If you chose to read this, the chances are that you consider yourself sensitive. Good news: you’re not the only one. (Read: Me. It’s me. I’m sensitive.) But have you ever believed that it is what has made you strong? And not strong in just a ‘Gandalf quietly standing in the driveway of the Shire for emotional support’ strong, but a ‘Gandalf single-handedly standing up to a scary horned bad guy’ strong?

Well, guess what: you are stronger than you can even imagine and it’s not even in spite of being sensitive. It’s because you are sensitive. To wake up each day knowing the depth of emotions you will experience (that often see both ends of the spectrum), and still get up to face the day is a resilience that is deep within you. Probably to the point that you take it for granted.

Yes, there are days where feeling all your feelings (and your neighbors feelings, and that random check-out lady and her dogs’ feelings) can be intensely lonely, discouraging, frustrating, and overwhelming. And let’s not mention confusing. (Why do you feel guilty for telling someone they did something wrong? WHY?) You pick up on the emotions all around you. You probably find yourself spending times alone doing nothing or trying not to think (can I get a resounding “Netflix binge”). But stop for a moment and realize what that implies. You can sense when change is needed around you, and you are a person that is able to create cohesive change. You are willing to work at things because you do it for others. That’s a path that not everyone can understand.

The times when you feel drained and completely weakened by your sensitivity is a time when your talent is being misused. Your body and mind are trying to tell you that you’re carrying a burden that you don’t need to be. So don’t abandon your gift, leave behind the burden. Maybe it’s shame, guilt, or feeling responsible for someone else’s choices. The most important part is challenging the thought that sensitivity is a weakness. Who says it’s weak? Who says it’s useless or irrational? Who told you that? Why do you believe it? Because I’m here to be a voice that says none of those statements are true. You do not have to live by that.

To stand in a room means picking up on nuances that many people do not see or feel. To continue to stand there means you have persistence. To wake each morning not knowing what emotions you will experience that day and still be willing to get out of bed is a sign of strength. Even those days you stay in bed, there is a strength required to take care of yourself so you can meet the next day head-on. It’s strong because it really would be easier to give in to numbness or callousness. It’s easy to pretend like you don’t care about others and become a narcissist. You’ve chosen an honorable thing when you choose to listen to and respect your sensitivity. And you don’t have to make that choice solo.

You are part of a powerful group of people. A group of human beings that are diverse, caring, and influential. We have the ability to see beauty in black + white photos, we cry in silent moments, we feel overwhelming joy at recalling a second in our lives. Your ability to connect with others and pick up on their body language and tone of voice is something that can’t always be explained. And there are some days that don’t feel super emotional, and that’s fine too.

So let’s do this. Let’s embrace that quality and believe it will make us and others strong. Believe that it is something that can change your world, and let’s do this thing.

Now I want to hear from you.

In the comments below, tell me what your biggest takeaway was. How can you turn that into action?

Share as much detail as you can. We have thousands of souls coming to this blog looking for answers, and your comment could be the answer to their prayer.

Thank you for sharing your voice. The world needs your voice being strong and clear.

All my love,

kristen

The post You’re the Strong One: Redefining Sensitivity appeared first on Living the Good Life Naturally.