For a second, I want you to think about finding a rare gem. As you examine this rare gem, you notice its difference, the way it shines, and how effervescent it is. Now imagine that same gem, but as an INFJ personality type The comparison is uncanny.

INFJ, which stands for Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, and Judging, is just one of the sixteen personality types used in the publications of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Assessment was developed by Isabel Briggs Myers and Katharine Cook Briggs based on the works of Carl Jung.

The MBTI preferences indicate the differences in people based on:

• How they focus their attention or get their energy (extroversion/introversion)
• How they perceive or take in information (sensing/intuition)
• How they prefer to make decisions (thinking/feeling)
• How they orient themselves to the external world (judgment/perception)

By using their preference in each of these areas, people develop what Jung and Myers called psychological type.

Now, why would an INFJ be considered a rare gem? INFJs are considered to be such because they are the rarest type and make up about 1-3% of the general population. INFJs are often misunderstood or considered different among the other sixteen personality types. However, INFJs are conscientious and value-driven. They seek meaning in relationships, ideas, and events, with an eye toward better understanding themselves and others.

After taking the MBTI assessment myself, I found that I am, too, an INFJ personality type.That’s when everything started to make sense for me. I consider myself to be different and sometimes misunderstood by the way I think and perceive the world. However, I do not consider that to be something that is a hindrance to my personality. I see the beauty of being an INFJ and that beauty is RADIANT!!!

Being an INFJ is beautiful because, in a nutshell, we are selfless human beings with a drive to, not only better ourselves, but better the lives of those around us. Some of the common characteristics of us INFJs are creativity, insightfulness, sensitivity and empathy, goal-oriented determination, perfectionism, and an inclination towards privacy.

I think what stands out the most to me, as an INFJ, is being sensitive and having empathy. In life, there are going to be people who tell you to “stop being so sensitive” or “lighten up, it’s not that deep.” Those words can be crushing to our spirit and our mind because after hearing it consistently, it can sometimes have a negative effect on our personality growth

There is absolutely NOTHING, repeat after me, NOTHING wrong with being sensitive and empathetic. It’s such a beautiful feeling to FEEL what others feel, to put yourself in the position or shoes of someone else, but most importantly to have a heart as big as the world. Rarely do people celebrate sensitivity, or what I like to call the BEAUTY of caring deeply.

Too often, sensitivity is seen as a weakness, something to be ashamed of. Giving sensitive and empathetic can give you a deeper understanding of others and greater compassion, and there is nothing more beautiful than having compassion towards others.

As someone who is sensitive and empathetic, I, as well as others, are able to read situations very well and respond accordingly. There are going to be moments when you feel uneasy about certain people and situations, some things that other people may not be able to pick up on. That is such a beautiful GIFT to have for your spirit and energy because you are able to protect your aura, spirit, mind, and energy, and there is nothing more sacred than the energy that you consume.

If you’re seen as the “therapist” or “counselor” of the friend group, your intuitiveness and sensitivity aids in that role. You become a healer, teacher, and counselor to others. Who wouldn’t see the beauty in that? Being a healer for others can be very therapeutic to the soul and self-esteem.

In social psychology, I learned that helping others aids in the progression of our self-esteem and self-worth. IT FEELS GOOD TO BE SELFLESS AND HELP OTHERS! Be that healer to your friends, or to your community, the world needs you more than you know.

Aside from being a healer, the world needs INFJs in general. We are so powerful and beautiful, internally and externally. Though independent, we are harmonious in helping and contributing to the well-being of humanity on a personal level.

Love yourself INFJs, be not ashamed of the personality type that you are, embrace it! Because whether you know it or not, there are people who appreciate and admire the person that we are, but most importantly, you should appreciate and admire yourself for being a rare gem in this world. There may be a percentage of 1-3 of us in this world who are INFJs, but there is no one like YOU.

Stay beautiful.