Definitely the same with horror etc especially as a very visual person imagery like that can really bed in. It's why I find it so hard to discover new things to watch as so much of it is grim and traumatic and the visuals they use to advertise are pretty awful! Hope the day is kind to you.
It does sound familiar, I have found that as you get older you are able to recognise these traits and cope better, recognising triggers and not being afraid to say “no”, to certain social situations or activities that don’t bring you joy. Lovely post and a very brave one…you are not alone. 💜🙏
I love this Molly and recognise many of those traits. Sensitivity is definitively a super power. How lucky are we to be able to engage in things so deeply and discern what is aligned for us on a soul level. It’s a precious gift that can bring so much joy as well as the challenges. 💫🙏
I feel so deeply seen and validated by both this post as well as all your other great content here and on Youtube. After having my son 7 years ago, where I went through a lot, I now have to live slowly and quietly as an extremely sensitive person. Which I honestly love but it is hard as many others and the nature of society in general just do not get it. I haven't got it in me anymore to work full time but I am completely content being at home caring for my family, our house, garden and animals and to me it's enough but to others I should be doing more. Certainly makes small talk difficult when people ask the dreaded question, "What do you do?", expecting me to talk about a busy and interesting job. I often feel a little embarrassed when I don't have much to share other than homemaking and gardening etc. But I am happy and healthy and that's really all that matters and it's just so lovely when I find those who do understand, so thank you :-)
Sep 25, 2023·edited Sep 25, 2023Liked by Molly Ella
About 9 years ago, I stumbled across a book about highly sensitive people. As I sat and read the book, the tears flowed. I finally realized who I am as a HSP and started to really accept myself for the first time. It was an empowering experience that changed my life. As the years have continued on, I too, have noticed an increase in my sensitivity. As my higher awareness grows and I mature in wisdom, my sensitivity has also increased. I truly believe higher awareness and increased sensitivity go hand in hand. I find that I must live in a quiet place surrounded by nature — it soothes my soul. I put boundaries around the amount of time I spend with others and also, the amount of time I spend on my devices. Evenings are spent reading and writing in silence. I love my life now. Molly, I think it is wonderful that you are willing to share your experience as a HSP with others — so that they may realize if they are HSP and find constructive ways to enrich their lives through their own self discovery process.
thank you for sharing this!! I nevered realized I was HSP until a few years ago! I always blamed my more senestive nature on having migraines, like you mentioned having the scents and noises get to you more easily,. But as I started to look back, similar to your experience, I see how it was there my entire life, in my anxiety, why in college I couldnt handle the bars and clubs (I preferred going to a bookstore, often in solitude lol), I could not handle the news, etc. Now that I am a mother, I have to be so mindful of the external triggers. I tend to have it a lot worse around my cycle, and so need to keep myself extra nourished (my daily rituals) so my family does not get the brunt of my crankiness when I get overstimulated!
I just wanted to comment and say that I really appreciate the sentiment behind embracing your sensitivity and the benefits that can come with it. Especially your suggestions for how to lean in and honor that sensitivity! Out of curiosity, have you read up on neurodivergence? A lot of neurodivergent folks can very much relate to a lot of the feelings/struggles that can come up with hypersensitivity like you described. I'm Autistic and have ADHD myself and relate a lot to what you shared ❤️
I used to be a Maths teacher but had a horrendous burnout in 2016 that ended that career. As part of my recovery I discovered I am neurodivergent, an HSP, an introvert - I would have told you all day long I was an extrovert!
I live a very different life these days and (inspired by you!) I just started my own Substack called Slowing Down to the Speed of Grace, which was my path back to wellness, creativity and joy.
I am 61 and have always struggled with this. Over the years, I have learned what I need to do. I have a sign on my work desk that says slow down. I work remotely, so meditate at lunch sometimes when I am overstimulated. I sit in the forest mostly, lucky and planned that there is one right outside the door. i am a fortunate person and I have learned to provide what I need for comfort. I also have a big stuffed fox that I rub for comfort, cats that sit on me all the time, and comfy, fuzzy blankets.
This has so resonated with me, thank you. After recently reading Elaine Aron’s book I discovered I was HSP, my husband also. I’ve always been an introvert, preferring time by myself, being outside in nature etc. Hating being in crowds. Sensitivity to sad stories and others pain. The most telling sign for me was my ability to become so overwhelmed with things that I have to withdraw for a while. I’m an over-thinker too which sends my inner thoughts spiralling out of control sometimes.
Reading the book and your post It’s like now I have an explanation about why I am the way I am, and it’s ok. I don’t feel like I’m on my own anymore.
I’m putting into practice some of your suggestions on self care, particularly meditation.
Hi Molly, thanks for this post. I too am a sensitive person. I learned about it 4 years ago at a workshop. It was a gamechanger for me too. It is helpful to read how you manage as a sensitive person. I can totally relate! : ) Sue
I definitely recognise this and it’s a term I only discovered relatively recently too but it has helped me interpret my own life to date and make life changing decisions this year. Whilst I prided myself at being good at my chosen career, it clashed horribly with my HSP nature. Living more intentionally in light of this realisation is my next goal.
Wow Molly, this post in itself has brought a tear to my eye. I too believe I am a HSP and as I’ve got older and accepted it, I’ve found communication is key. I find I get very overwhelmed with too many things going on and make sure I tell my husband this, I don’t like lots of social engagements, I don’t drink and whilst this used to make me feel like an outcast, I now make no apologies for it. Thank you for sharing, it’s a beautifully written post as always.
I first heard about HSP about 6 months ago, and it was like I finally got a manual for my 13 yo daughter. She loves the label, too, and uses it to explain her needs to her teachers.
We need to help young people learn about HSP just like autism or hyperactivity, so that they can live their best lives.
Molly, you've done a great job of summarizing what being a HSP is while also telling your personal story and I can relate to what your saying 100%! I'm going to forward your post to my family members so that they'll have a better understanding of my "super powers". Thank you!
Definitely the same with horror etc especially as a very visual person imagery like that can really bed in. It's why I find it so hard to discover new things to watch as so much of it is grim and traumatic and the visuals they use to advertise are pretty awful! Hope the day is kind to you.
I agree! I have to be really careful what I watch and often have to abandon shows halfway through!
It does sound familiar, I have found that as you get older you are able to recognise these traits and cope better, recognising triggers and not being afraid to say “no”, to certain social situations or activities that don’t bring you joy. Lovely post and a very brave one…you are not alone. 💜🙏
Thank you lovely! :)
I love this Molly and recognise many of those traits. Sensitivity is definitively a super power. How lucky are we to be able to engage in things so deeply and discern what is aligned for us on a soul level. It’s a precious gift that can bring so much joy as well as the challenges. 💫🙏
I completely agree!
I feel so deeply seen and validated by both this post as well as all your other great content here and on Youtube. After having my son 7 years ago, where I went through a lot, I now have to live slowly and quietly as an extremely sensitive person. Which I honestly love but it is hard as many others and the nature of society in general just do not get it. I haven't got it in me anymore to work full time but I am completely content being at home caring for my family, our house, garden and animals and to me it's enough but to others I should be doing more. Certainly makes small talk difficult when people ask the dreaded question, "What do you do?", expecting me to talk about a busy and interesting job. I often feel a little embarrassed when I don't have much to share other than homemaking and gardening etc. But I am happy and healthy and that's really all that matters and it's just so lovely when I find those who do understand, so thank you :-)
It sounds like you've got your priorities just right. I'm so glad you've built a life that works for you :)
About 9 years ago, I stumbled across a book about highly sensitive people. As I sat and read the book, the tears flowed. I finally realized who I am as a HSP and started to really accept myself for the first time. It was an empowering experience that changed my life. As the years have continued on, I too, have noticed an increase in my sensitivity. As my higher awareness grows and I mature in wisdom, my sensitivity has also increased. I truly believe higher awareness and increased sensitivity go hand in hand. I find that I must live in a quiet place surrounded by nature — it soothes my soul. I put boundaries around the amount of time I spend with others and also, the amount of time I spend on my devices. Evenings are spent reading and writing in silence. I love my life now. Molly, I think it is wonderful that you are willing to share your experience as a HSP with others — so that they may realize if they are HSP and find constructive ways to enrich their lives through their own self discovery process.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It sounds like you've found wonderful balance in your life :)
thank you for sharing this!! I nevered realized I was HSP until a few years ago! I always blamed my more senestive nature on having migraines, like you mentioned having the scents and noises get to you more easily,. But as I started to look back, similar to your experience, I see how it was there my entire life, in my anxiety, why in college I couldnt handle the bars and clubs (I preferred going to a bookstore, often in solitude lol), I could not handle the news, etc. Now that I am a mother, I have to be so mindful of the external triggers. I tend to have it a lot worse around my cycle, and so need to keep myself extra nourished (my daily rituals) so my family does not get the brunt of my crankiness when I get overstimulated!
I'm completely the same when it comes to the hormones. Luckily I have an understanding partner!
I just wanted to comment and say that I really appreciate the sentiment behind embracing your sensitivity and the benefits that can come with it. Especially your suggestions for how to lean in and honor that sensitivity! Out of curiosity, have you read up on neurodivergence? A lot of neurodivergent folks can very much relate to a lot of the feelings/struggles that can come up with hypersensitivity like you described. I'm Autistic and have ADHD myself and relate a lot to what you shared ❤️
Thank you for sharing! I will definitely read up more on neurodivergence :)
Hi Molly
This is Susan from the Scottish Lowlands. :)
I used to be a Maths teacher but had a horrendous burnout in 2016 that ended that career. As part of my recovery I discovered I am neurodivergent, an HSP, an introvert - I would have told you all day long I was an extrovert!
I live a very different life these days and (inspired by you!) I just started my own Substack called Slowing Down to the Speed of Grace, which was my path back to wellness, creativity and joy.
https://susantelford.substack.com/p/the-season-of-new-beginnings
Thank you for sharing Susan and congrats on your blog! :)
I am 61 and have always struggled with this. Over the years, I have learned what I need to do. I have a sign on my work desk that says slow down. I work remotely, so meditate at lunch sometimes when I am overstimulated. I sit in the forest mostly, lucky and planned that there is one right outside the door. i am a fortunate person and I have learned to provide what I need for comfort. I also have a big stuffed fox that I rub for comfort, cats that sit on me all the time, and comfy, fuzzy blankets.
Oh I love the sound of your self care! It sounds wonderfully balanced :)
This has so resonated with me, thank you. After recently reading Elaine Aron’s book I discovered I was HSP, my husband also. I’ve always been an introvert, preferring time by myself, being outside in nature etc. Hating being in crowds. Sensitivity to sad stories and others pain. The most telling sign for me was my ability to become so overwhelmed with things that I have to withdraw for a while. I’m an over-thinker too which sends my inner thoughts spiralling out of control sometimes.
Reading the book and your post It’s like now I have an explanation about why I am the way I am, and it’s ok. I don’t feel like I’m on my own anymore.
I’m putting into practice some of your suggestions on self care, particularly meditation.
Thank you 🙏 😊
Thank you for sharing! You are certainly not alone :)
Fellow HSP also! 🙋🏻♀️ It’s nice to know that there are others like us and we are not alone 🤗
Definitely not alone :)
Hi Molly, thanks for this post. I too am a sensitive person. I learned about it 4 years ago at a workshop. It was a gamechanger for me too. It is helpful to read how you manage as a sensitive person. I can totally relate! : ) Sue
I definitely recognise this and it’s a term I only discovered relatively recently too but it has helped me interpret my own life to date and make life changing decisions this year. Whilst I prided myself at being good at my chosen career, it clashed horribly with my HSP nature. Living more intentionally in light of this realisation is my next goal.
Looking back over the last few years my self care has always been:
Wool - weaving, knitting, crochet and many other aspects besides. It is my biggest creative outlet, it’s warm, fuzzy and I love it.
Books - I adore reading and expanding the type of books I read.
Studying something that interests me...
I love all of these! :)
Wow Molly, this post in itself has brought a tear to my eye. I too believe I am a HSP and as I’ve got older and accepted it, I’ve found communication is key. I find I get very overwhelmed with too many things going on and make sure I tell my husband this, I don’t like lots of social engagements, I don’t drink and whilst this used to make me feel like an outcast, I now make no apologies for it. Thank you for sharing, it’s a beautifully written post as always.
Thank you for sharing! I don't drink either and am careful to space out my social engagements :)
I first heard about HSP about 6 months ago, and it was like I finally got a manual for my 13 yo daughter. She loves the label, too, and uses it to explain her needs to her teachers.
We need to help young people learn about HSP just like autism or hyperactivity, so that they can live their best lives.
I completely agree!
Molly, you've done a great job of summarizing what being a HSP is while also telling your personal story and I can relate to what your saying 100%! I'm going to forward your post to my family members so that they'll have a better understanding of my "super powers". Thank you!
Aw amazing! I'm so glad you enjoyed :)