I T ’ S T I M E T O C A R E A B O U T B E I N G S E L F - A W A R E

IT’S TIME TO CARE ABOUT BEING SELF-AWARE

B Y : R O M A N M E I L I N G E R

Self-awareness may bring thoughts of hippies and potheads to mind, but that’s not necessary for discovering your full potential despite what you’ve seen on Grace and Frankie. Accepting that you are flawed and responsible for every action or reaction you’ve had in situations that occur throughout your life is the first step in your personal growth accompanied by the will, drive, and desire to be better. Whether that’s for yourself, loved ones, or all your relationships, internally and externally, you will be amazed at how much your life can turn for the better with the results just from changing yourself. Cue the Enneagram. One of the greatest things that has happened during my life so far is discovering this personality system. It is based on our brains developing differently due to unique childhood experiences, which I learned after graduating high school. I think the best way to motivate you to start your own growth is to tell you the story of how mine started while visiting my half-sister in Idaho.

Here’s the thing, I’ve always thought of these “personality tests” like Zodiac signs and such to be a bunch of hogwash, and meanwhile this half-sister of mine was always fascinated by them and would become totally involved learning about all of them. So here she goes again about something called the Enneagram one day, which must have intrigued one of my other sisters because she started reading this book called The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self Discovery by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile about this concept. She gets to a chapter about a personality type referred to as a “4” and comes up to me telling me I have to read this chapter because if I wasn’t a “4,” no one was a “4.” I entertained her analysis of me by reading this chapter, which exposed my life in just a matter of sentences.

Not only was this book pointing out my thought processes and reasoning behind my actions, but it literally gave examples of things I have done in certain scenarios. Like can I get a “Yikes” from Nicki Minaj please? I sat there and read through all my strengths and weaknesses while having flashbacks to drama in high school and relationship conflicts, which all could have been avoided if only I had understood myself and my friends. Despite hating to read, I went on to read this one book three times along with several others about the Enneagram, so that I could fully understand myself. The goal is to become more centered on the enneagram with my dominant 4w3 personality. By learning the enneagram, I was also able to guess what types my friends were to help me be more understanding of them and reduce conflict in my relationships. However, it is important to know that you are the only one able to know your type for sure, and your friends are the only ones that can know their type for sure. Reading the book will give you a more accurate typing than taking a quiz because rather than allowing you to make decisions about yourself, it is all laid out in front of you. I hope this inspires you to learn the Enneagram, and use this time at home to learn how to become the best, true you.

NETFLIX& MOVIES TOP 10 QUARANTINE 5 REALITY SERIES TO BINGE

MOVIES

— He’s Just Not That Into You — The Notebook — To All The Boys I’ve Ever Loved — Sex & The City 2 — Dear John — Monster-In-Law — After — Failure To Launch — Life As We Know It — She’s Out Of My League

NETFLIX

— Love Is Blind — The Circle — Dating Around — Glow Up — Queer Eye

While we may not be jetting off to Turks & Caicos for a beach vacation anytime soon, it’s still fun to imagine we are and plan for a future one! Here are six ideas to prepare for an amazing summer, and to keep you occupied from going a little stir crazy-even though it may be difficult.

Start to plan mini-vacays to reconnect with your girl gang from college this summer..think Insta-worthy moments and amazing memories with your best friends!

Determine your dream destination. Are you looking for an energetic nightlife? Check out Miami or Nashville. Want a chill beach escape? Try the Outer Banks of North Carolina, or Palm Beach, Florida. Shopping and sightseeing? Head to New York City or Austin, Texas.

Start looking at unique Airbnbs, such as bungalows on the beach, rooftop penthouses in the city, or lofts and condos near local hotspots and fun experiences- do your research to make the most out of your trip!

Start a Pinterest Board filled inspiration for your vacay outfits. Whether it's for lounging by the pool, a day trip to a local winery, or taking advantage of the surrounding nature. You can also put ideas for pics with your girls (and of course, yourself) to add to your feed. Also, places you want to visit, such as iconic restaurants and bars, national parks and beaches, and picture-perfect neighborhoods and streets to snap your next Instagram post.

Online shop! We love Revolve, Lulus, ASOS, and Urban Outfitters, which serve as amazing outlets to get all your newest printed bikinis, one-shoulder dresses, flowing midi skirts, lowheeled sandals, and unique jewelry. With these, you are more than ready for warmer weather and your next girls’ trip! Many sites, like Madewell, Anthropologie, and Pretty Little Thing are offering site-wide sales which are perfect for stocking up your summer wardrobe. Stay Positive! While this may be a difficult and confusing time, look forward to the upcoming summer, stay connected with your friends and family, and take time for yourself. Remember-warmer days are ahead, accompanied by time with loved ones, beach days, and girls’ trips.