“Why Your Sensitivity Might Be the Secret Ingredient to Exceptional Writing”
Have you ever found yourself overly affected by a tweet, a commercial, or even the ambient sounds of a bustling café? You’re not alone; many writers share this sentiment—often feeling lost in a sea of emotions and sensitivities. In “Here’s How to Thrive,” the author delves into the unique challenges faced by highly sensitive individuals, particularly those who express themselves through writing. If you’ve ever been labeled “too sensitive,” you might find reassurance in knowing that this trait can be both a gift and a curse for creative minds. It’s not merely about acknowledging our sensitivities; it’s about leveraging them to enhance our writing prowess. Forget the notion that sensitivity should be silenced; it’s time to embrace it! Let’s explore how recognizing and understanding our high sensitivity can empower our literary endeavors.
Here’s how to thrive
I didn’t know I was a highly sensitive person until I read The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine N. Aron.
If you’ve ever been told that you’re “too sensitive” and you haven’t read this book, I highly recommend you do. If you’ve read it and know you’re highly sensitive, you already have some key insights into your unique nature.
It’s one thing to be a highly sensitive person, though, and another to be a highly sensitive writer.
All the things we deal with as sensitive people can have a huge effect on our writing and our writing practice. Many times, I’ve tied myself up in knots over some issue in my writing only to realize down the road that, oh, yeah, that was that sensitive thing showing up again.
The faster we can recognize the signs of high sensitivity in ourselves as writers, the more quickly we can either a) work around them or b) use them to empower our writing — oftentimes both.
What is high sensitivity?
The trait of high sensitivity is normal, but it can be challenging to deal with, particularly in today’s society, where outgoing personalities are often most rewarded.
If you’re unsure whether you’re highly sensitive, Aron has a self-test on her website that will help. A few characteristics of the trait include:
- You’re easily overwhelmed by strong sensory input, such as bright lights, loud noise, strong smells (perfume aisle anyone?), coarse fabrics, and siren sounds.
- You tend to get rattled when you have a lot to do and not much time.
- Sometimes, you feel the need to withdraw into a quiet room to escape all the stimulation.
- You have a rich and complex inner life.
- Your parents and teachers described you as sensitive or shy as a child.
- You are deeply moved by music and/or art (maybe why you’re a writer?).
- You are sensitive to other’s needs and moods.
- You usually notice more than other people — you are the one in the room who best describes the other people around you.
- You’re able to focus…
