I’ve heard it all before.
“If you want to succeed in this world, you’re going to need a thicker skin.”
“Being sensitive is a sign of weakness.”
“No one respects people who are touchy-feely.” (What does that even mean??)
For the life of me, I have never understood why being sensitive is considered something to be avoided.
It’s as if choosing to experience deep feelings will somehow interfere with our ability to become respected leaders, to have healthy love lives, to become effective parents, or to find success in the professional world.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
I’m what’s known as a highly-sensitive person (often referred to as “HSP”, for short), which means that I feel things more vividly than the average person does.
Admittedly, there were times in my life where I felt like this was more of a curse than a gift, but these days, I am fully convinced that this is a life-enhancing trait.
Strangely though, my sensitivity seems to be more of a problem for other people than it ever has been for me.
Here are the two most common pieces of unsolicited advice that are directed at me from friends, colleagues and complete strangers (and my responses to that advice):
“You can’t be concerned about everyone who is suffering.” (Me: “Why can’t I?”)
“The world is a pretty effed up place, man. Hate and toxicity are everywhere. Being sensitive in a world like this is like an emotional death sentence.” (Me: “If the world is so effed up, shouldn’t we make the world a better place by caring more about each other, instead of caring less?”)
I fully reject the idea that it’s not a desirable trait to feel things deeply, and below I’ll explain why.
If you are a sensitive person too, take a look at the list below and see if you can relate to the ways that you’re likely making the world a more positive place:
👉🏾 You are often more polite, compassionate and kind, because you are more attuned to the feelings of others
👉🏾 You are more willing to be helpful to people who are in need
👉🏾 You have a very finely-tuned intuition and empathy
👉🏾 You are deeply affected by the atrocities that are harming people all over the world, and are actively taking steps to do something about it
Of course, being sensitive isn’t all rainbows and sunshine.
Personally speaking, I do get my feelings hurt often, I do feel intense sadness/anger when I see racism/sexism/homophobia/(etc.) in the world, and it breaks my heart that I can’t alleviate the suffering of every living creature who I come in contact with.
Some days, this can be incredibly exhausting. If you’re tired too, rest up, but please get back in the game quickly. Your sensitivity is needed now more than ever.
Why?
Because the world can only be changed by the people who care, that’s why. ❤