As a highly sensitive person myself, to some extent, I struggle to fit in this world and be accepted as others seem to expect. People like me may attempt to change themselves to meet other people's expectations of being "lively", which is not healthy. Instead, we need to appreciate ourselves the way we are. It is okay to live a life other people don't understand.
Our delicate souls bring limitations, but also possibilities. The book Highly Sensitive People in an Insensitive World: How to Create a Happy Life by Ilse Sand helps us to discover our self-awareness and teaches us how to put ourselves in more comfortable situations to survive in an insensitive world.
There is a misconception that the highly sensitive trait has been mixed up with introversion. However studies by the American psychologist and researcher Elaine Aron show that 70% percent of highly sensitive people are introverts and 30% are extroverts.
This trait has also been mistaken as anxious, inhibited, shy, etc. Well these words only describe how it appears to others when highly sensitive people experience problems and challenges under pressure. We are also capable of deep happiness when we are eased in peaceful surroundings.
Over years I have learned to appreciate my advantages and overcome my disadvantages as a highly sensitive person:
- I can sense what usual people can't easily do, notice minor changes of people and things.
- I'm able to develop empathy without putting myself into irrelevant or excessive guilt.
- I allow myself to be a perfectionist within my possible ability.
- I'm being kind with boundaries and sharpness instead of being a people pleaser, as such idealisation to make everyone happy with me is unrealistic.
- I think carefully while planning things and make myself ready to accept the worst result it may lead to. However I don't waste my energy in worrying about things out of my control.
- I prefer high-quality interactions. On the other hand, I know when to give myself a break from too much interaction with people. Most of the time I'd rather spend time alone to learn and think.
- I never stop developing new hobbies. Being alone doesn't mean being lonely.
- Maintaining mental health is important for me.
Being highly sensitive is not any psychological disorder, it's just a trait of human characteristics. Read through this book so that you get a betting understanding of this term. At the end of the book, it comes with a Highly Sensitive People Test of Ilse Sand's own version. And here comes the link of Dr. Elaine Aron's version. A test can be used as a guideline regarding your own sensitivity. However Only some of the aspects are included and the results may vary according to your mood.
Now I would say I have become a successful highly sensitive person with a rich inner life.
