City night lights speak to my soul.

I’ve taken the Myers-Briggs personality test once every year in the last 3 years, just to see if/how I’ve changed. Feeling that the previous 2 tests yielded results I wasn’t too sure accurately depicted my type, I recently took another one and wanted to be completely honest with my answers. As expected, the outcomes described me to a T.

For most of my life, I was an extrovert – always concerned with being able to make friends, to be included in everything, to not ever have to feel left out. It was ridiculous! I’d often overcrowd my schedule with numerous social plans in varying friend groups, unsure of whether I can even fulfill them in a day. I simply didn’t want to be forgotten. But as my self-discovery deepened, I adapted the mentality that it is ok to be on my own and that not being invited to certain trivial things does not necessarily mean I’ve lost connection with my friends. When given time alone, I’ve found that I am fully capable of finding things to make myself happy. This has planted a seed for my introversion growth that I still treasure to this day, to the point where having to be extroverted in social settings sometimes can wear me out. From the results of this test, I also realized that I never used to turn down an invitation because I wanted to make everybody (literally everybody) happy – because I’ve always been a mediator, a pursuer of harmony. Since I’ve chosen to narrow my circles down to those I sincerely care about, this became a more attainable task.

As an INFP person, I am intuitive, usually acting on things mostly based on my feelings and principles rather than logic. It really is a double-edged sword since it contributes heavily to my obstinacy. However, having principles means I won’t get easily swayed by opinions that negatively contradict my own beliefs.

Another trait I am proud of is the fact that a Mediator has an inner flame and passion that can truly shine, given the right circumstances. I can go on and on for days when talking about something I love. In my career, I’ve failed countless times, yet because I’ve always been passionate about making an impact in healthcare, I kept on trying different paths to take me there. I don’t give up easily, which is both a blessing and a curse!

Lastly, I feel that the tendency for INFPs to have a caring approach to everything truly speaks to me. I’d always boast about how I have a big heart, and I’ve never lied about that. Once I’ve cared about someone or something, there’s no turning back, I’ll always care until I’ve completely exhausted my heart and mind.

And like a true INFP, I look for kindness and compassion to be my guiding lights in everything that I do.