Embracing My Temperament: A Journey of Self-Awareness and Growth at 19"

As late teenager, I have come to appreciate the importance of understanding my temperament a natural part of my personality that influences how I think, feel, and behave. I first became aware of my temperament around the age of 16, during a school psychology class where we took a personality and temperament assessment. This discovery was eye-opening because it helped me make sense of many of my reactions and preferences that I had previously taken for granted.

Before that moment, I often wondered why I sometimes felt overwhelmed in social situations or why I preferred quiet, and being alone over loud, crowded ones. Learning about temperament gave me a framework to understand these tendencies. My temperament falls mostly into the “introverted” and “thoughtful” category, meaning I tend to be reflective, calm, and reserved. I realized that these traits are not flaws but natural parts of who I am.

Understanding my temperament has been very helpful in several ways. Firstly, it has improved my self awareness. I now recognize when I need to take a break to recharge my energy after a long stress, especially after social interactions. This has helped me avoid burnout and maintain my mental health. Secondly, it has enhanced my relationships. Knowing that I am naturally more reserved has allowed me to communicate this to friends and family, so they understand why I might need more personal space or time to process my thoughts before responding.

Moreover, this awareness has guided my choices in school and extracurricular activities. I thrive in environments that allow me indulge myself in deep thinking and creativity rather than constant social stimulation. This has helped me focus on activities like writing, reading, and involving myself into online academics, where I feel most comfortable and productive.

For the most part, my temperament fits my personality well. It explains many of my natural inclinations, such as being patient, empathetic, and a good listener. However, like any temperament, it has its challenges. One aspect I sometimes struggle with is my tendency to avoid confrontation or difficult conversations. Because I prefer harmony and dislike conflict, I can sometimes hold back my true feelings, which leads to frustration or misunderstandings or sometimes I burst out in tears.

This avoidance of conflict is something I don’t particularly like about my temperament. It can prevent me from believing myself and advocating for my needs. To address this, I have been actively working on building my communication skills and ability to confront people. I practice expressing my thoughts more clearly and calmly, even when the conversation might be uncomfortable. I also remind myself that conflict, when handled respectfully, can lead to growth and stronger relationships.

Adjusting my temperament doesn’t mean changing who I am at the core but rather growing beyond my limitations. I plan to continue stepping out of my comfort zone by engaging in group discussions, leadership roles, and social events, even when I feel hesitant. I also seek feedback from trusted friends and mentors to help me develop confidence in expressing myself. I practice mindfulness to stay grounded and reduce anxiety when facing challenging situations.

Discovering my temperament at 16 has been a valuable part of my personal growth journey. It has helped me understand myself better, appreciate my strengths, and identify areas for improvement. While my temperament fits my personality well, I recognize the importance of adapting and growing to become the best version of myself. With intentional effort and self-compassion, I am confident I can balance my natural traits with new skills that will serve me well throughout life😊

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