Life’s meaning is what you make of it.

Human existence is a strange thing. We are born into a particular time and place without explanation; we progress through countless experiences of change and growth, joy and triumph, challenges and obstacles; and then one day we take our final breath and it’s over. What was it all for?

The Existentialist meets the human predicament with both anxiety and fascination. Your expansive mind goes straight to the big questions: What are we here for? At the end of our lives, what is it that truly matters? Faced with the certain reality that our life will one day come to an end, others will be tempted to turn away from the truth of impermanence. But you meet this reality head-on, facing your fear and anxiety to live a life of meaning and purpose at any cost. You hold steadfast to the knowing that we are each responsible for determining the meaning of lives through acts of will—and in this responsibility lies our ultimate freedom.

While you share the spiritual orientation of the Mystic and Phoenix types, you’re not satisfied to simply explore the unknown and complete life’s mysteries—you crave certainty. At its best, this dynamic tension between your contemplative mind and tendency towards anxiety can become the catalyst for the cultivation of deep self-awareness and an iron-clad personal ethos for your life. By getting to know your own attitudes, values and beliefs, you can determine if they are helping you to live a life that you’ll look back on and be proud of. You may run the risk of slipping into nihilism during difficult times, so be aware of your own tendency to let negative emotions cloud your thinking. There is always meaning to be found—or better yet, created.

Never forget, Existentialist: it doesn’t all have to be so serious. Try to keep a light touch and a sense of playfulness as you allow your awareness of death to motivate your greatest creations.