In celebration of mothers day, I asked my own mom what the best part of being a mother is, to which she responded that she most enjoys being friends with her adult children. My mother and I spent many years struggling in our relationship and I am so thankful to say today that she is one of my very best friends. In this episode, we discuss how we went from a tumultuous relationship to the friendship we have today. She also offers advice for enneagram 4 moms from wisdom that she has gained in her 30 years of parenting. If I tried to write down her recipe for how to be friends with adult children, it would include fun and games upon games, humility, forgiveness, effort, and lots of good food around her table. The enneagram has been instrumental in creating a good relationship between my mother and I. But, certainly, the even greater secret can be found in looking at the faith of my mother. The truth about humanity is that we mess up and break things. Restoration of relationship is always a miracle and is only possible through the power of compassion and forgiveness, and through choosing love. I am so thankful that my mother instilled these values in me and that today I have her as a friend. My mom is equal parts fun, supportive, and good. She makes life a party, but she also knows how to create order and command a room. She is the queen of hospitality and is the most generous person I know. Your kids love you and appreciate you, Mom. Happy mothers day!!

Alexa and her husband, Eric Jones, are co-lead pastors of Valley Family Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan where leadership recently transitioned from Eric's parents, founding senior pastors Jeff and Beth Jones. In this episode, Alexa offers an example of what it can look like to find true healing within those tender places of our personality, which has not only brought peace within herself, but has also set her apart as a leader who is safe and worth trusting.

Enneagram 4's typically see themselves as fundamentally different than others yet we long to be seen for who we are and to belong. Alexa shares her response to feelings of being misunderstood which has ultimately allowed her to lead from a place of confidence and humility rather than from a place of wanting to be seen. We also discuss why the church needs 4 leaders and how the gifts of the 4 uniquely reflect essential elements of Gods heart and nature. In wrapping up the episode, Alexa offers beautiful advice and practical steps that people can take to find their place in a church body.

In the words of Maya Angelou, "You are only free when you realize you belong no place - you belong every place - no place at all. The price is high. The reward is great.".

One of the core motivations of the enneagram 4 is to create and surround themselves with beauty. Today I get to introduce you to my good friend, Aaron Shafer, who embodies this so well. In this episode, Aaron tells you about an adventure of a lifetime, how it marked his life forever, and how it ultimately led him to the love of his life. As you step into Aarons story, you'll quickly realize that he is not just inspiring in his creativity, but also in his resilience. I originally invited Aaron onto the show to discuss his journey as an artist who is visually impaired, but as a 4 in love, his recent engagement became the main topic of discussion. This episode is packed with authenticity, creativity, art, beauty, love, and connection. Can't wait for you to meet him!

In this episode, Stephanie (Enneagram 4w5) is absolutely stunning in her use of intentional vulnerability as she invites us into her story and discusses how, through the power of curiosity, she has learned to see through the dark. We also discuss connectivity in nature, stepping out of a victim mindset, and the importance of self love. Stephanie is the author of the children's book, "Sometimes You'll Feel" which teaches awareness, emotional curiosity, and self friendship as the reader learns to become a detective of their emotions. This book debuts at the end of this episode - you don't want to miss it.

The angle of The Enneagram 4 podcast is to meet with each other in some really good questions. I get to introduce you to some exceptionally beautiful people in Season One as we dive deep into the question, "What's it like to be an enneagram 4?". The lost childhood message of the 4 is that "you are seen for who you are". My hope for this space is that it might play a part in that lost message finding it's way back to you. If you are a type four and would like to be interviewed in an episode, please reach out.. I would love to chat! There are a lot of awesome resources out there on the enneagram that will take more of an educational approach and break down the enneagram as a whole for you. If you are new to the enneagram, I recommend that you seek those resources as you enjoy this space.