Too sensitive for what? Accepting our high sensitivity personality
“I’m too sensitive to watch most of the reality shows. It’s so painful for me.” Amy Brenneman
We may have thoughts that are based on irrational beliefs about how life is, or how we “should be” – and those thoughts can become habitual responses, and be too broad or inaccurate to serve our personal growth.
For example, you may think at times, “I’m too sensitive.”
Well, what does that really mean? Too sensitive for what? Maybe it’s just there are situations that cause you more discomfort than you want to put up with.
Actor Amy Brenneman’s comment is a much more concrete and specific – and therefore real – statement than simply “I’m too sensitive.”
One way to evaluate self-critical or self-limiting statements is to ask yourself, If you made this kind of comment – e.g. “You’re too sensitive” – to your friend or child, would it be helpful to them? Would it encourage and support them?
Some critical thinking and feeling, when it isn’t extreme, compulsive, unreal or distorted, can be encouraging, stimulating of achievement and growth.
Actor Will Smith once commented, “I keep going because I doubt myself. It drives me to be better… It makes me excel.”
And Geena Davis thinks “you could scratch the surface of most actors and find insecurity played a big part in their drive to become successful.”
Many actors, writers and other artists identify themselves as being sensitive. It can be a very real asset.
Also see my article Being Creative and Self-critical.
I can really relate to this article.
I have said, since being interested in politics, that I cannot watch a televised debate between competitors as it makes me very sick to my stomach. All of that conflict and conflicting energy makes me feel completely off balance.
I have found that if I acknowledge the feeling, be it nausea or tears or happiness or overwhelmed, that the feeling will generally pass and I can continue. My colleagues are very familiar with me wiping my eyes and stating “Dont’t worry… I’m very sensitive and this conversation touched me” and then move on as if it’s no big deal. They generally give me an odd look at first, but knod and proceed. This has worked wonders for my sensory control.