If you have answered “yes!” to some of these questions, you may be a highly sensitive person (HSP).  According to psychologist Dr. Elaine Aron, only 15 – 20% of the population are born with nervous systems that are highly sensitive. Because we are a minority, it can be a common experience for an HSP to ask themselves, “What’s wrong with me?” Next time you find yourself asking that question, try asking, “What is my intuition telling me?”

You are not like the other 80 – 85% of the population. But, you are needed! HSPs are great counselors, caregivers, and artists. HSPs are great employees, as we are very conscientious.

As an HSP, your foundation, the very ground that you operate from, is Love. Most of the population operates from a foundation of Power. These are very different orientations. No wonder you feel “out of sync” sometimes! You are – but that’s a good thing! Learning to love yourself and silencing your inner critic are important steps in using your sensitivity as an asset, rather than letting it be a liability.

Self-awareness is one of the most important skills that you can develop. Ask yourself what environments, foods, smells, jobs, people, music, movies, etc., help nurture you. Determine also – what is toxic for you? As a sensitive person, you can not afford too many toxins, whether those are environments or relationships. Make a list of what supports you, and what undermines you. Then, include as many things from the supportive list as you can, as often as you can!