Highly Sensitive People – Do You Understand Yourself?

Guest Post – By Cliff Harwin, Author of Making Sense of Your High Sensitivity.

How very little we know about ourselves…but how much we could know if we took the time to do so.

So much of our personal happiness depends on knowing ourselves. We know ourselves better than others do, and yet we don’t often take the time to discover our strengths and weaknesses.

Did you ever think that something about yourself was different?

Were you puzzled about what that difference was?

Were you frustrated that something seemed to be holding you back?

I had those thoughts and feelings, but I gained a greater understanding of myself when I went to a class about “highly sensitive people.”

I always knew that I was very sensitive, but I didn’t realize that my highly sensitive nature had a specific cause.

According to author and clinical psychologist, Dr. Elaine Aron, being a highly sensitive person is an inherited trait that is characterized by an overactive nervous system that acts and reacts to internal and external situations. Her extensive research indicates that 15-20% of the population is comprised of highly sensitive people.

Some characteristics that I have as a highly sensitive person include:

* I become agitated when surrounded by a lot of people and/ or activity.

* I sometimes have the need to be alone for extended periods of time when I’m overstressed.

* I get overwhelmed when I have many things to do in a short time.

* I get easily flustered when being watched by others.

* I’m unusually affected by the moods and problems of others.

The class on highly sensitive people was a real eye opener for me—I felt as though I was seeing myself for the first time. I realized that this new knowledge could help me improve my life.

That day marked the beginning of my journey towards self-knowledge and understanding. These are the keys to a healthy, happy and productive life. As I learned more about my inherited character trait, I developed a personal “road map” to utilize my strengths and devised a strategy to work with my shortcomings.

Being a highly sensitive person (HSP) isn’t a flaw. It’s actually a genetic character trait that can be used to your advantage.

The first step in thriving as a HSP is to recognize that you are one.

HSPs are no better or worse than the general population. There is no need to see your inherited trait in a negative light. It’s no different than having blue eyes or red hair. It’s simply a trait that you can utilize and embrace.

Some extraordinary qualities of HSPs include:

Conscientiousness to make an extraordinary effort in undertaking tasks. A quality that’s rare in today’s society.

Extraordinary learning capabilities to know something without being sure how they’ve learned it. Highly sensitive people are like “human sponges”. They process and absorb information more deeply.

A heightened sense of intuition about people and situations. When this quality is properly utilized, HSPs will associate with positive people and be involved in activities that they will grow from.

Being unusually sensitive to the needs of others.  Isn’t this a quality that people seek out in a good friend?

Acutely aware of consequences. This is HSP strength because of their deep thinking capabilities. This is very useful because it helps them to make better decisions and it keeps them out of trouble!

Common sense capabilities. The ability to use information and experiences to make sound practical judgments.

Do you take the time to learn about yourself? Do you feel like you’re in a rut instead of really living?

From this moment forward, make it a priority to get to know the real you. Why not utilize your best self? Wouldn’t life be easier and happier?

The most famous statement of Socrates was confined to two words: “Know Thyself!” Get acquainted with yourself and you’ll open the floodgates to the many possibilities of life. You will then go forward to an extraordinary life experience. It really is great to be a highly sensitive person!

And now I would like to offer you my free ebook, Real World Advice Specifically for Highly Sensitive People when you opt-in for my free monthly newsletter. Visit  www.TheHighlySensitivePerson.com to get started today!

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Also see Elaine Aron books