What makes me Me

Lately I am learning I am a "Highly Sensitive Person" (Hereafter referred to with the TLA: "HSP")

I am not only highly sensitive, but a mid-forties woman who has worked now for 30 years and smoked for just as long.

These links and this "diagnosis" help me understand myself so much better now!

From: http://www.highlysensitivepeople.com/

You have a heightened awareness of subtleties in your environment, whether it's sight, sound, touch, taste, or smell. (I have princess and the pea syndrome. I don't like things touching my back, and notice when people are too close or about to touch me. I am also highly observant)

You can become stressed out and upset when overwhelmed and may find it necessary to get away, maybe into a darkened room, to seek solitude, relief and comfort.  (This is why I smoke and drive around in my car a lot - to be away from people's energy and immersed in just my own)

You are very creative. (Never thought so but only because I was never encouraged to be anything but smart and logical growing up)

You are very conscientious, hard working, and meticulous, but may become uncomfortable and less efficient or productive when being watched or scrutinized. (Yes, this describes my work habits perfectly. I make more mistakes when people watch me over my shoulder)

You feel compelled to file and organize things and thoughts, also enjoy simplicity and may become overwhelmed or even immobilized by chaos, clutter, or stress. 

You are very uncomfortable when feeling things are getting out of your control. (My psychic says my smoking is a way of exercising Control)

You get a sense of comfort and well being when around a lake, river, stream, the ocean, or even a fountain. (Yes. I love to be near water and find it very soothing)

You may experience mood swings, sometimes occurring almost instantly and can also be affected by other people's moods, emotions and problems. (Yes, I have mood swings. I am very happy when I'm happy, and very not when I am not :)

You have a deep, rich, inner life, are very spiritual, and may also have vivid dreams. (OK, this may be true, but I don't like to be thought of as delusional or living in a fantasy world)

You are very intuitive and you feel that you can usually sense if someone isn't telling the truth or if something else is wrong. (I often finish others' sentences because I know ahead of time what word they are reaching for, it just pops into my head)

You get concerned and think or worry about many things, and have also been told "you take things too personally." (YES! I worry about the elderly, the challenged, the animals, the children, anyone who can be taken advantage of and cannot defend them self!)
 
more to consider... Can be startled easily. (I jump at loud noises or people coming up behind me) Cautious in new situations.  Don't like crowds (unless they are kindred spirits). Avoids violent movies and TV shows. Has a deep respect and appreciation of nature, music and art. (I stopped watching scary movies after "Scream"  gave me nightmares, and I stopped watching TV for the most part two and a half years ago. Real Time, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Jesse Ventura's Conspiracy theory are a few of the shows I will still consider watching, and I caught the first episode of American Idol when Steven Tyler started judging).


http://www.hsperson.com/

• Your trait is normal. It is found in 15 to 20% of the population--too many to be a disorder, but not enough to be well understood by the majority of those around you.
• It is innate. In fact, biologists have found it to be in most or all animals, from fruit flies and fish to dogs, cats, horses, and primates. This trait reflects a certain type of survival strategy, being observant before acting. The brains of highly sensitive persons (HSPs) actually work a little differently than others'.
• You are more aware than others of subtleties. This is mainly because your brain processes information and reflects on it more deeply. So even if you wear glasses, for example, you see more than others by noticing more.
• You are also more easily overwhelmed. If you notice everything, you are naturally going to be overstimulated when things are too intense, complex, chaotic, or novel for a long time.
• This trait is not a new discovery, but it has been misunderstood. Because HSPs prefer to look before entering new situations, they are often called "shy." But shyness is learned, not innate. In fact, 30% of HSPs are extraverts, although the trait is often mislabeled as introversion. It has also been called inhibitedness, fearfulness, or neuroticism. Some HSPs behave in these ways, but it is not innate to do so and not the basic trait.
• Sensitivity is valued differently in different cultures. In cultures where it is not valued, HSPs tend to have low self-esteem. They are told "don't be so sensitive" so that they feel abnormal.

http://www.sensitiveperson.com/attribts.htm

Attributes and Characteristics of Being Highly Sensitive

Emotionally, Highly Sensitive People (HSP) are mainly seen as shy, introverted and socially inhibited (or can be socially extroverted). They are often acutely aware of other's emotions. Sensitive people learn early in life to mask their wonderful attributes of sensitivity, intuition and creativity.

Physically, HSPs may have low tolerance to noise, glaring lights, strong odors, clutter and/or chaos. They tend to have more body awareness of themselves and know instinctually when the environment they are in is not working for them.

Socially, introverted HSP may feel like misfits. They actually enjoy their own company and are totally comfortable being alone. Both introverted and socially extroverted HSP often find they need time alone to recover after social interactions.

Psychologically, HSPs compensate for their sensitivity by either protecting themselves by being alone too much, or, by trying to be 'normal' or sociable which then over-stimulates them into stress.

Work and career is particularly challenging for HSPs. They are often overlooked for promotions even though they are usually the most conscientious employees. They are excellent project oriented employees because they are responsible and thorough in their work.

Relationships can be difficult. In relationships they may be confronted with their unresolved personal issues. They can however, offer their partner the gifts of their intuitive insights.

Culturally, HSPs do not fit the tough, stoic and outgoing ideals of modern society and what is portrayed in the entertainment media.

***Childhood wounds*** have a more *devastating* effect on HSPs. It is important for them to heal their past hurts because they cannot just forget them and go on in denial. (I can forgive but it is hard for me to forget)

Spiritually, sensitive people have a greater capacity for inner searching. This is one of their greatest blessings.

Nutritionally, HSPs may need more simplicity in their diet. They may be vitally aware of the effects of food on the health of their body and their emotional stability.
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