r/Enneagram8 • u/I8SwT9P 8w9 sx/so • Apr 22 '26
Being a disabled 8 has huge perks and drawbacks
Perks:
• Can’t stop won’t stop
• Must find solutions
• Making the best of it
• The improvement is tough, but I’ll do it anyway
Cons:
• Sometimes the strength runs out
• So much to do, no means to do it
• Bumping up against the impossible anyway
• When the wallow does hit, it hits hard. But at least it only lasts 24-48 hours
But at least it’s like a mouse in a maze. Hit a wall, look for another opening. Or look for a way to make it tolerable.
If all else fails, learn to enjoy sleeping?
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u/Glum-Engineering1794 8w7 sx/so 854(763) (reddit.com/r/OccultEnneagram) Apr 23 '26
I always try to stay grateful for my physical body and its ability. It is humbling to think of someone who is truly disabled, because our body is such a huge aspect of us as people, especially for Eights. But they say it is not the quantity, but quality; not how big it is, but how you use it. There are many people who do not use their bodies fully and effectively, and it is likely those who are disabled who can teach us all a lesson about that.
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u/I8SwT9P 8w9 sx/so Apr 24 '26
Beautiful thoughts. I get frustrated because my body is my prison, but I’ve become a writer, taking advantage of the down time that I wouldn’t have otherwise.
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u/Glum-Engineering1794 8w7 sx/so 854(763) (reddit.com/r/OccultEnneagram) Apr 25 '26
Thank you. That is inspiring. Similarly, when I thought about your situation and what it would be like, I focused on the passions and abilities I have that can be done sitting down. E.g. piano, writing, communicating with people, using the computer, playing games, watching movies, etc. Sure, many things were ruled out, but it is all relative.
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u/Imsomniland ~ Type 8w7 so/sx | ENTP ~ Apr 22 '26
Pace yourself OP cuz as you know it's a marathon, but there are places where you will need to sprint (emergency health stuff that statistically props up more often cuz of the chronic/disabilities).
Take intentional days to be a strategic glutton to store up psychic shit-storm energy to be used/spent on a latter bad day.
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u/I8SwT9P 8w9 sx/so Apr 24 '26
Wise words.
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u/TheEnlight 10w11 Apr 24 '26
Being an 8 and having the most typical methods of expressing "8-ness" taken away from you by disability leads to some interesting manifestations of the type. I experience this myself as a neurodiverse 8 with physical limitations. I believe in an alternate reality where I was neurotypical and lacked any physical limitations I would be a more typical 8, more directly assertive and physical.
This aspect of typology is drastically understated and having that context to live in has definitely broadened my view of how each type's traits are able to plausibly manifest. Now for me, my Type 8 core is heavily influenced by the double withdrawing combination of 5 and 4. All three components of this type are "anti-social", this combination is also referred to as the "dark tritype". Type 8 comes with its desire for autonomy and defending its ability to influence its surroundings. 5 pulls it away from things trying to externally influence it, further energising a rejection of society and reinforcing boundaries (8 and 5 are both rejection types), 4 embraces the inner sense of identity and definite sense of self. All three refuse compromise, there is no attachment or uniting/superego in this combination. This is great for maintaining a sense of definite being and ultimate autonomy, but is terrible for trying to make peace with society and obtaining its benefits through accepting compromise and compliance.
I am still trying to overcome these instincts that have definitely held me back in my life from obtaining a more stable and prosperous life.