Dear Jackey
I felt every word within your poem and it both moved and yet reasured me. You are not alone although you may feel it. I recognised a lot of what you said in your poem and I wanted to share something with you. Have a read through this and see how many resonate with you (I 'feel' you will tick nearly every box) Sending you lots of loving energy my friend and remember you are not alone xxx
Below is a ‘little’ info on an Empathic HSP…I am an empath hsp myself
I don’t share this with many people although I am learning to reveal myself a little more than I did. There is a difference between an HSP and an Empath which I will explain. Not all HSP’s are Empaths but ALL Empaths are HSP’s. Confused yet? LOL OK…I will try and explain first what an HSP is first…
A HSP (Highly Sensitive Person) is someone whose senses are a lot sharper to stimuli than the average person. You will pick up on energy, emotions, sounds, light, smells, colours a lot quicker than most. Your senses take in a lot more information than most and this can leave you tired or with a strong need to withdraw and spend time alone to recharge. I find that especially true after shopping in town…I come home shattered because my senses have just been saturated by everything from traffic, lights, sounds, smells, weather, environments and people.
Although I come across as extroverted I’m not…I am introverted and need time for myself so I enjoy walks and being in or with nature. I find a walk in the woods recharges me. I try and avoid large crowds of people because I can naturally pick up on their energy and being an ‘Empath’ this is extremely difficult because empath’s tend to develop the symptoms of those around us. We have no control of this other than trying to avoid certain people or environments.
Many a time I have seen someone and have ducked and dived to try and avoid contact…not because I don’t like them but because their energy physically drains me and I can feel completely drained of all energy afterwards. Some people I can just click with and can really relax and enjoy their company but even with those people I can still be left depleted of energy because I have given my all…so for an Empath or an HSP it can be difficult to be around large groups of people.
There is much more of course I am also sensitive to nature and the earth’s energies. I have always been able to pick up on the ‘past’ of a place or a building. I can also sense and feel natural events around the world…and the moon and solar flares can also affect me in both positive and negative ways. I love animals and feel a real connection to them and can sense how they are feeling most of the time.
Most Empaths or HSP’s don’t like to think of themselves as special or unique…we are just different with a heightened ability to see and feel things that most don’t. Anyway there is lots more I can tell you about this but I don’t want to overload you
You may relate to a lot of what I have said or feel nothing at all, but I have a feeling that you have some HSP traits (and possibly empathic traits). I have included a short youtube clip below of a HSP and I have also included a list of Empath Traits, so have a read through this below and see if you can relate…most people will relate to some but an empath/hsp will relate to nearly all the list.
Love and Light (and extra hugs
)
Here are 22 empath traits that might suggest you are a highly sensitive person:
1. People point it out
You’ve been told all your life you are too sensitive, overly emotional, or wear your heart on your sleeve. People tell you that you pick up on cues or feelings they don’t even notice.
2. You feel other’s feelings
You’ve noticed how sensitive you are to the emotions of others. Even before they tell you how they are feeling, you already know. You can enter a room and have a sense of the general mood of the environment.
3. Negativity overwhelms you
Where others can tolerate raised voices, conflict, or anger, it sends you over the edge. You almost feel physically sick or in pain as a result of the negative energy around you. You crave peace and calm.
4. Being in crowded places overwhelms you
You don’t like being in malls, sporting events, airports or other public places with crowds of people. You feel suffocated and overly-excited. You can’t wait to leave.
5. Strong intuition
You seem to know things without being told. You sense what needs to be done or what’s about to happen. Your gut feelings nearly always prove to be correct.
6. Pain intolerance
More than others you know, you have a lower threshold for pain tolerance. You can’t stand getting shots, feeling nauseated, or dealing with a minor injury. You may even have had a doctor tell you to stop complaining so much.
7. You must have alone time
You need time every day with no sensory input. You want to withdraw to your room or another quiet place to recharge.
8. You avoid negative media images
You find it extremely disturbing to watch or read about tragic news events or see unpleasant images. It bothers you so much, you avoid looking at these images at all costs.
9. You can easily tell when someone is lying
All you need to do is look at their faces or listen to their tone of voice, and you know instantly whether or not they are telling the truth.
10. You are more sensitive to stimulants/medications
Caffeine in particular makes you more anxious and agitated than the average person. You can never drink caffeine in the evening if you want to sleep. You often have reactions or side effects to medications.
11. You often show up with the symptoms of those around you
If someone close to you is sick or depressed, you will develop the same ailments.
12. You frequently have lower back and digestive problems
These are the result of dealing with negative and stressful situations and people. Your feelings show up as these physical symptoms.
13. You are the dumping ground for the problems of others
People around you seem to gravitate toward you and unload all of their pain and problems on you. Because you are an empath, you feel compelled to help, even to your own detriment.
14. You often feel fatigued
Because others take so much from you, you often feel drained of energy and extremely tired. You might even have chronic fatigue syndrome.
15. You have a very vibrant inner life
You are highly creative, imaginative, and loving. You may be involved in the arts or other creative pursuits. You feel close to animals and especially enjoy your relationship with your pets.
16. You are sensitive to sounds and sensory feelings
Loud noises or sudden dramatic movements startle you. You also feel overwhelmed by bright lights, rough fabrics, and strong smells. You also notice very delicate smells, touch, and sounds.
17. You don’t like too many things at once
When you have to multi-task or have too much coming at you at once, you feel rattled and overwhelmed.
18. You manage your environment
You create your living and working environment to accommodate your sensitivities. You arrange your schedule and commitments to avoid unpleasant, chaotic, or overly stimulating situations.
19. You don’t like narcissists
You are particularly bothered by people who put themselves first all the time and aren’t sensitive to the feelings of others.
20. You can almost feel the days of the week
Each day of the week has a specific “feel” to it. You notice when a Wednesday feels like a Saturday. You feel particularly heavy at the start of the work week. Even months and seasons have a particular feel.
21. You are a great listener
People tell you this all the time. You listen consciously and know the right questions and comments to draw people out and make them feel heard.
22. You get bored easily
As an empath, you need to focus on work and activities that stimulate your creativity and passion. If you get bored, you resort to daydreaming, doodling, etc. However, you are still very conscientious and try hard to avoid making mistakes.
If you are an empath, know that you have an ability to use your sensitivity for your own good and the good of others. To protect yourself, mindfully manage your environment and screen out people who drain you or take advantage of your sensitive nature. Acknowledge that you have the benefit of feeling positive experiences more profoundly, and accept that your reactions to pain, anger, stimulation are normal — but not universally understood.
You are certainly not alone as an empath. A fifth of the population understands you completely and appreciates your special characteristics. People who aren’t highly sensitive can appreciate your unique qualities if you share this information with them. If you are reading this, and you aren’t an empath, perhaps you recognize these traits in someone you know and love. It is through understanding and awareness that empaths and non-empaths can live and work together in mutually supportive and thoughtful ways.
Very expressive...I do not experience what you do in this way, but I Recognize it. I believe we are all parts of a Whole, made in our ways for a Purpose, as unique to the part we are to play as puzzle pieces are to the Big Picture...all are needed to reveal the beauty that was Intended. But yes, when we are one of those pieces that does Not feel comfortable around others it can be Awfully lonely, I imagine...
You may relate to a lot of what I have said or feel nothing at all, but I have a feeling that you have some HSP traits (and possibly empathic traits). I have included a short youtube clip below of a HSP and I have also included a list of Empath Traits, so have a read through this below and see if you can relate…most people will relate to some but an empath/hsp will relate to nearly all the list.
