Archetypes are universal patterns of behavior, and when discovered they help us better understand ourselves and our place in the world. They are the key to finding “our personal power,” as Caroline Myss writes in her book, Archetypes: Who Are You? They are a gift that wraps together the pieces of a cosmic puzzle and gives us permission to be breathe and be who we’re meant to be. Priceless.

Here are three pretty P’s. Does one sound like you? Or perhaps you’re all three?

Poet
The Poet perceives what others can’t express and translates the beauty or pain of her experience into words. Born of the Creative and Intellectual families, the Poet can’t help but be prolific. Maybe your poems aren’t written on paper; perhaps they’re lyrics, or messages to the hearts of people you awaken. Think of The Beatles and their song “Across the Universe.”

Words are flowing out like endless rain/ into a paper cup/ possessing and caressing me/ Nothing’s going to change my world.

Or the fact, Poet, that you are YOU! Rejoice.

Philosopher
Your parents may have recognized you were a Philosopher when you were still little. Some of our best philosophies pour out of “the mouths of babes.” If only we carried buckets big enough to catch them all. You are tuned in to the collective conscience, looking forward and making sense out of reality and order out of chaos. Your families are the Thinking and the Spiritual. You are Oprah, the late Mr. Rogers, and philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, who said years ago, “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”

Party Girl
You don’t have to be Paris Hilton, end up in your birthday suit on TMZ, or close out the night dancing with your peeps with a lampshade on your head to be a Party Girl. But it could be fun if you do. Thing is, a Party Girl’s archetypal families are Rebel and Fashionista. You rebel against the doldrums, revel in your party clothes, and stand up for a good time whether at a tea party or Mardi Gras.

So go ahead — have a ball. Understand your archetypes and live forward and fully!

With grace and gratitude,
Cristina

Cristina Carlino is the founder of Archetypes, Inc. Each week she reveals a new letter of the Alphabet of Archetypes. Stop back often to discover aspects of yourself you didn’t know existed.