10 things I want you - as an HSP - to know:
10- You are a Human with Special Perceptions
HSP, or “Highly Sensitive Person”, doesn’t yield much empowerment, huh? It kind of sounds like you’ve got a contagious disease. I termed the phrase “Human with Special Perceptions” so that we can all feel more empowered! Because as an HSP, you DO see the world differently + that’s pretty rad!
9- The “cure” is in the slowing
Let me start by saying, there’s nothing to fix or cure. But in the beginning stages of working with your HSP trait, slowing is always the answer. Saying “no” sometimes when you want to say “yes”. Taking time to pause between tasks. Starting your day off intentionally + slower to truly check in with what you may need that day.
8- You are not alone
Sometimes being an HSP can feel pretty lonely. It can be hard to meet other HSPs, especially if you’re introverted. You are not alone + it takes time to find your people! Don’t give up <3
7- Your needs matter
Being sensitive means that you likely need spaces to be quieter + calmer. Maybe that means asking for more privacy or short breaks at work. That means communicating clearly with your partner or family about what you need to feel safe + settled around them. It’s amazing to speak up for what you want!
6- Connecting deeply with yourself invites connection with others
Getting to know yourself + understand what being an HSP is all about is highly rewarding. I find journaling to be especially helpful in getting to learn more about my inner world. What ways do you connect inward? Art? Movement? Poetry?
5- You aren’t too much / too sensitive / too emotional
You may have grown up hearing all these things + that your needs were silly because non-HSPs didn’t quite grasp how you felt. As an HSP, we do tend to experience emotions more deeply than non-HSPs, but it’s not too much!
4- You need more down time/ rest than others
Seriously. This may come more naturally to introverted HSPs but I know I still struggle with carving out time for rest - especially prior to or after a big social event or during a trip. I want to be involved in all the action but I’m also learning that my sensitive nervous system simply needs more quiet time + that’s ok!
3 - Your sensitivity is your superpower
I know, it’s kind of cheesy! But I really do hope you begin to view your sensitivity as something incredible + amazing, rather than burdensome. Anxious + sensitive people create some of the most beautiful + meaningful artwork. How can you learn to harness the power of your sensitivity?
2- Nothing is wrong with you!
I would tattoo this on every client if I could :) your sensitivity isn’t something to fix or try to get rid of. It’s just a part of you as much as your eye color, freckles, pointy nose, etc. Learning to love + embrace your sensitivity will be life changing!
1- Your gift is noticing subtleties in the world + in others - how can you share this gift?
What makes your sensitivity feel special? Not focusing on the negative/ annoying ways in which you’re different from others who aren’t HSPs. What about being HSP lights you up + helps you view the world differently?