Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP)?
I am. I've many symptoms* most of my life (some are better, some gone, and some I'm still working on). Do any of these sound like you?
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Sensitivity about ourselves
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having difficultly letting go of negative thoughts and emotions,
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emotional hangovers (frequently feeling physical symptoms e.g., tired, headaches or migraines) when something unpleasant happens,
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bad days affecting self care in an unhealthy way, such as eating, drinking, taking drugs or sleeping too much or too little,
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often experiencing tension and anxiety,
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beating ourselves up for not meeting our own or others expectations, even if they were unreasonable.
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Sensitivity around others
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afraid of rejection even in relatively minor situations,
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judging and comparing ourselves with others,
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frustration and resentment about anything unjust, aggravating, or simply annoying,
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worrying about what others are thinking,
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taking everything personally (EVERYTHING),
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difficulty letting things go when triggered by others,
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hurt feelings in many situations (it was so easy for me!),
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hiding negative feelings,
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hard time accepting critical feedback,
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feel judged by others,
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feeling awkward in group situations,
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self-conscious in romantically intimate situations,
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uncomfortable in large public crowds, in a room full of people talking, or when too many things are occurring simultaneously.
Sensitivity around the environment
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uncomfortable when exposed to bright lights, loud sounds, or certain strong scents,
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startled easily at sudden noises, fast traffic, or other surprises,
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upset when watching or reading negative news in the media,
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unhappy when following people’s posts on social media.
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But wait! There are some amazing gifts too:
HPS's can:
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notice or enjoy delicate or fine scents, tastes, sounds, or works of art,
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have a rich and complex inner life,
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be in-tune with the feelings of others,
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have gratitude for the simple blessings in their lives,
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be an excellent parent,
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avoid shying away from loss,
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be extremely creative,
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can make more informed decisions,
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and can be great conversationalists.
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So are you an HSP?
Do you know if you are an HSP? Could you be?
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If you'd like to explore more, there's a perspective changing documentary on Gaia called 'Sensitive: the untold story'. If you'd like to be gifted a free link to the film (lasts for 72 hours), please send me a message. Gaia are an online, member-supported media network of truth seekers and believers, empowering an evolution of consciousness. They have over 8,000 ad-free, streaming titles that challenge modern paradigms and allow you to manifest the reality that defines your being) beautifully allow sharing by members for free trials to their site).
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If you'd like support and coaching with your symptoms and exploring ways to highlight the gifts of being HSP, whilst managing the more challenging symptoms, please feel free to book a FREE discovery session and find out if my coaching is right for you.
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There is hope - after finding out I am an HSP who struggled for decades, just that shift in perspective and understanding helped me immensely. I know what symptoms I can manage and how, and which gifts to nurture, to make life so much more joyful. You can too.
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* Symptoms modified from an article by Elain Aron and a list in a Psychology Today article by Preston NI