What It Means To Be a HSP -Highly Sensitive Person?
WC
By Marvel C. Adeyemi
Being someone who feels everything so deeply in a world that seems to celebrate the tough and the unshakeable can feel like you’re walking through life with your heart on your sleeve, vulnerable to every sharp corner. But, my friend, I’m here to share something special with you—a journey from those moments that knock the wind out of you to finding a strength you might not realize you have. If you would like to watch this as a video format, click here
Around 15-20% of us are HSPs, a trait that may be inherited or influenced by our environments, including childhood experiences. This sensitivity heightens our awareness, enriching our lives with deep empathy and creativity, yet also making us more susceptible to feeling overwhelmed by sensory stimuli like loud noises or bright lights.
What It Means to Be Highly Sensitive: You know how you catch those little details others miss, feel emotions as if they're tidal waves, and sometimes get overwhelmed by the world's loudness? That’s your superpower. Yes, it means the tough times hit harder, but it also means you experience the beauty of life in vibrant color.
When Disappointment Hits Hard It’s like the world stops, right? A harsh word, an unexpected setback, a curved ball shows up and suddenly you’re feeling everything so intensely. It’s okay. I’m here to tell you that it’s okay to feel it all. Avoid making long term decisions at these moments. Your feelings are valid, and they're a part of this incredible depth you bring to the world.
Let's Talk Resilience. Own Your Sensitivity: It’s a part of you, and it’s beautiful. It’s what makes you an amazing friend, a creative soul, and a person of deep empathy.
Emotional Smarts: You’ve got this incredible ability to understand feelings—yours and everyone else's. It’s like having an internal compass that helps you navigate through life’s ups and downs.
Boundaries Are Your Best Friends: Learning to say “no” or “I need a moment” isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. It’s how you keep your heart safe and your energy tank full. Be Kind to You: Talk to yourself like you would to your best friend. You deserve that kindness, especially from yourself.
Find Your Tribe: There are people out there who get it, who feel the world just as intensely. They’re your people. Lean on them, laugh with them, let them remind you that you’re not alone.
Self-Care Isn’t Optional: Whether it’s quiet mornings with a cup of tea, journaling, meditation or good sleep routine,—find what centers you. Caring for your body and spirit is not just nice; it’s essential.
Turning Sensitivity Into Your Superpower:Imagine using your depth of feeling to connect, create, and inspire. Your empathy, creativity, and insight are gifts, not just to you but to everyone around you. You have the power to see the world in ways others can’t—and that’s a kind of magic.
You’re Not Alone I’ve seen it—the resilience in your tears, the strength in your sensitivity. I’ve seen friends and heroes rise from the depths of their own vulnerability to stand tall, their hearts wide open and shining brightly. Their stories are reminders that your sensitivity is not a burden; it’s a badge of honor.
Wrapping It Up. So here we are, you and me, in this moment. I want you to remember that feeling everything so deeply isn’t a flaw. It’s a journey from fragility to a resilience that doesn’t have to harden you but can instead enrich you, making you more you. You’ve got an incredible gift, my friend. Let’s embrace it together, and step into the world with our sensitive, strong hearts leading the way.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your sensitivity? As someone who deeply understands the journey of a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), I invite you to explore this path together in a safe and supportive counseling environment. Knowing firsthand the challenges and gifts of being an HSP, I offer a unique perspective and empathetic guidance to help you harness your sensitivity as a strength. Book a session with me, and let's embark on a journey toward understanding, resilience, and empowerment. Embrace your sensitivity and transform it into your greatest asset.
To delve deeper into the topic of Highly Sensitive People (HSP), you might want to explore the works of key researchers like Elaine N. Aron, Ph.D., who pioneered the study of sensitivity with her book "The Highly Sensitive Person." Dr. Aron's research provides a foundational understanding of the trait, outlining how sensitivity influences one's emotional and psychological experience. Additionally, studies by Arthur Aron, Ph.D., and others have expanded on this concept, examining how sensitivity impacts relationships, creativity, and stress response. For a comprehensive overview of HSP research, I recommend starting with Elaine N. Aron's publications and website, which offer a wealth of resources and further reading.
Marvel C. Adeyemi, B.A, P. Grad. M.Ed., M.S.W., AMHSW
Phone: +61 457846457