Thank you so much for writing this. It honestly took me five years (and a lot (I mean really a lot) of resistance) to learn that doing less doesn’t mean being less. I used to think I needed big, expansive experiences every week to feel alive. Now? Watching birds from the window or quietly camping in nature feels like more than enough.
Truth be told, I learned a lot of this from my very zen partner (who I initially found way too calm 😂 but a deep part of me knew he was right). Slowing down for me was like trying to stop a train going full speed... but eventually, I cleared the mess, switched tracks, and now I’m moving at a pace that actually feels like me.
Thanks again for giving language to something so many of us feel but struggle to name. ♡
I don’t think society is built for HSPs at all. We’re expected to be always on, constantly pushing, performing, and proving ourselves. Honestly, I actually enjoyed the restrictions during lockdown I finally felt at peace, like I didn’t have to prove anything to anyone. Now, I fully honor my need to step back, isolate, and rest when I need to. It’s not about escaping; it’s about protecting my energy and thriving in my own way. I love how you softly explore each angle of this trait. It feels sooo good to relax, ease into WTF, and be ok with how we are wired.
This is so important and something I’m now just finding comfort in. I’ve been thriving in chaos and constant stimulation my whole life. I am now understanding the importance of solitude and making space for silence to the point that I crave it, and need it to function, but I can also show up as a better person because of it.
Happy this resonates with your real life experience, Jacque. Sometimes I keep wondering how my life would feel knowing the solitude importance and high sensitivity part earlier. Glad to hear that solitude has such a strong impact on you. How do you like to spend your solitude time? Apart from nature, I love my bedroom and just sitting still there.
I've had my partner''s family staying several nights and spending quite a bit of time at our house over past three weeks. They've been so supportive since he's been unwell but I've had to be very assertive and let then know that I spend hours every day alone. At times I've felt rude but I just don't function well without it.
Thank you for sharing this part of your life, Rebecca. It must be very difficult. 💔
Regarding the need for solitude you describe, I know that feeling very well. I still feel somewhat guilty when we have guests and I try to explain myself. Even with the nicest people around, the need for solitude and recharging is even greater - let alone with the draining ones…
Do you usually receive comments from others about this?
I rarely do, but I can imagine what they might think.
Energy isn’t woowoo. Sensitivity is strength.
Thank you so much for writing this. It honestly took me five years (and a lot (I mean really a lot) of resistance) to learn that doing less doesn’t mean being less. I used to think I needed big, expansive experiences every week to feel alive. Now? Watching birds from the window or quietly camping in nature feels like more than enough.
Truth be told, I learned a lot of this from my very zen partner (who I initially found way too calm 😂 but a deep part of me knew he was right). Slowing down for me was like trying to stop a train going full speed... but eventually, I cleared the mess, switched tracks, and now I’m moving at a pace that actually feels like me.
Thanks again for giving language to something so many of us feel but struggle to name. ♡
Thank you, Anouk, for your warm response. I am happy that you also resonate with my writing and for the connection that is being created here 😉
immensely helpful, insightful both for HSPs and non-HSPs. keep being and writing awesomely as you do, as you are ✨
Thank you, Juan, for your kind and supportive words. ✨
I don’t think society is built for HSPs at all. We’re expected to be always on, constantly pushing, performing, and proving ourselves. Honestly, I actually enjoyed the restrictions during lockdown I finally felt at peace, like I didn’t have to prove anything to anyone. Now, I fully honor my need to step back, isolate, and rest when I need to. It’s not about escaping; it’s about protecting my energy and thriving in my own way. I love how you softly explore each angle of this trait. It feels sooo good to relax, ease into WTF, and be ok with how we are wired.
Omg yes I can relate so much about what you say about lockdown.
This is so important and something I’m now just finding comfort in. I’ve been thriving in chaos and constant stimulation my whole life. I am now understanding the importance of solitude and making space for silence to the point that I crave it, and need it to function, but I can also show up as a better person because of it.
Happy this resonates with your real life experience, Jacque. Sometimes I keep wondering how my life would feel knowing the solitude importance and high sensitivity part earlier. Glad to hear that solitude has such a strong impact on you. How do you like to spend your solitude time? Apart from nature, I love my bedroom and just sitting still there.
Honestly, one of my favorite things to do is to lay on the floor while listening to music and staring at the ceiling. It’s so simple and so cathartic
I've had my partner''s family staying several nights and spending quite a bit of time at our house over past three weeks. They've been so supportive since he's been unwell but I've had to be very assertive and let then know that I spend hours every day alone. At times I've felt rude but I just don't function well without it.
Thank you for sharing this part of your life, Rebecca. It must be very difficult. 💔
Regarding the need for solitude you describe, I know that feeling very well. I still feel somewhat guilty when we have guests and I try to explain myself. Even with the nicest people around, the need for solitude and recharging is even greater - let alone with the draining ones…
Do you usually receive comments from others about this?
I rarely do, but I can imagine what they might think.
No, no one says anything but we feel it, don't we ... the judgement