The down side of being highly sensitive is that my feelings are often hurt but what I perceive to be a cold world or insensitive, non-caring people. In addition, I am often overwhelmed by how much there is to do, or by too many people, or too much noise ... it all ends up being too much stress for my system. And it also unfortunately means I am highly sensitive to physical pain, to hunger, and to weather extremes.
However, there is an AMAZING upside to being highly sensitive, and that is how deeply affected I am by beauty. It can be something as simple as colors, a gorgeous sunset, a laughing person, a smiling baby, a kind action by a stranger, and of course, excitement or happiness from my daughters. I truly LOVE this aspect of being highly sensitive because it makes moments of life absolutely precious.
Here are some examples of the beauty that truly makes being alive a pure joy to me:
1. An Artist's Talent:
- Yesterday we were at Twins Day and my daughters love having t-shirts made from the airbrush artist. Something as simple as this, struck me with amazement and beauty. The artist's work was beautiful, creative, and fun! The colors she uses are gorgeous to me. I could have watched her work all day. I would love to be that creative, to be able to free-hand drawings, to come up with beautiful color combinations, to write in many different kinds of lettering, etc. I was in awe of her talent. Here is a sample of her work (to the delight and thrill of my daughters and I):
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| Shaffer Airbrushing by Christina Shaffer |
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| Fireworks (which I also love) ended the night at Twins Days |
2. The Healing Touch of Massage:
- I often write about my love of massages. Being Highly Sensitive, a massage does wonders for me. It reduces stress, it relaxes me, and most of all, it gives me reassurance in the kindness of strangers and that beautiful sentiment of loving one another - soul to soul. I recently went to a new masseuse. I am always game for trying new masseuses because I simply love massages. Obviously, I didn't know this person at all, her personality or her technique, but I ended up LOVING it. I really can't put into words how strongly this massage affected me. We didn't talk, I laid there immersed in the music, the aroma, and her amazing touch. I don't know how describe it other than it was as if she was transferring love into my being from her being. I left that massage and could have wept due to the beauty of the experience; THAT, my friends, is a joy and privilege of being highly sensitive.
3. Serendipity (I mention this often in my blogs and love the fortunate/happy aspect of it):
- Since this HSP book was given to me about 17 years ago, I have not looked at it in years. I pulled it out to reference the author for this blog, and was again amazed at the perfect description it provides for who I am. I also find it reassuring that there are others out there like me. She writes that Highly Sensitive People (HSP) are overwhelmed by bright lights, strong smells, coarse fabrics; by having a lot to do in a short amount of time; avoid violent movies and TV shows; enjoy delicate tastes, scents, sounds, and art work; and lastly have a rich and complex inner life. And for the record, according to her, us HSPs make up 20 percent of the population ... 50 million people in the United States. And of course, "Sensitivity is anything but a flaw"!
4. All Things Beautiful:
- I thoroughly enjoy all things beautiful: music, artwork, books, quotes, smells, good food (especially desserts), kind people, and laughter. Laughter is one of the best gifts of all.
5. My Daughters:
- As my daughters start their pre-teen and teen years, I am enjoying seeing the individuals they are becoming as well as their intelligence, their wit, and their sense of humor. I love discussing life with them. I especially love laughing with them.
Sensitively Yours,
Me
Motivational Moment:
As mentioned in the beginning of this blog, my feelings often get hurt by people who I feel are very thoughtless or uncaring; I am not that kind of person and I struggle with those who I perceive as thoughtless. Tonight I am struggling with my frustration and hurt by a family member who I feel is completely about herself and her family. I am trying to get my head around how anyone can be that way, particularly to the detriment of other family members. As I sit here writing this, I realize it is me being overly sensitive and that I need to come to terms with people who are like this. With that said, I came across a book called: "The Bounce Back Book. How to thrive in the face of adversity, setbacks, and losses" by Karen Salmansohn, and I decided to put some quotes from this book in today's Motivational Moment, to not only help me, but anyone else who is currently dealing with hurt or disappointment.
- "In life, you always have a choice. Be weak or be strong."
- "You are not alone ... Everyone has times of intense difficulties."
- "Think of life as a gigantic ice cream parlor with infinite flavors to taste."
- "Laughter is contagious good health."
- "What goes down often bounces back even higher."
- "The best is yet to come." Frank Sinatra (Hope. I love hope. It brings infinite possibilities.)
Wishing you all a good day, full of laughter, smiles, and hope.
SG
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