How to be Sensitive...and Happy

Making a way in the world can be a struggle for every single soul. But for those of us who feel overstimulated from everyday comings and goings, the challenge is far greater. We can be rattled and frazzled by even the most mundane things -- like loud construction zones, sirens, or heavy traffic. Industrial smog, cigarette smoke and perfumes passively harass our tender-feeling sensory nerve endings. And what about those moody family members, controlling bosses and turbulent front page headlines? They can quickly carve a deep well of doubtful feelings in our hearts if we’re not careful.

Let’s face it, when it comes to life, the so called “oversensitive” among us need a strategy to stand on when the world triggers our overwhelm button.

That's why I’ve outlined these three core strategies that a sensitive person ought never go a day without. The tips are true lifesavers because they don’t just keep us “managing.” They make us feel energized, relaxed and prepared for all the stimulation that life promises to deliver.

Thankfully, life is designed so that we can make it any way we want it. We can survive or we can thrive. Most people want to to live a happy life in the world and to live with passion. Being the sensitive people that we are, we want that happiness plus something extra -- to make the world a better place.

But we will never bring light to the world if we are living in a dark-feeling place ourselves.

Being sensitive to the needs of the world requires that we've met our own needs first. This means we have to practice making small lifestyle changes and developing essential beliefs. Practicing the strategies below every day will do the trick. After all, who ever said you can't be "oversensitive" and happy? It's high time to feel good. This is your permission to feed your soul with the good medicine it deserves!

1. Get to know yourself:

Reading books and articles that validate our unique way of thinking and feeling can help us remember and recover the traits we might have buried during childhood out of shame. Being honest about what we may want ("I only want to watch non-violent movies") and what we need ("I need a full eight hours of sleep a night") increases our personal power so our natural gifts can be fully expressed in this lifetime.

A counselor once taught me that everything we say and do reflects our self-esteem. From that day on, I gave up apologizing for making decisions that are right for me, even when they were inconvenient for other people. As the sensitive among us practice self awareness, we can respectfully say no to things we don’t want to do without experiencing guilt. Having this kind of healthy inner freedom creates a flexible individual who can identify and communicate his or her own needs while being strong enough to consider the needs of others.

2. Gather genuine gems:

The second strategy is being around people we want to emulate. We can gather the positive, optimistic people whom we admire like bouquets of flowers. Arranging them in our lives, their beauty and light rubs off on us. What a boost of energy it is to associate with people who see the opportunity in any setback, and who honor everyone and focus on what gifts they have to offer. We of course do the same for them. It creates a healthy flow of give and take.

As creators of our own destiny, we have the power to create our own beautiful and deserved future through each feel-good conversation, each dream dreamed, and each friendship that is mutually satisfying. This means releasing attachments to relationships that are negative, doubting and draining. When we stop clinging to what is stealing energy from us, it naturally moves away. So there is no need to rigidly cut people off. If certain relationships weaken us, turning our attention toward healthy relationships that strengthen us is all we need to do.

3. Get great at self-care:

I used to think that even the simplest of indulgences were a waste of important time. I knew I loved the idea of being surrounded by sensory pleasures like good-feeling materials, pleasing scents, comforting blankets and bubble baths, and the silent crackle and flow of nature. Quiet time to recharge and reconnect with my inner spirit would have felt so nice. But I usually said no to it all. Too many people and animals needed care much more than me, so I spent all my time and energy helping them instead. Sound familiar? If so, you have likely given almost all of your energy away to others. Without tending to our need for rest, relaxation, comfort, recharge, and fun we will drain our life force. This is very common among the "oversensitive" folks. At some point, heath problems can begin, and may spiral downward fast.

Luckily, we have the chance to earn our self and our health a second chance through self-care. Tending to our needs is something we must do without guilt or hesitation. It is a way of honoring the divine being that lives in and with us. When it comes to self care, I've learned, there is no such thing as being selfish. We are simply showing ourselves the honor that we deserve, affording us the strength and energy to more bring healing to the world.

It really comes down to those three things – self-awareness, self-respect, and self-care. When we know, love and care for ourselves, it is like polishing Aladdin’s lamp. We are creating a force field of energy where we can see that anything is possible. This is the greatest gift we can give to the world, I believe – working toward a personal presence that is fulfilled, loving, thankful and peaceful. From that, we naturally bring miracles and healing to all life.

Once an anxious person who hid her highly-tuned senses, Jenna now studies, practices and teaches time-honored personal empowerment principles as a writer and empowerment mentor. Since writing Help Is On Its Way, Jenna enjoys talking about the secrets of people living with sensitivity and discussing strategies designed to overcome odds, reverse restrictive beliefs, and realize big dreams. She has created this website where highly perceptive individuals can connect, get empowered with information, and gather tips from professionals and peers.