Yes, You Can Be Sensitive and Strong at the Same Time
In many cultures, sensitivity is associated with weakness… but it shouldn't be. In fact, with the right mindset, you can actually learn how to find strength in sensitivity.
When you learn how to channel your sensitivity in a positive way, you'll quickly find that your inner strength and resilience improve. It's easier than you might think, too.
What does it mean to be a sensitive person?
Anyone can be a sensitive person. As you may already know, some people are more sensitive than others, and some are considered highly sensitive. Someone who is highly sensitive tends to experience acute responses to social, environmental and internal stimuli. This includes physical, mental, emotional and behavioral responses.
Regardless of how sensitive someone is, these people tend to be empathetic and emotional (which isn't necessarily a bad thing.) There are many benefits that come with these traits, and you can learn more about them below.
What are the benefits of sensitivity?
When we talk about turning sensitivity into strength, we're talking about using the many benefits of being a sensitive person in a positive manner.
Here's a small sampling of all the good traits that are often associated with sensitivity:
- Creativity. Sensitive people are uniquely creative, and they can channel that awareness into creative hobbies . When you're feeling overwhelmed, try to face the situation through a creative lens.
- Empathy. The ability to put yourself in someone else's shoes is perhaps the biggest strength of sensitive people. Empathy helps you understand yourself and others better.
- Passion. Sensitive people feel their emotions strongly, and it's not uncommon for this strength of emotion to translate into passion for projects, issues, values and more.
- Awareness. Most sensitive people are tuned into themselves and the surrounding environment. They notice the body language of others, but also understand when they're personally feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
How can I turn sensitivity into strength?
There are so many ways to turn sensitivity into an asset in your life:
- Accept yourself and your emotions as real and valid. Don't try to repress, avoid or punish yourself for them.
- “Sit” with your emotions, which means unplugging from distractions like your phone and the TV to process how you really feel.
- Make it a point to express your creativity frequently. When you feel strong emotions, see if you can communicate it visually, in writing or via another artistic medium.
- Frequently take time to reflect on your emotions, experiences and anything else that triggers sensitivity. Journaling is a great tool for this practice and it also doubles as a creative outlet.
- Since the intense emotions that accompany sensitivity can be difficult to express, it's important for sensitive people to hone their communication skills. This skill is particularly helpful in relationships .
Channeling sensitivity into a strength is rarely easy, but when you tap into the value of your sensitive nature you'll soon see that it can be one of your greatest assets.
