How Being A Sensitive Person Can Actually Give You A “Level-up” In Life
Written by: Shae Gander, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
For as long as I can remember, I was made to feel like my sensitive side (probably 90% of me) was not ideal or made me feel less than others. I also recalled hearing throughout my life that there are different kinds of smarts. What does that mean? And how can I learn to appreciate something about myself that I was made to feel hindered instead of propelling me forward?
“Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life thinking it’s stupid.” – Albert Einstein
I don’t think anything has shifted my perspective as much as that quote did. Just because I wasn’t the stereotype that Western society idealized (ie., extroverted, loud and really taking the bull by the horns), didn’t mean I didn’t have a part of me that would be endlessly helpful and valuable to the world. That is my sensitivity. The ability to connect and empathize with others. The ability to read situations just before they unfold and can tell if something immediately feels wrong or right. Apparently, this isn’t something that everyone has in their repertoire. Maybe this is your kind of smart too.
If you are reading this, then congratulations! You are likely a person with loads of sensitivity and probably are not sure what to do about it or how to use it to your advantage. Come all my little fish, I know just how you can excel in this big bad world.
Your ability to tune in and sense what is going on around you is like no other. You have the ability to know what is happening or what people are feeling without needing to exchange words. No, you are not telepathic… you are just a sensitive soul! You have the ability to connect with others, animals, and the world around you. You are more in tune with the world than the average person. You may get headaches when a storm is about to roll in from the changing air pressures. You might also feel completely drained when you are around certain people (I like to call them energy vampires).
To me, it has always been made to seem that these are not good qualities to have. It’s like people think it makes you weaker. But you have the ability to tune into people and the vibrations that this world is radiating and engage in it. How is that not a superpower? The trick to utilizing sensitivity as your superpower is all about learning how to protect your energy, fully opening yourself up to your abilities, and learn about all the advantages that are waiting for you.
I use my sensitivity superpower by being able to connect to all walks of life. It doesn’t matter if it’s a client significantly addicted to drugs and on the streets and they just need someone to hold their hand for a little while. Or maybe a teenager from a well-off family who struggles to connect to others, or a person with Harm OCD that fears they will seriously injure another person if they let their guard down. Whatever it is, I have the ability to connect with you about it. I use it to my advantage by basing my career on it as a Psychotherapist.
I hope this is the beginning of you learning to accept and love yourself for all that you are, and what you have to offer this world. Embrace yourself, because you have so much untapped potential just waiting to come out.
Shae Gander, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Shae Gander is a Registered Psychotherapist who dedicates herself to helping people learn about themselves and accepting themselves just as they are. She obtained her Master's Degree by age 23 and opened up a Private Practice by age 25. Shae possesses a wealth of knowledge from many years of studying psychology and has decided share her gift with the world. Shae also makes sure to emphasize the aspects of being a Millennial in this day and age.
