Just showing up honestly is success.”
Type 4: The Individualist
As a 4, you are capable of feeling “all of the feels,” but don’t let yourself get indulgent and stuck there. Sometimes, feelings are deceptive and cannot be relied on for truth. Your feelings and imagination may tell you a story that isn’t true.
Affirmation: “I am not my feelings. I have a meaningful contribution to bring to the world beyond the emotions I feel today.”
Type 5: The Investigator
As a 5, you let your mind lead you to new perceptions and discoveries. Your thoughtfulness and yearning to understand more, to solve problems and to fully see how things work is a strength. However, don’t let your desire to understand more keep you from moving forward.
Affirmation: “I am capable of more than I can comprehend. I am useful and can take action even if I don’t fully understand.”
Type 6: The Loyalist
As a 6, you are tempted to look to other sources, figures of authority and trusted advisors for the security and guidance you are longing for. You’re incredibly loyal to those you trust. What would it look like to be loyal to yourself and look inward for reassurance?
Affirmation: “I am secure in who I am. I do not need to prove anything or defend anything. I can be confident in my own decisions.”
Type 7: The Enthusiast
As a 7, you’re excited for what is to come, always hopeful for a brighter future and anticipating the next big thing or grand adventure. However, gratitude is often not found in getting everything you want but instead in being content and grateful for what you have.
Affirmation: “I am fulfilled and content in my present reality. I am grateful for today, and I can choose to be satisfied.”
Type 8: The Challenger
As an 8, you seek to be seen as powerful, strong and self-dependent. However, there are also people in your life who are worth depending on and capable of protecting you like you so eagerly protect them. Admitting you have weakness is true strength.
Affirmation: “I can feel weak and still be strong. I am capable of depending on others and recognizing my feelings doesn’t make me weak or slow me down.”
Type 9: The Peacemaker
As a 9, you are tirelessly working to keep the peace. You constantly put others’ needs above your own in an effort to avoid potential conflict. You are supportive and willing to go with the flow, but you also have so much to offer as an individual. Your needs are important too.
Affirmation: “I have a voice that deserves to be heard. I can speak up. I have ideas and thoughts that matter and will make a difference.”
How do you feel when someone speaks affirmations over you? What power do words—good or bad—have on people?
Illustration via Studio Grand-Père
1 comment
I like the focus in personal growth & moving forward not just the acceptance of well this is just me. Great thoughts.