Life Design + The Enneagram. Alchemizing Life.

Last year, I facilitated a virtual Enneagram Wayfinder Workshop on Life Design 101. It explored Life Work Design and the Enneagram—two dynamic topics that weave together powerfully. The integration of these two systems gives an insight beam into one’s unconscious impactors in life decision-making.

Impactors such as unconscious and conscious desires, intentions, blind spots (those ruts that show up on life’s path), fears, gifts, energy, patterns, and blocks. By the way, humans operate mostly on auto-pilot, at about a 95% unconscious level.

Naming and noticing these impactors empowers you. It reshapes your life and decision-making.

As Mary Oliver asked:

"What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"

I love that question. I’m asking it again as I navigate my own Life/Work transition.

Transitions naturally arise every 18 months to 2 years. When there’s multiple transitions happening at once, it can be what’s called a Lifequake. I’m in one now, and I’m not alone. I know many that are experiencing sudden or drawn out transitions (also called Long Endings or Messy Middle). I coach many in those transition stages.

The Enneagram is a profound tool in this life journey. It serves as a catalyst for insight, awareness growth and transformation in Life Design—whether focused on life, work, relationships, or transitions. It’s the most powerful inner work system I’ve discovered, one I continue to explore personally and with my clients.

Millions seem to agree.

The Enneagram is gaining widespread popularity as a personality map and self-development system for individuals, teams, and organizations. Yet its deepest value lies in its ancient roots as a wisdom system—one designed for profound personal growth and awakening; the inner work.

Its true power emerges when used as both a psychological and spiritual map. It helps you remember and reconnect with your true nature, uncover your gifts, and identify your growth paths.

And here’s the truth: your Inner Work directly impacts, clarifies, and catalyzes your Outer Work.

7 Steps to Life/Work Design

A process for creating a life with intention:

  1. Accept and Decide – Commit to improving your life, self, and work. Be ready for change.

  2. Grow Self-Understanding – Do your inner work (the Enneagram is a powerful catalyst here).

  3. Take Action – Experiment and wayfind (this could mean volunteering or taking exploratory roles).

  4. Generate Options – Create multiple pathways for your Life Design. Aim for three distinct options.

  5. Create a 3-Year Plan – Map out a vision, knowing it will evolve.

  6. Design Intentionally – Use Human-Centered Design: inspiration, ideation, and implementation.

  7. Redefine Your Life – Adapt for meaning, well-being, and energy management.

Looking for guidance? Access my Life Work Design Tips and Tools.

Upcoming Opportunities

Curious about exploring transitions, life design, or the Enneagram? Here are some upcoming programs you might love:

Let’s Connect

If you’re curious about coaching, let’s schedule a free Discovery Call. I’d love to explore whether partnering together feels like a fit.

Love,
Susan

Navigate Transitions Wisely, Intelligently and Intentionally

This week, I shared some of my current life transitions with a dear friend who’s also an incredible acupuncturist. Many of these transitions have been shaped by recent traumas—both personal and collective.

Here in WNC, we’ve been through a lot. From the impacts of Hurricane Helene to the emotional waves of the recent election, many of us are carrying layers of grief, uncertainty, and change. And, of course, life brings its own mix of family, work, and relationship challenges.

We often laugh around here about the polite question we’re so quick to ask: “How are you doing?” It’s so loaded, isn’t it?

When I shared my journey with my friend, she was amazed at what’s unfolded in my life over the last three months: overlapping traumas, uncertainties, opportunities, and transitions in work, life, and relationships. These periods may be called a Lifequake. After my acupuncture session, she marveled at how calm and resilient my energy and body felt despite everything.

In all this, I feel a clarity, spaciousness and strength deep in me and my life. I know this comes from the tools, teachings, and practices I’ve been fortunate to weave into my own life. Together, they’ve created a safety net, guardrails, and even a springboard for growth. There’s an alchemy happening—a blending and integrating of these supports within me.

What has helped me? Years of inner work, coaching, and tools I’ve gained from practices like the Enneagram, Somatic Experiencing, trauma healing, and Transition Intelligence (TQ). And, of course, my life itself—moments of transition done well (and not so well)—has been my greatest teacher.

I didn’t realize it at the time, but I now see these tools have built my Transitional Intelligence. They’ve helped me coach clients, guide friends, and steady myself in moments of upheaval.

If you’re in a season of transition, know this: You’re not alone. Most of us are navigating something. Find support and good allies to walk alongside you.

If curious to connect and learn together, here’s some upcoming programs:

January 22nd | 12-1:30pm
New Beginnings:
Power of Transition, Maps +  Enneagram
Virtual Event | Free

February 15th | 10am - 4pm
Waking Up The Heart: Power of Awe + The Enneagram
Day Retreat at Bend of Ivy Lodge

March 13th-16th, 2025 | 4 Day Retreat
Head Heart Body: Connecting to Our Joyful Nature
@ Bend of Ivy Lodge | Registration Now Open | Deposit $150 | Early Bird

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