For some, being a highly sensitive person can feel complicated, challenging, and overwhelming. For those who first realize they are highly sensitive, there are so many unknowns that they can’t even begin to process how they feel. Luckily, that’s not the case for everyone. Others learn how to embrace their uniqueness and thrive.
Being highly sensitive is a neurological difference that you are born with. As an HSP, you have an increased, deeper central nervous system sensitivity that causes you to respond and identify with things differently physically, emotionally, and mentally. Once you understand you are genetically different, it can be an ah-ha moment and the beginning of a new adventure.
Being a highly sensitive person means you feel everything, from the moment you were born.
Because you were wired like this at birth, you know no different. And because others are not wired as you are, they don’t understand your level of sensitivity. It’s something many are just beginning to understand and accept.
So, you may have heard far too often “you’re too sensitive” or “why are you crying over that?” when what you should have heard was “Take your time,” and “I understand this is hard for you and that’s OK.”
High sensitivity has its challenges and advantages. Learning to manage and use it to your benefit takes work.
Learning begins with listening to your body and understanding what your triggers are. To make things a little more challenging, high sensitivity is not the same for everyone.
Your best friend may be an HSP and have different triggers and needs than you do. That’s ok. It doesn’t devalue you, or them, as an HSP. Your neurological sensitivities are just different.
Highly Sensitive People are thought to make up about 20% of the population.
While that means you are not alone, it also doesn’t mean there’s a replica of your specifics in the world. You are the only you.
So what can being highly sensitive look like?
What does it truly mean to be a highly sensitive person living in a world that caters to those less sensitive?
The answer to these two questions is the same. You must take every precaution to support your health and well-being.
Are you more sensitive to light? Do you steer clear of scary movies? Find yourself overwhelmed by other sensory stimuli? Do you often get lost in your thoughts and think too deeply for your peers?
Many of these are common for a highly sensitive person. They find it harder to connect with people because they have specific preferences others may not understand. Attending a plethora of social activities isn’t usually at the top of the list for a highly sensitive person, which can result in people no longer sending invites. Why invite them if they never go?
The invite matters.
Being a highly sensitive person, means you notice the little things: the thought, the whispers, the missing invites. You notice them and you think deeply about why you weren’t invited. What could you have done differently to obtain an invite? Does that person not like you? Did you hurt their feelings? All of these thoughts gather in your mind, and you find yourself diving deeper and deeper into thought.
This is what’s different for those who are highly sensitive. The small things matter. Every day there are questions and feelings that you dive into deeply, trying to find a solution. You feel deeply. Connecting with people, animals, and the world around you in such a profound way that even you cannot describe it to others. Being highly sensitive means being in your own realm.
For those who are highly sensitive, life can feel lonely.
Your circle of friends can be very limited. You may prefer to have a few friends that you care very deeply about and spend time connecting deeply with. You may prefer to stay away from conflict, as it can cause you extremely heightened levels of stress, so you keep your inner circle very close. When it comes to being a highly sensitive person, the saying “quality over quantity” is your lifeline.
Although many consider the life of a highly sensitive person as very different, if you’re an HSP you come to realize it can be incredibly rewarding in a way most others would never understand. Having deep connections with people, places, and things, can be incredibly fulfilling.
The truth about being a highly sensitive person is that it’s not easy, but it can be the most joyous adventure you’ll embark upon once you know your limits.
Leave a Reply