Oct/Nov 2023 Aspire Magazine FULL Issue | Page 20

as my “ Mother Energy ,” “ Daughter Energy ,” and “ Woman Energy .” The interesting thing was how everyone seemed to understand what I meant when I used these terms . They seemed universal — as if everyone had these same three personas that ran their lives , too .

Without realizing it , our behavior is usually dictated by one of these Three Dominant Emotional Age Archetypes , depending upon the person we ’ re dealing with ; often , one of these archetypes will dominate most aspects of our life .

The most important thing to remember is that you formed your Dominant Emotional Archetype to protect you until you felt safe enough to be your Real Self — to show up as the Adult or in Woman Energy , wherever you go , no matter who you ’ re with .

The Parent Archetype is the selfless part of us that gives , protects , and serves . The needs of others are always more important than those of the Parent , and they feel bad putting themselves first .

Although the Parent Archetype is the most selfless of all the archetypes , selflessness doesn ’ t always equate to the happiest or most harmonious . Sometimes , over giving creates resentment and a lack of joy . Selfabnegating to a fault , the Parent Archetype puts everyone else first — children ( if there are any ), work , partner , parents , pets , friends , neighbors , community , and commitments — which means the Parent Archetype isn ’ t always the most fun to hang out with . They ’ re so busy caring for others that they forget to take care of themselves . Who has the time ? The simplest way to explain the Parent Archetype is “ chronic neglect of Self .”

If only the Parent Archetype could balance their selflessness with a little more selfishness , self-advocacy , and self-care , they would feel happier , more relaxed , and empowered . Not to mention , they ’ d be more fun to hang out with ! Besides , although others view them as noble and even saintly , they know they ’ re flying under the radar , playing it small in their own lives . It ’ s about time the Parent started parenting themselves better !

The Child Archetype is the selfish part of us that wants , takes , and desires . Fearful and gripping , this archetype drives us to take care of our own needs before the needs of others .

The Child Archetype is the complete opposite of the Parent Archetype . They need too much . Expect too much . Demand too much . Feel too much . Often extremely emotional , nothing is ever middle of the road with them .

Overwhelmed by emotion , those who embody the Child Archetype know there is more to life . . . and they want it ! They just don ’ t always know exactly what that is , what it looks like , how to receive it , or how to keep it . The fear of never knowing their future is safe makes them feel frenetic and overwhelmed .

The Child Archetype constantly searches for more , asking for more than most people can give ; they create situations in which their own personal power is tested , and they constantly test the people in their lives , too .

Now , don ’ t get me wrong , these people can bring a lot of fun and excitement to their relationships . When they are good , they are very , very good ! But the extremes with this archetype can quickly turn fun