How to Make Being Highly Sensitive Your Superpower
Some of us go through life with softer hearts and more sensitive souls. We feel almost controlled by our emotions and feelings. We sometimes even try to fight it.
I always knew that I was more emotional than those around me. I’m quick to tear up when a beautiful piece of music is playing. I struggle to see others in emotional or physical pain because it affects my state so profoundly that I struggle to raise my spirits throughout the rest of the day.
We can try to find answers and ask why we are so sensitive, which I have done for years, or we can learn to embrace this characteristic and even use it to our advantage. Accepting such a significant part of yourself is no easy feat, but it will make a world of difference.
When I was struggling with my emotional sensitivity, I went to see a therapist and his astute reply completely changed how I viewed this side of me: “You may not see it right now, but your sensitivity is what has helped you get through those difficult moments in your life. You are able to sit with discomfort for much longer than most can. This is your superpower.”
Being sensitive does not mean that you are weak, it can even be seen as a strength. For example, as a highly sensitive person, I am more empathetic and can help people feel at ease, which has bolstered me in my work as a recruiter.
Find that thing you’re good at and see if it may be connected to being a more sensitive person. You’ll start to see yourself in a much more positive light.
Open up about your sensitive nature.
When I started telling people about how sensitive I am and how hard it has been for me to navigate life due to it, I instantly felt better and more in control of my emotions.
I realized that others are much more understanding than I had initially thought and I ended up connecting on an even deeper level with people I had known for years.
Share your true self with those around you. This can be very challenging, especially at first, but you’d be surprised at how loving and understanding people can be when you just open yourself up to them.
Stop limiting yourself.
As a highly sensitive person, it can be tempting to give up on doing certain things because of the limits we put on ourselves.
I had always dreamt of starting a business, but the idea of being a “boss” clashed with my understanding of myself as a highly sensitive person. The two identities didn’t make sense to me together.
However, this year, I decided to work on that mindset and am currently in the process of starting a business and being the “boss” I never thought I could be.
Decide to open yourself up by taking a hard look at those limiting beliefs:
What is something that you really want to do?
Why can’t you do it? Be honest and list out the reasons.
Then, look into how you can go for opportunities that will help you grow and change, in spite of your sensitive nature.
Learn about this side of you.
Knowing you are highly sensitive isn’t the end of it. Conducting some research and understanding what it means to be highly sensitive can be beneficial to understanding and improving your relationship with yourself.
I decided to pick up The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine N. Aron and found the book insightful, helping me to become aware of certain thought patterns that were inhibiting my success.
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to working on yourself. Read books and articles, reach out to a professional, join a group or forum to talk about your struggles with others going through similar situations.
Brainstorm what you can do to help yourself. The more you know and understand, the easier it will be to manage when things are challenging.
You have the power over how you see being highly sensitive. If you see it as a burden, then you will always struggle with it. If you see it as a strength, then it can become your superpower and help you reach new heights.
Good luck!
