1) A thread on being a sensitive/high "feeling" individual: Growing up, I was often told, "You are too sensitive." Particularly at school. This was obviously meant as a negative observation about who I was and how I responded. I was "too emotional", took things "too seriously".

2) The implication to me, as a child and teenager, was that I got my feelings hurt too easily and should "toughen up". The problem was, I didn't know how. My only recourse was to withdraw and hide my feelings. I still had them, but I got quiet and didn't share them.

3) I always felt misunderstood, but didn't have language or understanding of myself yet so I didn't know how to answer the complaints. But I knew that my sensitivity was always viewed as something negative. And yet, I could not turn it off. (or even down)

4) In adulthood, after studying personality theory, and spiritual gifting, I came to understand that my sensitivity came from my high intuition and ability to feel not just for myself, but for others. And that this is - in many ways - a super power all people do not possess.

5) I finally had language for what I experienced. A hard thing for me is that I often "feel" the emotions of others, even if they are not expressed. So if someone comes in the room and they are angry, I feel it. And when I was younger, I assumed it was directed at me.

6) I also had a finely tuned sense of responsibility as an only child raised around all adults. I took myself and the world very seriously. The combination has been, at times, difficult. I am devastated when I hurt someone else. I am highly empathetic. I am hard on myself.

7) I am sensitive not only about my own feelings, but the feelings of others, and injustice in the world. And I *always* feel some sense of responsibility to care for others, something I have had to discuss w/my therapist at length. I struggle to set boundaries, but I am growing.

8) My point is this: For years, I saw the way I was created as a liability. A negative thing. I was "too much". I have learned that the way I am shaped can be a gift to the world, but it has taken me decades to arrive at this place. To love and accept who I am. To be at peace.

9) I still "hide" when overwhelmed. I've become less extroverted following loss. But I'm learning good things about my sensitivity, empathy, & intuition. I wish I had learned this sooner. I was too discouraged listening to messages of how I "should" be to appreciate how I was.

10) The gifts/personalities of empaths and intuitive individuals are not highly regarded in our society. Learning to love and appreciate myself has been a long journey. Be encouraged that God shaped you for a purpose. Don't be afraid to let your light shine, whatever your gifts.