“My colleagues at work have labeled me sensitive”
Being highly sensitive is a good thing, but being labeled “sensitive” is no fun. A reader, who I will call Elena, wrote to me recently to describe the discouraging situation she finds herself in at work: I've had a few experiences recently where my colleagues at work...
My Underwater Volcano Theory of Growth
The Underwater Volcano Theory of Growth captivates my imagination and helps me hold myself in a gentler way during the constant growth and change that life brings. When I was a kid, I loved to read National Geographic. I still remember the delightful shiver of terror...
How to recognize your “catastrophies-in-waiting”
Once you get to know your personal “catastrophes-in-waiting” they will wield less power over you. Some of my inner parts are easy to spot. If I break something, for example, my inner critic will cheerfully yell, “You idiot!” Most of us also have parts that are much...
HSPs are sensitive to criticism. How can we handle it better?
There’s no doubt about it: HSPs are sensitive to criticism. Are we doomed to die a thousand deaths, or can something be done? I will never forget my first experience of public criticism. My stomach tightens up just thinking about it. Our seventh-grade band director...
3 ways a good list can help you prevent stress and overwhelm
A good list can help you in so many ways. Here are three I particularly value as an HSP. I’ve written dozens of articles about self-care for highly sensitive people (HSPs), including the crucial basics: ample sleep, solitude, self-compassion, self-regulation, and...
In this heartbreaking world, trust the sweetness you encounter
Do let yourself trust the sweetness you experience, when there is so much suffering all around you? My partner and I spent two weeks in Hawaii recently. We experienced an overwhelming flood of sweetness there. The malasadas—mouth-watering Portuguese doughnuts, filled...
The power of “elegance” in HSP life
The power of elegance as an organizing concept will support you to create a sustainable life as a highly sensitive person. Math has never been my strong suit. I feel lucky that I remember enough of it to balance my checkbook and calculate a percentage when needed....
The spiral nature of change
Once you understand the spiral nature of change, you can recognize and respond skillfully to each stage. “Why can’t I just let go of my old painful patterns?” I often hear some version of this question from my highly sensitive clients. I’ve asked it of myself, as...
When the going gets rough, do you fasten your seatbelt?
How well do you take care of yourself when the going gets rough? Having a plan in place can make all the difference. I have a secret fear as a writer. I’m afraid people will read what I’ve written then haul off like Homer Simpson and exclaim, “Well, DOH!” On the other...
The four environments that affect HSPs
The better you understand the four environments that affect HSPs, the more you empower yourself to create positive change in your life. First of all, Happy New Year! This comes with my heartfelt wishes for a wonderful 2024. Thank you for reading. You give me a reason...