I have taken many personality tests and each time I get the same results:
Extroverted (E): Energized by being around other people
Observant (S): Focus on the actual world and things happening around them
Feeling (F): Tend to make decisions based on principle and values
Judging (J): Prefer clarity and closure. Tend to like structuring and going with a plan
Turbulent (-T): Self-conscious and sensitive to stress
Each personality type has its strengths and weaknesses. My personality type, ESFJ-T, tends to be very good in social situations, has strong practical skills, a strong sense of loyalty and is sensitive and warm. Weaknesses of my personality type include being too selfless, being vulnerable to criticism, often too needy and can be reluctant to improvise.
With this combination, I have never been one for adventure. I tend to stay at home, play it safe and stick to the plan. For the past few months, I have been trying to embrace my flaws and better myself to become less turbulent. I spent the last week with my best friend Allie down in Virginia where she is stationed. She is in the Air Force and unfortunately could not get much time off. Since this is the case, I have spent much of my time here by myself. Since I am an extrovert, I do not like to be alone and tend to even lose energy when I am. I was very nervous at first and did not leave Allie’s house. As the week went on, I got more confidence and started going on more adventures.
Buckroe Beach
I spend the afternoon walking along the beach by myself. I walked up and down the beach and eventually found myself sitting under the pier reading a book. It was a great, relaxing and refreshing afternoon during which I got to enjoy the ocean and my own company.
Newport News City Center
This gorgeous shopping center had me captivated. There is a pond with a ton of fountains. I watched the sun start to go down and the light reflecting off the water was simply tranquil. I loved just sitting on a bench and looking at the ducks and the fish swimming.
Aroma’s Coffee Shop
This is Allie’s favorite diamond-in-the-rough here in Virginia. This quaint coffee shop is where I wrote this very article. Everyone here was super friendly and I even had a few conversations with some local college students. A wonderful spot to spend a few hours by myself and get some work done with an amazing cup of coffee.
Fort Monroe
The amount of history around me was enough to take my breath away, but walking along the ocean at this gorgeous old Army fort was absolutely astounding.
Sandy Bottom Nature Walk
Allie took me here one day and I liked it so much I went back on my own. This beautiful place had a series of paths to walk on. I went for a walk and just listened to the world around me; it was a great place to do some self reflection and clear my head.
Old Rag, Shenandoah National Park
This 11.5-mile hike was the most self-fulfilling thing I did here in Virginia. I did this hike with Allie and five of her friends. This was a very difficult hike with a ton of rock climbing and very cold temperatures. The view at the top of the mountain was absolutely miraculous. This was definitely a personal development journey that ignited a spark in me and I will definitely be climbing more mountains.
Flying by myself
I have traveled many times with my parents and my family, but I have rarely gone alone. I can now honestly say that I am completely comfortable flying by myself and am confident in myself while doing so. I was in a row by myself on this particular flight and I got to just sit back, relax and be alone.
Even though I hate being alone, I now know that I can be. I don’t always have to play things safe and stick to a plan. Sometimes, I can go off the beaten path and just get lost. Because after all, no matter what happens in life, I will always have myself.
