Podcasts about Hsps

This week's episode comes from a riff request in the Not Too Sensitive Club group chat, a question about how to stop taking it personally when someone seems committed to disliking you, especially when you're wired to feel that discomfort in your body.It's uncomfortable to sense someone judging you, and every instinct says to win them over. Alissa offers a different move: recognizing whose story this actually is.She walks through what projection usually means psychologically, the energetic practices she uses before and after being around someone who triggers this, and why she'd rather be disliked for being herself than loved for shrinking. In this episode, you'll learn:Why someone projecting negativity onto you is usually about an unexamined part of them, not evidence of something wrong with youThe difference between setting a boundary with someone and pretending their treatment of you doesn't hurtHow to use an energetic bubble and cord cutting before and after spending time with someone who triggers this patternWhy staying small and people pleasing can protect you from the discomfort, but why that's not the goalHow to let someone's dislike of you be their thing to carry instead of yoursUncover your sneaky internal belief that's stopping you from being your most confident self TAKE The FREE Shadow Archetype Quiz NOWLearn my 6-step process for managing & neutralizing your triggers as an HSP in our FREE UN-Botherable Workshop!Join the Not Too Sensitive Club

Ready for deeper support? Work with me 1:1 https://trueinnerfreedom.com/working-together/  Have you ever set a boundary, felt completely clear about it, and then watched yourself back away from it anyway? If you're a highly sensitive person, boundary struggles can be incredibly frustrating because the problem often isn't knowing what to do—it's being unable to follow through when fear, guilt, self-doubt, or the desire for harmony take over. Understanding why this happens can be the difference between staying stuck in people-pleasing and finally feeling free to honor your own needs. By listening to this episode, you'll discover: Why learning about boundaries often isn't enough to help you consistently hold them The hidden fears and beliefs that pull highly sensitive people back into accommodation and people-pleasing How boundaries become easier when you address the emotional patterns underneath them instead of relying on willpower Listen now to uncover the real reason boundaries feel so difficult—and learn how to create lasting change without forcing yourself to be someone you're not.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.  

Find out your unique sensitivity profile and your current stress levels. Take the HSP Stress Test here: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/  Are you feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or emotionally reactive—even when you're trying to slow down and take care of yourself? As a highly sensitive person, modern life constantly bombards your nervous system with stimulation, pressure, and emotional input. The problem is that many of the things we turn to for relief—scrolling, entertainment, staying busy, even certain foods—can actually add more activation instead of helping us recover. Over time, this hidden accumulation of stress can leave you feeling chronically overwhelmed without understanding why. Understand why highly sensitive people accumulate emotional and nervous system "heat" more easily than others. Discover how modern life quietly pulls you away from true restoration and keeps your system stuck in activation. Learn simple, practical ways to cool, nourish, and rebalance your nervous system so you can feel calmer, steadier, and more like yourself again.   Listen now to discover how small, nourishing shifts can help your sensitive nervous system recover from overload and return to a state of calm, balance, and resilience.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

Care deeply without losing your center. Grab the "Whose Business?" Reflection Cards: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/whos-business-cards/ Have you ever felt someone else's stress so deeply that you lost touch with your own emotional state? As a highly sensitive person, your nervous system is naturally wired to pick up subtle emotional shifts in others. While this gift allows for deep empathy and connection, it can also leave you feeling responsible for other people's emotions, exhausted after interactions, and disconnected from your own sense of calm. In this episode, you'll discover: Why highly sensitive people absorb stress from others so quickly and automatically How empathy quietly turns into emotional entanglement and drains your energy A practical way to stay compassionate, present, and supportive without carrying someone else's emotional burden Listen now to learn how to remain grounded in yourself while caring deeply for others, so you can protect your peace without losing your empathy.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

In this solo episode, Alissa names the exhaustion of shape shifting to fit an imagined mold of what's acceptable, and offers the alternative: deciding, every day, who you are and how you want to show up.Sparked by comments on a viral Instagram post about owning being "too much," Alissa calls out the excuse that other's won't let you be your true self. She's not buying the narrative that other people's discomfort is proof something is wrong with you. Pulling from her own story and pattern she keeps hearing from women in the Not Too Sensitive Club, she shares ways you can take back your power and decide who you are going to be. In this episode, you'll learn:Why trying to fit into everyone's idea of acceptable costs you pieces of yourself The real difference between wanting connection and needing everyone's approval What moving to California from Minnesota taught Alissa about owning her differences instead of hiding them Why overthinking after a social interaction is your nervous system reading it as a threat to belonging, not a character flaw How self-worth changes the entire experience of imperfect social moments Why healing your triggers matters as much as understanding where they came fromUncover your sneaky internal belief that's stopping you from being your most confident self TAKE The FREE Shadow Archetype Quiz NOWLearn my 6-step process for managing & neutralizing your triggers as an HSP in our FREE UN-Botherable Workshop!Join the Not Too Sensitive Club

Do you feel disconnected from your creative side?  In this episode, I talk with Jill McDougall about embracing the messiness of play and:Pulling the threads of curiosity and learning to trust your intuitive giftsThe impact of growing up feeling sensory-sensitive and wanting harmonious environmentsFinding confidence and breaking free of limiting beliefs as an adultJill is a mixed media/collage artist living in Washington state. Fascinated by what lies beneath the surface, she notices the details and nuance of things and builds fragments of her observations into the layers of her art. She believes that the world needs authenticity, creativity and connection now more than ever, and is learning to lean into her sensitivities and reframe them as superpowers.Keep in touch with Jill:Website: https://www.jillmcdougall.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillmcdougallartSubstack: https://jillinspire.substack.comResources Mentioned:Sensitive by Jenn Granneman and Andre Solo: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780593235034HSP Self-Test: https://hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-testOlander Sand Trays: https://www.olanderearthworks.comFor more deep conversations like this, join me in Sensitive Circles - a cozy online community for highly sensitive people to find meaningful connection and deepen self-awareness at their own pace. More details: https://www.sensitivecircles.com Thanks for listening! You can read the full show notes and sign up for my email list to get new episode announcements and other resources at: https://www.sensitivestories.comYou can also follow "SensitiveStrengths" for behind-the-scenes content plus more educational and inspirational HSP resources: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivestrengths TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensitivestrengthsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengthsAnd for more support, attend a Sensitive Sessions monthly workshop: https://www.sensitivesessions.com. Use code PODCAST for 25% off. If you have a moment, please rate and review the podcast, it helps Sensitive Stories reach more HSPs! This episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment with a mental health or medical professional.  Some links are affiliate links. You are under no obligation to purchase any book, product or service. I am not responsible for the quality or satisfaction of any purchase.  

Highly sensitive people often find it difficult to let go of conversations, criticism, conflict, disappointment, mistakes, or emotionally intense experiences. Even when the situation is technically over, your mind may keep replaying what happened, and your nervous system may still feel activated.If you've ever wondered why you can't “just get over it,” this episode will help you understand what may actually be happening beneath the surface.For highly sensitive people, letting go is not simply a mental decision. Because sensitive nervous systems process deeply, emotionally significant experiences may stay active in the body and mind long after they've ended. What looks like overthinking, rumination, or holding on may actually be your nervous system trying to find resolution, safety, or completion.In this episode, we explore why highly sensitive people stay engaged with experiences longer than they want to, why unfinished emotional loops can keep the nervous system activated, and what your body may need in order to truly move forward.You'll learn:• why “just let it go” is rarely helpful advice for highly sensitive people• how deep processing affects emotional recovery• why the nervous system can stay engaged after a stressful experience is over• how unfinished loops contribute to overthinking and rumination• why stress cycles need completion• what helps sensitive nervous systems feel supported, settled, and safe enough to releaseThis episode is especially supportive if you struggle with overthinking, emotional overwhelm, anxiety, rumination, people-pleasing, nervous system dysregulation, or feeling like you stay affected by things longer than other people seem to.If you'd like a supportive space to practice nervous system regulation, emotional resilience, and self-trust in community, I'd love to invite you to explore my Rooted Resilience Membership Circle.Rooted Resilience is a gentle membership community for highly sensitive people who want to calm anxiety, regulate their nervous systems, build resilience, and come home to themselves through live gatherings, guided practices, and ongoing support.Learn more here:https://yogiranger.com/rooted-resilienceYou may also enjoy these Insight Timer practices:Yoga Nidra for Nervous System Reset & Deep Rest:https://insighttimer.com/yogiranger/guided-meditations/yoga-nidra-for-nervous-system-reset-deep-rest_1Yoga Nidra for Highly Sensitive People: Burnout Recovery:https://insighttimer.com/yogiranger/guided-meditations/yoga-nidra-for-highly-sensitive-people-burnout-recoveryNew to the podcast? Start here:Episode 33 – Are You a Highly Sensitive Person?Episode 39 – The Hidden Struggles & Strengths of Highly Sensitive PeopleEpisode 40 – Boundaries for Highly Sensitive PeopleEpisode 41 – Nervous System Regulation for HSPs

Find out your unique sensitivity profile and your current stress levels. Take the HSP Stress Test here: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/ Are you secretly exhausting yourself by trying to stay emotionally balanced, productive, and "on" all the time? Many highly sensitive people judge themselves whenever their energy, emotions, or motivation fluctuate. In a world that rewards constant productivity and consistency, it's easy to believe that natural ups and downs mean something is wrong. But what if your nervous system isn't failing—what if it's simply following the rhythm it was designed for? Understand why highly sensitive people often struggle with the pressure to remain emotionally and mentally even at all times. Discover how deep processing naturally creates cycles of engagement, recovery, solitude, and integration. Learn how honoring your natural rhythm can reduce self-judgment, prevent burnout, and help you build a more sustainable life. Listen now to discover how embracing your natural rhythm can help you stop fighting yourself and experience greater freedom, energy, and inner peace.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

Ready for deeper support? Work with me 1:1 https://trueinnerfreedom.com/working-together/ Have you ever replayed a conflict for hours—or even days—while everyone else seemed to move on? For many highly sensitive people, conflict doesn't end when the conversation ends. A simple disagreement, critical comment, or change in someone's tone can trigger guilt, self-doubt, and endless mental replaying. If you've ever felt responsible for fixing emotional tension or wondered whether you've done something wrong simply because someone is upset, this episode will help you understand why. Discover why highly sensitive people often carry guilt and self-doubt long after a conflict is over. Learn how your nervous system can interpret emotional tension as rejection, danger, or personal failure. Understand the mindset shift that helps you stop blaming yourself and build greater self-trust during difficult interactions.   Listen now to uncover the hidden pattern behind conflict sensitivity and learn how to stay grounded in yourself—even when emotional tension is present.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

Find out your unique sensitivity profile and your current stress levels. Take the HSP Stress Test here: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/  What if your biggest emotions aren't a weakness—but one of your greatest strengths as a highly sensitive person? Many highly sensitive people spend years believing they're "too emotional" because they feel criticism, conflict, beauty, connection, and overwhelm more deeply than others. This episode reveals why those intense emotional experiences are completely natural and how misunderstanding them can create unnecessary self-judgment and suffering. Understand why highly sensitive people naturally experience emotions more intensely and why that isn't something to fix. Learn how self-criticism and cultural conditioning can turn normal sensitivity into emotional suffering. Discover how your strongest emotions can serve as valuable signals that reveal stress, unmet needs, boundary issues, and areas of misalignment in your life.   Listen now to learn how to stop fighting your emotions and start using them as powerful guidance for greater self-awareness, clarity, and emotional well-being.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

Alissa recently shared a post that said "please be too much," and it went viral, reaching over 2 million people after nearly two years of feeling like her work wasn't getting seen. But this episode isn't really about going viral. It's about what happened in those two quiet years before it, and why the willingness to show up anyway, even when you feel embarrassed, judged, or invisible, is what actually builds confidence and self-trust.For sensitive people, the fear of being seen trying runs deep. Alissa offers two words that changed her life: so what?She shares the stories behind it, from being mocked by people she went to high school with, to an email that hit her most painful insecurity square in the chest, to the six years of unseen work that led to her book deal with Penguin Random House. You don't wait until you feel healed and confident to start. You start, and that's what makes you confident.In this episode, you'll learn:Why "so what?" are two of the most freeing words when you're afraid of being judgedWhat showing up without applause does for your identity and self-trust over timeWhy waiting until you feel fully healed to take action is actually fear and control in disguiseHow saying you want something but never acting on it quietly erodes your trust in yourselfWhat it looks like to treat triggers as stepping stones instead of stop signsThe difference between responding from your sensitive shadow archetype and your sensitive strength archetypeUncover your sneaky internal belief that's stopping you from being your most confident self TAKE The FREE Shadow Archetype Quiz NOWLearn my 6-step process for managing & neutralizing your triggers as an HSP in our FREE UN-Botherable Workshop!Join the Not Too Sensitive Club

Find out your unique sensitivity profile and your current stress levels. Take the HSP Stress Test here: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/  Have you been putting off self-care until life finally calms down—only to realize that moment never seems to arrive? As a highly sensitive person, it's natural to focus deeply on the people, problems, and responsibilities that need your attention. But during stressful seasons, many HSPs quietly stop taking care of themselves, convincing themselves they'll rest later. The challenge is that "later" often turns into weeks, months, or even years, leaving the nervous system depleted when it needs support the most. In this episode, you'll discover: Why highly sensitive people often abandon their own needs during the times they need self-care most. How all-or-nothing thinking around self-care quietly increases stress, overwhelm, and burnout. Why even tiny moments of recovery can have a powerful impact on your nervous system and emotional well-being.   Listen now to learn how small, practical moments of self-care can help you feel more grounded, resilient, and connected to yourself—even when life feels overwhelming.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

Ready for deeper support? Work with me 1:1 https://trueinnerfreedom.com/working-together/  Are you truly healing from narcissistic relationships… or is your entire inner world still emotionally organized around the narcissist? Many highly sensitive people feel enormous relief when they finally understand narcissistic behavior because it explains years of confusion, self-doubt, and emotional pain. But over time, constantly focusing on the narcissist can quietly keep your nervous system trapped in blame, emotional reactivity, and external dependence instead of real inner freedom. Understand why learning about narcissism initially feels so validating for highly sensitive people Discover how blame — even when directed outward — can still keep you emotionally stuck Learn how deeper healing begins when you reconnect with your own nervous system, self-trust, and emotional grounding Listen now to discover how to stop emotionally revolving around difficult people and start building a more grounded, compassionate relationship with yourself.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

In this solo episode, Alissa shares the duality she's been living inside, where heartbreak over a forever diagnosis sits right next to genuine blessing, and offers a way to honor every feeling without letting those feelings run the show.Through real moments from her own week, the 7am overwhelm she interrupted with gratitude, the choked up drive home from the doctor, the surprise of a new car the same afternoon, she gets honest about what it really means to be steady. Being unbothered was never about feeling less. It's about feeling all of it and still choosing how you move forward.In this episode, you'll learn:Why holding duality, the joy and the grief together, is one of the most important skills for a sensitive personWhat it means to honor your feelings without letting your feelings make every decisionHow a quick gratitude rampage can pull you out of a morning spiralHow to catch the moments you slip into "why is this happening to me" and choose a higher perspective insteadThe difference between pushing past a hard feeling and actually moving through itUncover your sneaky internal belief that's stopping you from being your most confident self TAKE The FREE Shadow Archetype Quiz NOWLearn my 6-step process for managing & neutralizing your triggers as an HSP in our FREE UN-Botherable Workshop!Join the Not Too Sensitive Club

Are you quietly restless or get lost in the clouds? In this episode, I talk with Nikolai Blinow, LMHC about the subtle signs of ADHD in highly sensitive people and:  Why HSPs and women are often misdiagnosedThe three types of ADHD and how they presentHow to embrace neurodiversity as a strength and lean into radical acceptanceNikolai is a highly-sensitive person with ADHD who helps fellow HSP and ADHD women in leadership roles who are done with operating in survival mode. Her work blends strategic therapy & nervous system re-calibration to help women slow down, stay powerful, and keep their edge.Keep in touch with Nikolai:Website: http://www.ompowermentpsych.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikolai-diana-blinow-9239302Resources Mentioned:Nikolai's self-care challenges: https://www.ompowermentpsych.com/freechallengeHighly Sensitive Person by Dr. Elaine Aron: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780553062182ADHD 2.0 by Drs. Hallowell and Ratey: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780399178740HSP Self-Test: https://hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-testADHD Self-Report Scale: https://add.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/adhd-questionnaire-ASRS111.pdfDivergently Community: https://www.joindivergently.comAutism, ADHD, or High Sensitivity research review: https://youtu.be/qTap7Ibbq1cFor more deep conversations like this, join me in Sensitive Circles - a cozy online community for highly sensitive people to find meaningful connection and deepen self-awareness at their own pace. More details: https://www.sensitivecircles.com Thanks for listening! You can read the full show notes and sign up for my email list to get new episode announcements and other resources at: https://www.sensitivestories.comYou can also follow "SensitiveStrengths" for behind-the-scenes content plus more educational and inspirational HSP resources: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivestrengths TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensitivestrengthsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengthsAnd for more support, attend a Sensitive Sessions monthly workshop: https://www.sensitivesessions.com. Use code PODCAST for 25% off. If you have a moment, please rate and review the podcast, it helps Sensitive Stories reach more HSPs! This episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment with a mental health or medical professional.  Some links are affiliate links. You are under no obligation to purchase any book, product or service. I am not responsible for the quality or satisfaction of any purchase.  

Highly sensitive people often struggle with overthinking because their nervous system is wired to notice more, process deeply, and anticipate potential problems. When anxiety, uncertainty, or fear arise, the mind can easily become caught in loops of analyzing, replaying, and trying to find certainty.In this episode, we explore why sensitive minds overthink, what your brain is actually trying to accomplish when it gets stuck in those mental loops, and how mindfulness can help you return to the present moment when fear pulls you into the past or the future.Drawing from nervous system awareness, mindfulness practice, and Buddhist teachings from Thich Nhat Hanh and Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, this episode offers a more compassionate way of understanding overthinking.You'll learn:why overthinking is often fear trying to create safetyhow highly sensitive people become vulnerable to mental loopsthe Buddhist teaching of the Second Arrow and how it relates to anxiety and overthinkingwhy the mind mistakes certainty for safetyhow mindfulness helps us return to the present momentIf you'd like a supportive space to practice these kinds of nervous system tools more regularly, I'd love to invite you to explore my Rooted Resilience Membership Circle.Rooted Resilience is my membership community for highly sensitive people who want support calming anxiety, regulating their nervous systems, and building greater resilience and self-trust. We explore many of the same themes discussed on the podcast through live gatherings, guided practices, and community support.Learn more here:https://yogiranger.com/rooted-resilienceIf anxiety and overthinking are recurring challenges for you, my short course Anxiety Relief: Training Your Nervous System for Safety offers simple, practical tools to help your body respond differently to fear, uncertainty, and emotional overwhelm.Learn more here:https://yogiranger.com/anxiety-relief-courseYou may also enjoy these Insight Timer practices:Yoga Nidra for Nervous System Reset & Deep Rest:https://insighttimer.com/yogiranger/guided-meditations/yoga-nidra-for-nervous-system-reset-deep-rest_1Yoga Nidra for Highly Sensitive People: Burnout Recovery:https://insighttimer.com/yogiranger/guided-meditations/yoga-nidra-for-highly-sensitive-people-burnout-recoveryNew to the podcast? Start here:Episode 33 – Are You a Highly Sensitive Person?Episode 39 – The Hidden Struggles & Strengths of Highly Sensitive PeopleEpisode 40 – Boundaries for Highly Sensitive PeopleEpisode 41 – Nervous System Regulation for HSPs

As a holistic and functional psychiatrist, I see many people who are highly sensitive. Most are deep divers into information and able to connect a lot of dots. Many are gifted. Many struggle with overwhelm and low stress tolerance. Some struggled with anxiety, inner tension, or feeling “too much” for as long as they can remember. Some feel different - that they don't fit in.As a holistic and functional psychiatrist with over twenty years in practice, I've worked with thousands of highly sensitive adults and children. Most are deep divers into information, able to connect a lot of dots — many are gifted. And yet many struggle with overwhelm, low stress tolerance, anxiety, or inner tension that has been there for as long as they can remember. Many feel different, like they don't quite fit in. What I've found is that sensitivity itself is rarely the problem — it's the seeming vulnerability to brain-related or physical conditions. Over the years I've found three different models to be especially useful in explaining some of the vulnerabilities and the strengths of those of us who are highly sensitive: Dr. Elaine Aron's work on the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), the nutritional medicine concept of Pyrrole Disorder, and Dr. Sharon Meglathery's RCCX Theory. Each looks at a similar group of traits through a different lens — psychological, biochemical, and genetic, respectively.Before I start, I want to emphasize that sensitivity is not a pathology or a diagnosis. It is actually a trait that has existed across human history for a reason. My goal is not to pathologize it, but to understand it — and to offer tools to those who have these traits but who are struggling with a condition more prevalent in those with these traits. As I go through these three frameworks, the overlap will be obvious and I'll highlight what each of these has to offer that the others don't.What You'll Learn* The HSP model provides validation and a language for sensitive individuals.* Pyrrole Disorder involves an overproduction of pyrroles, leading to nutrient depletion of nutrients critical for neurotransmitter functioning.* Pyrrole Disorder is common in brain-related conditions.* RCCX Theory connects genetic vulnerabilities to sensitivity and chronic illness.* Stress amplifies the experiences of highly sensitive individuals.* Understanding these models can lead to effective treatment options.* There are meaningful paths forward for those who are highly sensitive.Chapters* 00:00 Understanding High Sensitivity* 02:26 The Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) Model* 10:23 Exploring Pyrrole Disorder* 18:18 RCCX Theory Explained* 30:11 Intersecting Models: HSP, Pyrrole Disorder & RCCX Theory* 34:40 Conclusion and Path ForwardI. THE HIGHLY SENSITIVE PERSONIn the early 1990s, psychologist Dr. Elaine Aron identified a personality trait she called Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) — and the people who score high in it she called Highly Sensitive Persons, or HSPs.This is not a diagnosis. It is a trait, present in roughly 15–20% of the population. It has been found across more than 100 species — from fruit flies to primates. This tells us it is evolutionarily conserved — it confers survival advantages. In any social group, having members who are wired to notice subtle cues, process information deeply, and detect threats before others do is extremely valuable. Fitting with this, many of these individuals, who also struggle with complex chronic health issues are considered the “canaries in the coal mine” since their bodies react to environmental triggers (environmental toxins, chemicals, or stressors) long before the rest of the population.Dr. Aron captured the core features of this trait in an acronym she called DOES:D — Depth of processing: HSPs think deeply, reflect before acting, and notice subtleties that others miss.O — Overstimulation: Because they process so thoroughly, HSPs reach their threshold more quickly in high-stimulation environments.E — Emotional reactivity and Empathy: HSPs feel emotions intensely and are highly attuned to the emotions of those around them.S — Sensitivity to subtle stimuli: They pick up on things — in their environment, in social dynamics, in the body — that others simply don't register.As you can see, traits that are super powers, can become liabilities. The deep diver who loses sight of the big picture. The empath who absorbs everyone else's energy as their own energy becomes depleted. The person who withdraws from the world because the stimulation has simply become too much.HSP ResearchBeyond the clinical observations, there is now a growing body of neuroscience and genetic research supporting this trait. There is evidence that the brains of sensitive people are doing more, processing more and feeling more.fMRI studies (Acevedo, Aron et al., 2014) have shown that when HSPs view emotional images — particularly photos of loved ones expressing happiness or sadness — their brains show significantly greater activation in regions associated with awareness, empathy, and sensory integration.Twin studies show that Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) as defined by Dr. Aron is approximately 47% heritable. Small studies as opposed to large genome wide studies have focused on genetic variants involving dopamine and serotonin systems, such as a serotonin transport gene, a dopamine receptor gene, and COMT, which codes for the enzyme that metabolizes dopamine and norepinephrine.While this hints at a biochemical dimension, the HSP framework doesn't address this as directly as the other two models I'll discuss, nor does it explain the higher prevalence of physical health conditions in those who are highly sensitive.Research published in 2026 (Matsuzawa et al.) found that individuals high in SPS had substantially higher rates of depression (13.8%), anxiety disorder (10.5%), and developmental disorders, such as ADHD and ASD, compared to the general population.Despite this overlap with developmental disorders: unlike, ADHD, HSPs typically have excellent concentration in quiet environments. And unlike the social deficits described in ASD, HSPs tend to have heightened social attunement. They often feel too much of what's happening in social situations, not too little, even if they respond awkwardly at times.Research shows that high sensory processing sensitivity is associated with more frequent physical symptoms — back pain, fatigue, digestive issues, frequent illness.What This Framework OffersThe HSP model has given millions of people validation and a language for these traits that has allowed them to shift from “what is wrong with me” to “this is how I am wired.”It also offers an evolutionary reframe. High sensitivity is not a mistake and is not pathologic. It is a feature of the human population that has served us.What it doesn't offer is a biological explanation for why some sensitive people suffer so acutely — or a path toward biochemical intervention. II. PYRROLE DISORDERPyrrole disorder is a biochemical imbalance that has been recognized for decades, though it remains largely unknown in mainstream psychiatry. It involves an overproduction of pyrroles — metabolic byproducts that, on their own, are not a problem. When they are high, however, they can result in a depletion of zinc, B6 and a few other nutrients.First identified in the 1950s and first treated with zinc and B6 in the 1980s, pyrrole disorder is one of the most common nutrient imbalances found in brain-related conditions — and one of the most treatable. Yet most people who have it have never heard of it. I learned about pyrroles in 2014 when I first trained with the Walsh Research Institute.The Importance of Zinc, B6 & MagnesiumVitamin B6 is required to synthesize dopamine, serotonin, and GABA — three of the most critical neurotransmitters for mood regulation, anxiety, and stress response. Zinc plays a profound role in the central nervous system, the immune system, gastrointestinal tract (which we now know has its own significant influence on brain health) and connective tissue (joints and skin).Pyrrole Disorder Traits & SymptomsThe most consistent feature is low stress tolerance. People with elevated pyrroles are often described as those for whom life seems harder than it should be, every transition can be destabilizing and every large group or new environment feels like too much.The overlap with the HSP profile is striking, but here, we start to see not only traits, but symptoms.- Socially anxious, shy, or fearful since childhood, with severe inner tension- Sensitive to bright light, loud noises, textures, and odors- Avoids crowds, strangers, and new situations- History of reading difficulty- Poor short-term memory- Underachievement- Irritability, mood swings, bouts of depression- Tends to stay up late; little or no dream recall; morning nausea- White spots on fingernails; very dry skin; stretch marks; poor wound healing- Joint pain- Frequent infections or autoimmune tendenciesMost people with pyrrole disorder don't have all of these symptoms — but the inner tension, the high sensitivity, and low stress intolerance are very common.What the Data ShowsThe Walsh Research Institute has collected data on over 30,000 patients. Elevated pyrroles were found in:* 18% of those with ADHD* 24% of those with depression* 28% of those with behavioral disorders* 35% of those with autism* 35% of those with bipolar disorder* 30% of those with schizophrenia* 12% of those with PTSDAnd in only 8% of healthy controls — meaning those with no psychiatric diagnosis.What Causes Pyrrole Disorder?For many, there appears to be a genetic component, but for others, pyrroles appear to have increased due to high physiologic or emotional stress. Examples include candida overgrowth or other forms of gut microbial imbalances, mold toxicity, heavy metals, chemical exposures, illness, emotional trauma, major life transitions or even growth spurts in children.What This Framework Brings UsRelative to the HSP framework, an understanding of pyrroles gives a specific, treatable biological mechanism. When zinc, B6, Magnesium and other nutrients are depleted, we know how the brain's neurotransmitter functioning is affected — and we know what to do about it.Treatment from a Walsh Research Institute trained practitioner typically involves a nutrient protocol of zinc (based on zinc and copper testing), B6 or its active form P5P, and other nutrients for pyrrole disorder and other nutrient imbalances identified. For many patients, a lifetime of chronic inner tension and fearfulness begins to shift within days to a couple of weeks of starting the nutrients.Treatment doesn't change one's personality, but it can improve social discomfort, overwhelm, the anxiety, the depression that has been layered on top of that sensitivity.Where zinc deficiency can impact a lot of the physical conditions that appear to be more common in those who are hypersensitive, it doesn't fully explain the significant hormonal, inflammatory, connective tissue symptoms and autoimmunity we see in many who are hypersensitive.III. RCCX THEORYRCCX theory has been proposed by Dr. Sharon Meglathery, MD — a psychiatrist and internist whose own complex health history (which is very similar to my own) led her to one of the most compelling explanations I've encountered for why hypersensitivity, neurodivergence, psychiatric conditions, MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome), EDS (Ehlers Danlos Syndrome), POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) and/or CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and autoimmunity tend to cluster together in certain individuals and families.RCCX refers to a module of four genes on chromosome 6. Three of them appear to be particularly important to our health, and two of those have very high rates of mutation.The Three Key Genes(1) TNXB codes for a protein involved in connective tissue. Variants range from subtle joint hypermobility to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. But connective tissue isn't just about joints — it's also about the permeability of the gut-blood barrier, the blood-brain barrier, and vulnerability to upper cervical (neck) instability, which can put tension on the vagus nerve and affect the entire autonomic nervous system.(2) CYP21A2 is the most important gene in the module when it comes to psychiatric conditions. It codes for 21-hydroxylase, an enzyme needed to convert 17-hydroxyprogesterone into cortisol. When there is a mutation — and there can be many, of varying degrees — the body may struggle to meet the demand for cortisol under stress. A weakness on this gene could have two primary effects:First — The theory holds that many people with CYP21A2 mutations, even without hypermobility, may develop what Dr. Meglathery calls a “brain wired for danger” — essentially, a nervous system calibrated toward threat detection from early in life, with minimal trauma required. A mutation on CYP21A2 may essentially result in relatively higher androgens impacting the amygdala — the brain's fear and emotional center. Studies have found that hypermobile individuals (who often carry TNXB mutations) have a larger-than-normal amygdala.Second — because of this mutation, the body may not be able to keep up with the body's need for cortisol (especially when under stress). This deficit causes the brain to release corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) to signal the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol. CRH binds to mast cells and activates the immune system — leading to secondary brain inflammation. This is the inflammatory pathway that can result in a number of secondary health issues including MCAS, CIRS, POTS, CFS and more.(3) C4 is involved in immune response and autoimmunity, and has been linked to schizophrenia. This gene variant is not as common as the first two referenced, though I do see a number of families who also have autoimmunity impacting multiple family members.The CAPS Psychological ProfileDr. Meglathery uses the term CAPS — CYP21A2 Mutation Associated Neuropsychiatric Spectrum — to describe the psychological profile she has observed in people with this genetic vulnerability. These traits can exist long before any formal psychiatric diagnosis, and they are not inherently pathological. - Anxiety and over-arousal during times of stress — high adrenaline, insomnia, sometimes manic-like characteristics- Under-arousal during low-stress periods — leading to ADD presentations, compulsive behaviors, or thrill-seeking to raise arousal- High emotionality, sensitivity, and reactivity to environmental stimuli- Sensory processing difficulties — typically over-stimulation in loud or chaotic environments- A strong ability to read emotions in others, paired with social awkwardness in response- Easily affected by events others would consider minor — an offhand comment, a disturbing movie- A tendency toward nonconformity- Special abilities: gifted musicians, scientists, creatives, systems thinkers- Hyper-focus and obsession with areas of deep interest, often leading to remarkable accomplishments- High tenacity and determination, when not derailed by overstimulation or past trauma- Strong emotions — positive or negative — that can manifest as obsessional worrying, harm avoidance, OCD tendencies, or very high standards for self and othersDr. Meglathery also notes — and I have observed this clinically — that people with this profile tend to find each other through friendships, partnerships and marriage. They are drawn together by shared sensitivities, emotional depth, and intellectual gifts. This means children are likely to receive a tendency towards CAPS from both sides.Women who are appear to have CYP21A2 mutations often have a male-pattern finger length ratio — the ring finger longer than the index finger — a possible marker of androgen exposure during development.What RCCX OffersRCCX theory offers the broadest biological framework we have for understanding why sensitivity, psychiatric vulnerability, and complex chronic illness so often travel together in the same people and families. It connects the nervous system, the immune system, the hormonal system, and connective tissue under one genetic umbrella.It also points toward specific interventions: nervous system regulation (limbic retraining, vagal work), mast cell management, and addressing the downstream biochemical consequences of cortisol dysregulation.The limitation is that genetic testing for variants on the gene for 21-hydroxylase is not yet widely available, which is why this isn't a gene that you'll see referenced when it comes to HSP, though I would argue it is likely the most prevalent. RCCX remains a clinical theory — but one that explains the constellation of traits and symptoms of most of the people that I in my practiceIV. WHERE THESE MODELS INTERSECTWhere Might Pyrrole Disorder and RCCX Theory Meet?The symptom overlap is almost complete: poor stress tolerance, sensory sensitivities, anxiety, inner tension, connective tissue symptoms, frequent infections, autoimmune tendencies. Relatively low zinc would impact most of these shared symptoms, but there may be a potentially deeper connection.21-hydroxylase contains a pyrrole-like structure — heme — within it. Could a mutation resulting in abnormal 21-hydroxylase lead to a buildup of abnormal heme-like compounds, contributing directly to pyrrole disorder? This is not proven, but in an exchange about this with Dr. Meglathery, she indicated that she also believes there is a strong association, and the biochemical logic is compelling.This matters, because we know what helps pyrrole disorder. We have a treatment — treatment that can complement what RCCX theory makes evident — that the stress response has to be addressed.Stress (again from any cause - physiologic or emotional) is the great amplifier across all three models. Stress worsens the HSP experience, and tips the CYP21A2 mutation from manageable to destabilizing (through the hormonal consequences and the inflammatory cascade) and yes, it even causes pyrroles to increase.BRINGING IT TOGETHERFor someone who is highly sensitive, and struggling with brain related or physical symptoms or conditions, pyrrole disorder and even RCCX theory are worth considering because they offer tools and start to answer, “What Can We Do About It?”The three frameworks work together:The HSP model offers validation and language. It shifts the frame from deficit to difference. It reminds us that sensitivity is not pathology — it is a trait with evolutionary value, and it comes with great strengths.The Pyrrole model offers a treatable nutrient imbalance. It explains, at the neurotransmitter level, why stress hits harder for these individuals. Treatment doesn't take away the sensitivity; it lifts the weight that has accumulated on top of it.The RCCX model offers the broadest systems view. It connects the dots between what the body is doing — the immune activation, the hormonal dysregulation, the connective tissue involvement — and the psychiatric and psychological profile that tends to accompany it. It also provides additional tools: nervous system regulation, mast cell support, hormonal awareness.If any of this resonates — the sensitivity, the inner tension, the feeling of always being at the edge of overwhelm — please know that there are roots to explore and meaningful paths forward.If you are looking for someone trained by the Walsh Research Institute knowledgeable in assessing for and treating pyrrole disorder (and other common nutrient imbalances impacting brain health), or learning more about Dr. Aron's work on HSP and Dr. Meglathery's RCCX theory, I am providing those links below.And as always, I welcome your thoughts, experience and questions.Until next time,CourtneyAbout the AuthorDr. Courtney Snyder MD is a Holistic and Functional Child and Adult Psychiatrist who offers non-patient consultations to individuals and practitioners nationally and internationally in addition to her treatment practice serving FL, IN, KY, OH. Her educational content, shared through her website, Substack Newsletter, the Holistic Psychiatry Podcast and YouTube Channel reaches readers and listeners in over 160 countries.ResourcesWalsh Research Institute: walshinstitute.orgRCCX Theory — Dr. Sharon Meglathery: rccxandillness.comDr. Elaine Aron — The Highly Sensitive Person: hsperson.comOther Sources: Acevedo et al. 2014, “The Highly Sensitive Brain,” Brain & Behavior | Matsuzawa et al. 2026, Psychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences ReportsMedical Disclaimer:This newsletter is for educational purposes and not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for either yourself or others, including but not limited to patients that you are treating (if you are a practitioner). Consult your physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit courtneysnydermd.substack.com/subscribe

Take the HSP Stress Test here: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/  Do you feel guilty anytime someone around you feels disappointed, uncomfortable, or upset — even when you've done nothing wrong? For many highly sensitive people, guilt becomes a constant emotional background noise. You replay conversations, overanalyze reactions, try to prevent conflict before it happens, and quietly carry responsibility for emotions that were never yours to manage. In this episode, you'll discover why this pattern happens, how stress turns empathy into emotional over-responsibility, and why guilt is often not proof that you failed — but a signal that you've become too focused on managing everyone else's emotional experience. Understand why highly sensitive people so easily fall into guilt, people-pleasing, and emotional self-monitoring Learn the critical difference between empathy and emotional responsibility so you can stop carrying emotions that aren't yours Discover how to question the hidden beliefs that fuel guilt and finally experience more emotional freedom, honesty, and inner peace Listen now to finally understand why guilt feels so automatic as a highly sensitive person — and how to break free from the exhausting cycle of managing everyone else's emotions   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

Feeling stuck trying to make the "right" decision? Grab The Decision Clarity Filter: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/decision-clarity-filter/ Are you exhausted from trying to make the "perfect" decision? What if the real problem isn't your sensitivity… but the pressure you're putting on yourself to eliminate uncertainty before moving forward? As a highly sensitive person, decision-making can feel emotionally overwhelming. You replay every possibility, imagine every outcome, and carry the weight of how your choices might affect everyone around you. But overthinking isn't always a sign that you're being wise — sometimes it's a nervous system stuck in fear, urgency, and emotional pressure. In this episode, we explore why HSPs struggle so deeply with decisions and how to reconnect with a calmer, more grounded sense of clarity. In this episode, you'll discover: Why highly sensitive people naturally take longer to make important decisions — and why that's not a flaw The hidden difference between thoughtful reflection and fear-based overthinking How to stop chasing certainty and start making decisions from a place of inner alignment and calm If decision-making has been draining your energy, clouding your clarity, or keeping you stuck in endless mental loops, this episode will help you quiet the noise and finally move forward with more trust in yourself.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

Find out your unique sensitivity profile and your current stress levels. Take the HSP Stress Test here: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/  Why do highly sensitive people feel exhausted even when life "looks fine" on the outside? What if the real issue isn't weakness… but misalignment? If you're a highly sensitive person, you've probably felt the quiet frustration of living a life that doesn't fully resonate with who you are. In this episode, we explore why meaning, depth, and inner coherence matter so deeply for HSPs — and how subtle misalignment in your work, relationships, or daily life can quietly drain your energy, motivation, and sense of self. Instead of forcing clarity or chasing a "perfect" purpose, you'll learn how alignment naturally deepens over time when you stop fighting your current reality and start listening more honestly to yourself. By listening to this episode, you'll discover: Why highly sensitive people are naturally wired to seek meaning, purpose, and depth in everything they do The hidden ways misalignment creates exhaustion, rumination, emotional flatness, and inner conflict How to move toward a more aligned, fulfilling life without perfectionism, pressure, or forcing immediate answers Press play to discover how deeper alignment can help you feel more grounded, energized, and authentically connected to the life you're building.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

Being seen means being judged. In this episode, Alissa lays out why that's not a reason to stay small, and what it actually takes to let other people have an opinion of you without losing yourself in it.For HSPs, this isn't just a confidence issue. It's energetic. You feel it when someone misreads you, when a comment lands sideways, when the room shifts after you share something you're proud of. The instinct is to pull back, smooth it over, or shrink to keep the peace. Alissa pulls from her own experience, including a pointed DM from a stranger who made it clear she wasn't a fan, and from a client who just hit a major life milestone and immediately felt the weight of other people's reactions. In this episode, you'll learn:Why being judged is actually a sign you're doing something that mattersThe "zoomed out lens": how to observe someone's reaction without taking it on as your ownWhat it really means to allow someone the dignity of their own experience, including their jealousy or discomfort with your successPractical energy-clearing techniques for releasing what doesn't belong to youWhy dimming yourself to protect other people's feelings costs you more than it saves themUncover your sneaky internal belief that's stopping you from being your most confident self TAKE The FREE Shadow Archetype Quiz NOWLearn my 6-step process for managing & neutralizing your triggers as an HSP in our FREE UN-Botherable Workshop!Join the Not Too Sensitive Club

How can you manage your home without draining the limited capacity you have as an Highly Sensitive Person? In Part 2 of my conversation with Kathi Lipp, we discuss practical ways HSPs can reduce home-management overwhelm, including: making pre-decisions before guilt and emotion take over, choosing what to keep when possessions carry emotional weight, containing lists, notes, papers, and visible reminders, creating one reliable “source of truth,” and asking for calmer shared spaces without feeling controlling. We also explore what may really be happening when an HSP is labeled “controlling” for needing more calm at home—and how to communicate our sensory needs with clarity and compassion. This episode will help you approach home management with greater self-awareness, more realistic expectations, and less shame about what your uniquely-wired nervous system needs. Links to Resources Mentioned: Kathi Lipp's Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/clutterfreeacademy Order Kathi's book Clutter Free: Quick and Easy Steps for Simplifying Your Space https://www.amazon.com/Clutter-Free-Quick-Steps-Simplifying/dp/0736959130/ Check out Kathi's Website: https://kathilipp.com/ https://kathilipp.com/ Take the “Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?” Self-Quiz https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Learn about the Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/sensitive-strong-community-cafe/ Chapters (00:00:00) - How to Manage Your Home (For Highly Sensitive People)(00:01:58) - With Kathy Lipp: Home Management and the Highly Sensitive Person(00:04:00) - How to Pre-Decide When to Clean or Vacuum(00:07:04) - PreDecisions for Your Dad and His(00:12:39) - Pre-Deciding(00:13:12) - What To Keep And Why?(00:18:31) - A Mother's Last Conversation With Her Daughter(00:19:05) - The Scandalous Way I Use My Planner(00:25:05) - Post-it Notes: An Organization Tool(00:27:04) - How to Talk About Clutter in the Home(00:32:33) - A Sense of Harmony in the Home(00:34:50) - Kathy Lips: The Clutter Free Academy(00:35:40) - The Highly Sensitive Christian Woman's Community Cafe

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3050: Judith Orloff, MD explains that emotional triggers are often rooted in old fears and false beliefs rather than reality, and that healing them can help highly sensitive people and empaths stop absorbing other people's emotional pain. Through self-awareness, journaling, reframing negative beliefs, and seeking support, she offers practical ways to build emotional resilience and reclaim a stronger sense of self. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://highlysensitiverefuge.com/highly-sensitive-people-empaths-heal-emotional-triggers/ Quotes to ponder: "Your emotional triggers are wounds that need to heal. These beliefs are based on fears, and they are not reality." "Empaths and HSPs are finely tuned instruments when it comes to emotions. They feel everything, sometimes to an extreme, and are less apt to intellectualize feelings." "Healing your triggers is liberating because you won't be thrown off or drained by people's inappropriate comments." Episode references: The Empath's Survival Guide: https://www.amazon.com/Empaths-Survival-Guide-Strategies-Sensitive/dp/1683642112 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ready for deeper support as an HSP? Work with me 1:1 https://trueinnerfreedom.com/working-together/  Do you ever feel guilty for wanting quiet… even when you genuinely love the people around you? If you're a highly sensitive person, you may constantly feel torn between craving connection and needing space to recover. This episode reveals why your nervous system asks for quiet, why your mind turns that need into guilt, and how emotional responsibility can quietly drain your energy over time. Understand why your need for quiet is not selfish, cold, or a sign that something is wrong with you Discover the hidden pattern that keeps you prioritizing other people's emotions over your own nervous system Learn what starts to shift when you stop treating rest and space like a relational problem Listen now to finally understand the deeper reason you feel guilty needing space — and how to stay connected to others without abandoning yourself in the process.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

Shame rarely walks into the room and introduces itself. It hides as anxiety, hypervigilance, the survival mode that lingers no matter how much work you've done. We sensitive types get exceptionally good at noticing what's wrong with us and mistake that scanning for self-awareness. Real self-awareness doesn't wear us out. Come sit with the ten ways shame disguises itself, because there's so much joy waiting on the other side. - The Yearly Boundaries Intensive ⁠https://www.EmotionalBadass.com/Boundaries Resources: - Work with Me 1:1: https://www.EmotionalBadass.com/coaching - 30 Days to Peace Course: https://www.EmotionalBadass.com/peace CODE: BADASS for 30% Off - Intro To Boundaries https://www.EmotionalBadass.com/intro - Mapping your Recovery from Narcissistic Abuse Workshop https://www.EmotionalBadass.com/workshops CODE: BADASS for 30% Off - Get the Patternscapes Wellness Deck ⁠https://www.getpatternscapes.com - Join the Patreon Community: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/emotionalbadass - Download the FREE Morning Routine PDF ⁠https://www.emotionalbadass.com/morning - Join our newsletter https://www.emotionalbadass.com/newsletter - Check out our Guided Meditations https://www.emotionalbadass.com/store/meditations Follow us on Social Media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/emotionalbadass IG: https://www.instagram.com/emotional.badass FB: https://www.facebook.com/emotionalbadass TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@emotionalbadass Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Find out your unique sensitivity profile and your current stress levels. Take the HSP Stress Test here: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/  Why do so many highly sensitive people keep falling back into the same stress patterns — even after doing all the "right" things to manage stress? If you're constantly overwhelmed, emotionally drained, overthinking, or feeling responsible for everyone around you, this episode will help you understand why stress relief often feels temporary. You'll discover that not all stress management works at the same level — and why deeper change requires more than just calming your nervous system. Understand the 5 deeper layers of stress management for highly sensitive people Learn why stress keeps returning even when you're actively trying to heal Discover how lifestyle changes, emotional healing, and inner freedom practices can create more lasting peace Listen now to discover which layer of stress management may finally help you break free from recurring overwhelm and create a calmer, more grounded life.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

216 (If you've been enjoying this podcast, and haven't yet left a review, please do so now! Thank you so much.) In this episode, I share a story about a conversation with a friend that led to a big desire to share this with you: Many of us have, without even realizing it, learned to relate to our partners through control, pressure, expectations, and attempts to manage their behavior…And it is taking a big toll on our relationships. Because, while it tends to come from a very understandable place, it often creates the exact opposite of what we're hoping for in love.You'll learn:Why control is often much more subtle than we think (and even if a first you don't think this episode is for you–it likely is)The hidden signs that control may be showing up in your relationshipHow control can look like criticism, people-pleasing, monitoring, fixing, advising, or managingWhy trying to get your partner to behave differently rarely creates genuine connectionThe 2 deeper roots of controlWhy insight alone isn't enough to change these patternsAnd the 3 levels where lasting change actually happensIf you've ever felt frustrated or disappointed with your partner, or thought: "I just want him to be more loving, attentive, or emotionally available…or… do more," or even, "Why doesn't he get it?”,  this episode will help you see those struggles through an entirely new lens.Because when you become a woman who can honor her needs without trying to control another person into meeting them, love stops feeling like a job or power struggle…And starts to feel like love again. Listen in.SHOW NOTES: Learn more and begin Foundations of Emotional Well-Being for HSPs here. Learn more about the full path of Foundations of Emotional Well-Being for HSPs → Marriage Sanctuary 1:1 here. 

Let your healing feel nourishing again. Grab The Inner Work Reset Ritual: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/inner-work-reset/ Has your spiritual growth journey started feeling more like pressure than peace? For highly sensitive people, spiritual teachings that once felt inspiring can quietly turn into comparison, self-monitoring, and the exhausting feeling that you're never "healed enough." This episode explores why inner work can become discouraging — and how to reconnect with a more compassionate, grounded path that actually supports your nervous system instead of overwhelming it. Understand why spiritual comparison affects highly sensitive people so deeply Learn how healing can subtly become performative instead of authentic Discover a gentler, more honest way to approach spirituality and inner growth Listen now to release the pressure of performative healing and reconnect with a spiritual practice that feels supportive, human, and real.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

Do you constantly feel overwhelmed by loud noises, big crowds, or other people's negative energy? You aren't fragile—you might just be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). In this episode of the Makes Sense podcast, Dr. JC Doornick breaks down the life-changing insights from Elaine Aron's ground-breaking book, The Highly Sensitive Person. Learn how to stop treating your deep feelings as a flaw and start using them as your greatest emotional asset. Discover simple, daily habits to protect your energy, master your mind, reduce stress, and thrive in a world that never stops shouting. It is time to embrace who you are and turn your sensitivity into a superpower. #HighlySensitivePerson #HSP #Empath #PersonalGrowth #MakesSensePodcast   Contact Elaine Aron: Website: https://hsperson.com Books: https://amzn.to/4fHFvWq   Follow Dr. JC Doornick and the Makes Sense Academy:► Makes Sense Substack - https://drjcdoornick.substack.com ► Instagram: / drjcdoornick ► Substack: / drjcdoornick ►Facebook:  / makessensepodcast ►YouTube:  / drjcdoornick     MAKES SENSE PODCAST Welcome to the Makes Sense with Dr. JC Doornick Podcast. This podcast explores topics that expand human consciousness and enhance performance. On the Makes Sense Podcast, we acknowledge that it's who you are that determines how well what you do works, and that perception is subjective and an acquired taste. When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at begin to change. Welcome to the uprising of the sleepwalking masses. Welcome to the Makes Sense with Dr. JC Doornick Podcast. SUBSCRIBE/RATE/REVIEW & SHARE our new podcast. FOLLOW Podcast: You will find a "Follow" button in the top right. This will enable the podcast software to alert you when a new episode launches each week. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/makes-sense-with-dr-jc-doornick/id1730954168 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1WHfKWDDReMtrGFz4kkZs9?si=003780ca147c4aec Podcast Affiliates: Kwik Learning: Many people ask me where I get all these topics, which I've been covering for almost 15 years. I have learned to read nearly four times faster and retain information 10 times better with Kwik Learning. Learn how to learn and earn with Jim Kwik. Get his program at a special discount here: https://jimkwik.com/dragon OUR SPONSORS: Blue Blinds Bakery - Hand Crafted with all natural ingredients - www.blueblindsbakery.com     0:00 - Intro 1:12 - What I like about Elaine Aron 3:40 - What's It like to be Elaine Aron these Days 5:27 - My HSP Discovery as a child 6:32 - Processing is the most important part of Sensitivity, not 8:16 - What are the clearest signs that somebody might be an HSP? 11:11 - What's the difference between an HSP and being Fragile? 13:10 - What's happening Neurologically inside an HSP Mind? 16:10 - What was the original idea for this book's name? 18:14 - What strengths do HSPs possess that others might not 24:35 - New Book - Spirituality through the HSP Lens 26:03 - Makes Sense Glasses with No Lenses 29:35 - Enlightenment is happening 39:16 - How does Elaine Aron handle adversity in the real world 44:14 - The Bouncing of the Ball 45:29 - How would you define Spirituality 49:05 - What would you say to that person that just found out they are an HSP 53:05 - What gives you the greatest Sense of Hope About Humanity Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For HSPs navigating a world that wasn't built for them, the default can become: everything is hard, no one understands, and discomfort is a signal to retreat.In this solo episode, Alissa challenges that frame directly. She shares how her life experience has shaped her view of challenges.So even with the newest challenge life is giving her, to raise her daughter Blaine through a Type 1 diabetes and celiac diagnosis, she knows this discomfort is not something to escape but the exact thing that is building her confidence that she can handle the life she wants.In this episode, you'll learn:Why expanding your tolerance for discomfort is the foundation of feeling steady and unbothered in your daily lifeHow resilience shows up as curiosity about what a triggering moment is pointing toThe cost of living as the "effect" of everything around youWhy being an open-hearted, sensitive person in a non-sensitive world is something to own, not apologize forHow every trigger and insecurity that surfaces is an invitation to strengthen something within yourselfUncover your sneaky internal belief that's stopping you from being your most confident self TAKE The FREE Shadow Archetype Quiz NOWLearn my 6-step process for managing & neutralizing your triggers as an HSP in our FREE UN-Botherable Workshop!Join the Not Too Sensitive Club

Do you lose yourself caring for others? In this episode, I talk with Kirsten Davidson, RP about being mindful about self-abandonment and:Understanding the distinction between caretaking from a place of empathy and people pleasing from a place of fear of abandonmentConnecting with all the parts of yourself to heal and guide you in times of insecurityHow to decipher the roots of your anxious experiencesKirsten is a Registered Psychotherapist and the Founder of Mind The Gaps Psychotherapy, where she supports adults, couples, and families in moving through disconnection, emotional overwhelm, and stuck patterns toward more self-led, connected ways of being. Her work is grounded in relational, trauma-informed, and existential approaches, helping clients explore what lies beneath their patterns with curiosity and compassion. Beyond the therapy room, she contributes to broader mental health conversations through public speaking and her writing for Psychology Today, where she explores relationships, identity, and personal growth.Keep in touch with Kirsten:Website: https://mindthegaps.coInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirsten.davidsonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-davidson-662742177Resources Mentioned:Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/contributors/kirsten-davidsonInternal Family Systems: https://ifs-institute.comFor more deep conversations like this, join me in Sensitive Circles - a cozy online community for highly sensitive people to find meaningful connection and deepen self-awareness at their own pace. More details: https://www.sensitivecircles.com Thanks for listening! You can read the full show notes and sign up for my email list to get new episode announcements and other resources at: https://www.sensitivestories.comYou can also follow "SensitiveStrengths" for behind-the-scenes content plus more educational and inspirational HSP resources: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivestrengths TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensitivestrengthsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengthsAnd for more support, attend a Sensitive Sessions monthly workshop: https://www.sensitivesessions.com. Use code PODCAST for 25% off. If you have a moment, please rate and review the podcast, it helps Sensitive Stories reach more HSPs! This episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment with a mental health or medical professional.  Some links are affiliate links. You are under no obligation to purchase any book, product or service. I am not responsible for the quality or satisfaction of any purchase.  

When clutter piles up in our homes, it's not just “stuff” for many of us who are Highly Sensitive Persons. We can experience it as visual noise, decision fatigue, emotional stories, sensory input, and shame. So much shame. In this episode, my dear friend and co-author Kathi Lipp and I explore why everyday home management can feel uniquely overwhelming for HSPs … and how we can learn to respond with practical compassion instead of all-or-nothing thinking. You'll learn why tidying up a space can help your nervous system exhale, why systems often collapse when life happens, and how to create a simple “stabilizing day” rather than trying to catch up on everything at once Kathi also shares three small re-entry steps for those moments when home feels overwhelming. This episode is a gentle invitation to stop asking, “Why can't I keep up?” and start asking, “What might help my HSP nervous system take the next small step?” Links to Resources Mentioned: Kathi Lipp's Clutter Free Academy Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/clutterfreeacademy Order Kathi's book Clutter Free: Quick and Easy Steps for Simplifying Your Space https://www.amazon.com/Clutter-Free-Quick-Steps-Simplifying/dp/0736959130/ Check out Kathi's Website: https://kathilipp.com/ https://kathilipp.com/ Take the “Am I a Highly Sensitive Person?” Self-Quiz https://CheriGregory.com/hspquiz/ Learn about the Sensitive & Strong Community Cafe https://sensitiveandstrongbook.com/sensitive-strong-community-cafe/ Chapters (00:00:00) - When clutter piles up in our homes(00:01:17) - Grit and Grace: Highly Sensitive Christian Women(00:03:49) - What is HSP?(00:04:50) - The Special Challenges of Being a Highly Sensitive Person(00:09:25) - Why is clutter more detrimental to HSPs than to the rest(00:11:52) - What to Do When Things Fall Apart in the Household?(00:18:00) - Why Does a Clean House Feel So Peaceful? But(00:21:26) - Fooled by Nature: The Go-Go, Do-(00:23:46) - Kathy Lips: Clutter Free Academy(00:24:58) - Grit and Grace: The Sensitive and Strong Community

Find out your unique sensitivity profile and your current stress levels. Take the HSP Stress Test here: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/  Are you constantly overwhelmed, mentally "on," and exhausted from trying to juggle too many things as a highly sensitive person? Many highly sensitive people are taught to push through overload, multitask endlessly, and stay productive at all costs — but that constant switching and pressure quietly drains the nervous system. In this episode, we explore why simplifying your schedule and creating stronger boundaries can completely change the way you experience work, stress, and life. Discover why doing too many different kinds of tasks creates hidden burnout for highly sensitive people Learn how "containment" and clear work boundaries can help your nervous system finally relax Hear the real-life changes that happened when simplifying work created more energy, hobbies, peace, and freedom Press play now to learn how simplifying your life and reducing mental overload can help you feel calmer, clearer, and more deeply connected to yourself again.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

Highly sensitive nervous systems take in far more than a fair share, and overwhelm slowly becomes a groove we practice until it feels like who we are. I keep coming back to one idea: overwhelm is an invitation, and every invitation can be declined. The moment we stop treating ourselves as overwhelm's victim, simple affirmations can reprogram those old patterns and return us to the peace that is our birthright. Resources: - Work with Me 1:1: https://www.EmotionalBadass.com/coaching - Join the Patreon Community: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/emotionalbadass⁠ - 30 Days to Peace Course: https://www.EmotionalBadass.com/peace CODE: BADASS for 30% Off - The Book by Book Club: https://www.EmotionalBadass.com/bookclub - Intro To Boundaries https://www.EmotionalBadass.com/intro - The Yearly Boundaries Intensive https://www.EmotionalBadass.com/Boundaries - Mapping your Recovery from Narcissistic Abuse Workshop https://www.EmotionalBadass.com/workshops CODE: BADASS for 30% Off - Get the Patternscapes Wellness Deck ⁠https://www.getpatternscapes.com - Download the FREE Morning Routine PDF ⁠https://www.emotionalbadass.com/morning - Join our newsletter https://www.emotionalbadass.com/newsletter - Check out our Guided Meditations https://www.emotionalbadass.com/store/meditations Follow us on Social Media: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/emotionalbadass IG: https://www.instagram.com/emotional.badass FB: https://www.facebook.com/emotionalbadass TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@emotionalbadass Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you exhausting yourself trying to feel okay all the time? If you're a highly sensitive person, emotional awareness can quietly turn into emotional management. Instead of simply experiencing your feelings, you may find yourself constantly monitoring, adjusting, and trying to maintain happiness — creating pressure that never fully lets you rest. Understand why trying to optimize happiness can actually increase emotional exhaustion Learn how self-awareness subtly becomes self-monitoring and inner pressure Discover a healthier way to relate to emotional ups and downs without constantly trying to fix yourself Press play now to discover how releasing the pressure to feel good can create more ease, freedom, and emotional peace in your daily life.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

Find out your unique sensitivity profile and your current stress levels. Take the HSP Stress Test here: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/ Do you ever feel like you're carrying emotional weight that nobody else even seems to notice? As a highly sensitive person, you naturally pick up on unspoken tension, emotional shifts, and subtle signals others miss. But when no one else acknowledges what you're sensing, it's easy to wonder if you're "too sensitive" or if you should be doing something to fix it. This episode helps you understand why empathy can feel so overwhelming — and how to stop turning awareness into emotional responsibility. Discover why highly sensitive people often feel alone in what they notice Learn the hidden value your empathy brings to relationships, groups, and environments Understand the critical difference between awareness and responsibility so you can stop emotionally over-carrying Listen now to learn how to honor your empathy without absorbing emotional burdens that were never yours to carry.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

In this episode, Alissa revisits one of the most important distinctions for highly sensitive people: the difference between caring about someone and carrying their experience as your own. Using real examples from clients and her own life, she unpacks why the impulse to manage other people's emotions is actually anxiety disguised as empathy.For HSPs who grew up as the peacekeeper, the fixer, or the emotionally responsible one, this pattern runs deep. The discomfort of watching someone be disappointed, frustrated, or hurt can feel so unbearable that smoothing it over becomes automatic. But Alissa names what that actually costs: your steadiness, your self-worth, and your ability to show up with any real integrity.You'll Learn:Why the urge to smooth things over or manage someone's reaction often comes from your own discomfort, not from genuine careThe difference between high self-worth and self-abandonment when someone pushes back on a boundary you've setHow HSPs who grew up as caretakers or peacekeepers learned to tie their sense of safety to other people's emotional statesWhat it looks like to let someone have a hard feeling without making yourself responsible for changing itWhy allowing people the dignity of their own experience is an act of respect, not indifferenceUncover your sneaky internal belief that's stopping you from being your most confident self TAKE The FREE Shadow Archetype Quiz NOWLearn my 6-step process for managing & neutralizing your triggers as an HSP in our FREE UN-Botherable Workshop!Join the Not Too Sensitive Club

Send us a message!My guest today is Niki Mathias.Niki is an author who is helping the world better understand what it means to be a highly sensitive person.  Her upcoming book, Derby and the Dandelions, explores this through the unique lens of a teenage girl and her best friends.I'm very excited to share this conversation because I learned so much from talking with Niki.  Her stories and sharing come from firsthand experience and hard-earned wisdom.  She shared the framework of understanding people's nervous system processing as Dandelions, Tulips, and Orchids.  If you have never heard these terms in relation to Highly Sensitive Persons, you are in for an enlightening listen.Niki's book is in the publishing process so we don't know exactly when it will be available, but believe me, you'll want to pre-order it!Niki, thank you so much for sharing these pieces of your story, journey, and wisdom!  I'm so grateful to be connected with you and seriously can't wait to read your book!Find more about Niki and her work:  https://nikimathias.com/Support the showMake Life Less Difficult~   Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

Get the Relationship Reset Guide: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/relationship-reset/ Are you unknowingly turning small misunderstandings into emotional battles by trying to fix your partner's reactions? For highly sensitive people, even tiny moments of tension can feel emotionally overwhelming. When someone sounds irritated or misunderstood, your nervous system may immediately push you to explain yourself, defend your intentions, or restore harmony. But instead of creating connection, this often pulls you deeper into conflict, emotional exhaustion, and self-doubt. In this episode, you'll discover: Why HSPs instinctively absorb other people's emotional reactions How the urge to explain and defend yourself escalates relationship tension A healthier way to stay grounded, peaceful, and connected without taking responsibility for someone else's emotions Listen now to learn how to stop absorbing emotional tension, stay centered during conflict, and experience more freedom and peace in your relationships.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

Why do some highly sensitive people grow while others stay stuck for years? After two decades of holding space, I've come to see that readiness matters more than suffering. So many of us have read every book and saved every post, yet our nervous systems never got the memo, because information is not transformation. We explore emotional strength training and choosing becoming over appearing, so you can land the plane you keep circling. Work with me 1:1: https://www.EmotionalBadass.com/coaching Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Find out your unique sensitivity profile and your current stress levels. Take the HSP Stress Test here: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/hsp-stress-test/  Why does asking for what you want feel so emotionally overwhelming as a highly sensitive person? If you constantly replay conversations in your head, worry about how your requests will affect others, or hesitate to speak up because you want everything to go "perfectly," this episode will help you understand why. As an HSP, your depth of processing makes you naturally aware of emotional implications — but when stress and fear get layered on top, it can turn thoughtful reflection into exhausting overthinking. In this episode, you'll learn: Why asking for what you want feels heavier and more emotionally loaded as an HSP The difference between healthy depth of processing and fear-based overthinking How to stop trying to control every outcome so you can communicate with more clarity and confidence Listen now to discover how to ask for what you want without getting trapped in stress, self-doubt, or endless overthinking.   Todd Smith, founder of True Inner Freedom Dreaming of a stress-free, balanced life? Visit https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ and take the HSP Stress Test. Gain clarity on your sensitivity and stress triggers, and book a free 30-minute introductory conversation to explore what's going on for you and see if working together 1:1 might be a fit. Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP) or someone who identifies as hypersensitive or neurodivergent? This podcast is dedicated to helping highly sensitive people (HSPs) navigate overwhelm and stress by using The Work of Byron Katie—a powerful method for questioning stressful thoughts and finding true inner freedom. We dive deep into stress management strategies, coping with stress, and stress relief methods specifically tailored for HSPs. Learn how to manage emotions, especially negative ones, and explore effective stress reduction techniques that go beyond the surface to address the root causes of anxiety and pressure. Whether you're interested in learning how to lower stress, handle stress and pressure, or reduce stress through practical techniques, we provide insights and support based on The Work of Byron Katie. Discover how this transformative approach can help you decrease stress, find inner peace, and create balance in your life. Join us to learn about various coping strategies for stress, all designed to support HSPs in their journey toward emotional well-being.

215  If you've put real effort into improving your relationship…Like,  tried communication tools, or mindset work, nervous system regulation, self-worth healing, or attachment work—or all of the above—and still find yourself feeling stuck in the same emotional patterns…this episode will likely land deeply.In the previous two episodes, we explored Emotional Agency and how your inner world shapes the way you experience love and connection as an HSP.Today, we go deeper into what actually makes relationship change hold.Because while most relationship advice focuses on what happens between partners, real change starts inside you.  And even approaches that focus on healing your inner world are often incomplete—working with only one layer of the system while leaving the others untouched.So the missing piece to transforming your relationship as an HSP isn't more effort, or better communication, or even more self-work in isolation.It's understanding that your emotional well-being is a system, and learning to work with the 3 layers of that system in an integrated way.In this episode, we explore:• Why traditional relationship advice often doesn't create lasting change for HSPs • Why mindset work alone isn't enough • Why nervous system work alone isn't enough • Why self-worth and self-compassion work alone isn't enough • How your nervous system, thoughts, and sense of self-worth constantly interact • Why working with all three is what actually creates lasting emotional and relational changeAnd perhaps most importantly, if you've been wondering, "Why does it feel like I've worked so hard and our relationship still isn't where I want it to be?"...This compassionate, clarifying, relieving episode will finally give you the answer.And it will also show you the path forward to create real relationship change that lasts.SHOW NOTES: Learn more and begin Foundations of Emotional Well-Being for HSPs here. Learn more about the full path of Foundations of Emotional Well-Being for HSPs → Marriage Sanctuary 1:1 here. 

In this solo episode, Alissa explores one of the most deeply ingrained patterns she sees in highly sensitive people: the belief that having needs makes you a burden.For HSPs, this is a story that gets built early, when your emotional reactions were “too big”, when your needs felt different from everyone else's, and when the people around you responded with frustration instead of understanding. That story then follows you into adulthood, into relationships, and even into restaurants where you over-apologize to the waitress for ordering plain chicken.You'll Learn:Why HSPs are especially vulnerable to good girl conditioning and how it shows up in relationships, work, and healthWays you may be getting something out of being the over-apologizing, people pleaser that ends up keeping you stuck. How your triggers in moments of self-advocacy are actually your best opportunities to build self-worthWhat it means to expand your tolerance for discomfort so other people's reactions stop running the showWhy letting people help you, and asking for what you need, is a signal of openness, not weaknessUncover your sneaky internal belief that's stopping you from being your most confident self TAKE The FREE Shadow Archetype Quiz NOWLearn my 6-step process for managing & neutralizing your triggers as an HSP in our FREE UN-Botherable Workshop!Join the Not Too Sensitive Club

Are you hiding from your emotions? In this episode, I talk with Federica Torri about giving yourself permission to feel and:Embracing your sensitivity and understanding the deeper role of the traitWhy it's important to freely express yourself and how to find your way back to your inner worldHow to let go of the “shoulds” and be more of your authentic selfFederica is a high sensation seeking HSP who has struggled her whole life with the feeling of not belonging, and always feeling "too much". Originally from Italy where she trained as a PhD biotech neuroscientist, Federica moved to the US to embark in a 10+ year career in software biotech where she experienced a deep burnout. After an endometriosis diagnosis she pivoted her career towards women's health patient advocacy and coaching, to then a Trauma Informed Yoga teacher and Reiki Practitioner. Federica founded Tender Flower Yoga in 2024 as a sanctuary for sensitive hearts to find a place to rest in Gentle Yoga, Healing Mudras, and Yoga Nidra. People say she has the gift to tuck people in, and make them feel welcome and cared for.   Keep in touch with Federica:Website: www.tenderfloweryoga.comThe Sovereign Sensitive Blueprint: https://www.tenderfloweryoga.com/blueprintMiniBloom Kit: https://www.tenderfloweryoga.com/get-minibloomkitInner Bloom Circle mailing list: www.tenderfloweryoga.com/inner-bloom-circle-signupInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tenderfloweryogaYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenderFlowerYogaResources Mentioned:Highly Sensitive Person by Dr. Elaine Aron: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780553062182Niksen: Embracing the Dutch Art of Doing Nothing by Olga Mecking: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780358395317For more deep conversations like this, join me in Sensitive Circles - a cozy online community for highly sensitive people to find meaningful connection and deepen self-awareness at their own pace. More details: https://www.sensitivecircles.com Thanks for listening! You can read the full show notes and sign up for my email list to get new episode announcements and other resources at: https://www.sensitivestories.comYou can also follow "SensitiveStrengths" for behind-the-scenes content plus more educational and inspirational HSP resources: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivestrengths TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensitivestrengthsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengthsAnd for more support, attend a Sensitive Sessions monthly workshop: https://www.sensitivesessions.com. Use code PODCAST for 25% off. If you have a moment, please rate and review the podcast, it helps Sensitive Stories reach more HSPs! This episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment with a mental health or medical professional.  Some links are affiliate links. You are under no obligation to purchase any book, product or service. I am not responsible for the quality or satisfaction of any purchase.  

Highly sensitive people often experience anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and nervous system fatigue because they absorb more from their environments than they realize. When emotional regulation becomes difficult, it's often not because you're "too sensitive"—it's because your nervous system has been carrying more than it was meant to carry.In this guided practice episode, we move beyond understanding emotional absorption and into experiencing what it feels like to come back to yourself. Together, we'll explore a simple nervous system reset designed to help you release emotional weight, reconnect with your own experience, and create space between caring for others and carrying everything for them.You'll learn: • the difference between caring and carrying • a simple nervous system practice for returning to yourself • how to stay connected without taking responsibility for everything around youIf your nervous system has been carrying a lot lately, you may enjoy these companion Yoga Nidra practices on Insight Timer:Yoga Nidra for Nervous System Reset & Deep Rest: https://insighttimer.com/yogiranger/guided-meditations/yoga-nidra-for-nervous-system-reset-deep-rest_1Yoga Nidra for Burnout Recovery: https://insighttimer.com/yogiranger/guided-meditations/yoga-nidra-for-highly-sensitive-people-burnout-recoveryAnd if anxiety, emotional overwhelm, or absorbing other people's emotions has become a recurring pattern for you, my short course Anxiety Relief: Training Your Nervous System for Safety offers simple, practical tools to help your body feel steadier in emotional environments: https://yogiranger.com/anxiety-relief-courseNew to the podcast? Start here:Episode 33 – Are You a Highly Sensitive Person?Episode 39 – The Hidden Struggles & Strengths of Highly Sensitive PeopleEpisode 40 – Boundaries for Highly Sensitive PeopleEpisode 41 – Nervous System Regulation for HSPs

In this solo episode, Alissa shares a deeply personal update about her daughter's new celiac disease diagnosis and what it revealed about the way life equips you long before you understand why.Years of navigating her own severe digestive issues, strict diets, and the emotional weight of feeling different gave Alissa a toolkit she never expected to need for her child. She connects that thread to the broader truth about how sensitivity, struggle, and the discomfort of being "too much" are never wasted.You'll Learn:The difference between riding the wave of hard emotions and getting stuck in "why is this happening to me" energyHow confidence is built through withstanding discomfort A Not Too Sensitive Club member's story of staying steady in the face of someone else's judgmentThe shift from living as the effect of your environment to sourcing your own steadiness: Uncover your sneaky internal belief that's stopping you from being your most confident self TAKE The FREE Shadow Archetype Quiz NOWLearn my 6-step process for managing & neutralizing your triggers as an HSP in our FREE UN-Botherable Workshop!Join the Not Too Sensitive Club

214 If you've ever felt unloved, unseen, or emotionally unmet in your relationship…even while knowing your partner probably does care about you… this episode is a must listen.In the last episode, we talked about emotional agency and the 3 core layers that shape emotional well-being for highly sensitive people. In this episode, we dive much deeper into one of those layers, which tends to be one of the biggest hidden struggles I see highly sensitive people carry into relationships without even realizing it:The painful self-worth patterns and deeper “heart wound” that sit beneath feeling unloved.This is a conversation that Todd Smith, from the Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People Podcast, and I recorded for his podcast, and I decided to share it here because it's such a deep, compassionate, validating, and hopeful conversation.In it we explore:why HSPs can feel unloved even when they have a good partner who does really love themThe "heart wound", and something I call “care distortion”, and how they affect a marriagehow childhood conditioning and being told you're “too sensitive” impacts self-worthwhy reassurance from your partner never fully resolves the deeper painhow emotional patterns, thoughts, and the nervous system all work together to help you feel loved or unlovedhow to begin building a more secure, loving relationship with yourself And how that finally opens the door to you feeling the deep love in your relationship you've always wanted to feelI think a lot of you are going to feel deeply seen in this episode.And even more importantly, you will leave feeling hopeful — because these patterns are not permanent, and healing them is not just absolutely possible, but something you can totally excel at as an HSP with the right support. Tune in!SHOW NOTES: Learn more and begin Foundations of Emotional Well-Being for HSPs here. Learn more about the full path of Foundations of Emotional Well-Being for HSPs → Marriage Sanctuary 1:1 here. 

Alissa opens up about the very challenging season of life her and her family have recently been thrust into. Her three year old daughter Blaine was suddenly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, and navigating it has revealed so much about the power of sensitivity, the discipline of steadiness, and the choice to see growth inside the pain.In this episode:How Alissa's sensitivity helped her catch her daughter's diabetes earlyThe practice of being steady and grounded for your child while separately making space to feel everything, cry, and lean on people who can hold itWhy the adjustment period after a life disruption often means you stop caring for yourself first, and how to return to yourself.The shift from "this isn't fair" to "I was given this because I can carry it."How Alissa's faith has been an anchor for her through this experience.The Not Too Sensitive Club protocol reframes challenges as expansions.Uncover your sneaky internal belief that's stopping you from being your most confident self TAKE The FREE Shadow Archetype Quiz NOWLearn my 6-step process for managing & neutralizing your triggers as an HSP in our FREE UN-Botherable Workshop!Join the Not Too Sensitive Club

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3010: Hannah Brooks explores why highly sensitive people can become disproportionately irritated by their partners during stressful or overstimulating periods. By examining the deeper causes behind her frustration, challenging fearful thoughts, and prioritizing self-care, she found her feelings of annoyance replaced by affection and appreciation. Her insights offer a reassuring perspective for sensitive people who worry that temporary irritation means something is wrong in their relationship. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://highlysensitiverefuge.com/stopped-annoyance-hurt-marriage/ Quotes to ponder: "I reminded myself I am human, and humans feel annoyed around other humans sometimes, no matter who the other person is." “HSPs process stimulation deeply, so ‘little' things that don't bother others can become overwhelmingly stressful or frustrating for us.” “We all prefer to feel calm and at ease, and to genuinely love being with the person we've chosen to spend our life with, and be loved back!” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The word “sensitive” has a lot of baggage. Much of it is negative. We are critical of people who we deem are not sensitive. Insensitive, we say. We are critical of people who we deem are too sensitive. Over sensitive, we say. If you look for the meaning of the word, you find this - Being sensitive means having a nervous system that processes information more deeply, resulting in acute physical, mental, or emotional responses to stimuli. I find myself today wanting to, as it says, “process information more deeply.” I want to feel the feels and experience all the sensations. That said, there are some things I feel, maybe too acutely. Some emotionally and some sensory. On both accounts I have some areas where I feel overly sensitive. How I choose to perceive them and address them is how I choose to care for myself, and with others regarding me. My guest in this show is my guru on sensitivities, and specifically, HSPs - highly sensitive people. Andre Sólo is the force behind Sensitive Refuge, the world's largest website for sensitive people, and Andre is the co-author of "Sensitive: The Hidden Power of the Highly Sensitive Person in a Loud, Fast, Too-Much World." When I first read Andre's book, I labeled myself an HSP, and you'll hear me refer to such in this episode. Since then, I do not accept this label, as I don't really accept any label. I don't align with saying I'm all of anything. But I do accept that there are some emotions and sensory perceptions that I recognize myself to be highly sensitive to. You may align with this as well, and Andre is here to help us learn how to be highly functioning, regardless of your sensitivities. Find him at his homebase website, sensitiverefuge.com, and find him on IG @sensitiverefuge Sign up for your $1/month trial period at shopify.com/kevin Go to shipstation.com and use code KEVIN to start your free trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices