Shared DNA for sure. I can't drive in a car with music and conversation at the same time. It's one or the other. Strong smells trigger an intense response in me, whether they are good or bad. Songs stuck in my head will keep me up all night, and they are normally songs I hate, but somehow know all the words to. Bright lights, ack (so please, everyone, stop using those bright pink and magenta backgrounds on facebook)! I really thought I was on the spectrum, but maybe it is highly sensitive senses. Want someone who will feel your pain, right along with you, pick us. Love you!
I know what you mean. It's killing me right now that I can't treat a mangy fox. He looks at me and I can literally feel his pain. Helps to identify it, though. May you have peace.
Instead of being called too sensitive, I was told all my (even still) that I am too thin skinned. Now as I’m older that comment holds true in two ways. Literally my skin has thinned, and I am too sensitive especially with how my heart gets tugged so easily. I used to be sensitive to smells. Sadly I can’t smell at all. It wasn’t COVID as it had happened several years ago before then. I cannot even smell the acridness of tar being used on my neighbors new roof nor the wonderful smell of flowers. Nothing.
I think the intent of both comments is the same. But if anyone says it to you now, you can just tell them your dermatologist is working on it. The loss of smell would be huge for me! That's a life tool in all kinds of ways. Thank you for sharing with us.
The good, the bad, the ugly, and also the beautiful, the horrible and painful. I am recalling the old "every time I drop my jelly bread, I drop it jelly side down." Not true but it may seem like that to some people who remember the negative experiences more than the positiive ones because of the pain or the inconvenience or only god knows why. What we focus on and where we choose to spend our time has much to do with the results. Thus far my senses are intact and acute. Except for hearing and I have little button things in my ears to enhance sounds. The good part? I can take them out and turn off the noise. For a treat? "Step away from the noise into solitude bathed in silence. Refreshing silence, nurturing Spirit. Food for the soul."
Feeling with and for others, honest empathy, is a gift, and can also be a burden. Tears of joy and tears of pain, coming from the same place. Heart-felt, genuine, humane.
Thank you, Trevy! Your essay has given me a lot to think about. Seems to me that being sensitive and being an introvert go hand-in-hand. Perhaps one causes the other. Chicken or egg?
I was always told to toughen up. When I read Elaine Aron’s ‘Highly Sensitive Person’ book, it was a revelation.
The world might prefer me to toughen up, but half an hour ago I watched shooting stars from my garden and it was so beautiful I wept tears of joy and wonder.
(Six shooting stars in 20 mins!) 💫
Why would I want to toughen up and miss the moments of wonder?
Just reading this Trevy as I always look forward to your stories and how they hit home for so many to enjoy! I also love the photo’s that tie it all together!!!
I've got this too. It might be mercury poisoning-some people have an inability to excrete it well enough, something about a slow second phase and so on. Mercury chelation Andy Cutler style seems to have helped mine to smooth out a bit. And metals don't just affect the physical operations of the body, they also affect mental states. Cutler has a great discussion of what different heavy metals do psychologically to a person.
This is very good
Thank you, David. I appreciate your support!
You are quite welcome - I love your work and always look forward to reading it when you take something live:)
You're the reason I like Substack!
You just made my whole day lady >3
😊
Shared DNA for sure. I can't drive in a car with music and conversation at the same time. It's one or the other. Strong smells trigger an intense response in me, whether they are good or bad. Songs stuck in my head will keep me up all night, and they are normally songs I hate, but somehow know all the words to. Bright lights, ack (so please, everyone, stop using those bright pink and magenta backgrounds on facebook)! I really thought I was on the spectrum, but maybe it is highly sensitive senses. Want someone who will feel your pain, right along with you, pick us. Love you!
While I'm sorry you're also afflicted, it's good to have company who understands! Love you back.
Something I've dealt with my whole life. I feel things too much sometimes, usually other emotions, so much it hurts
I know what you mean. It's killing me right now that I can't treat a mangy fox. He looks at me and I can literally feel his pain. Helps to identify it, though. May you have peace.
Ugh! I know! When it's something innocent like an animal it breaks your heart. Mange is foxes seems so common right now
It is. And I've accidentally treated raccoons and a crow while trying to help him, which is probably not good, so I'm giving up. We do what we can❤️
Instead of being called too sensitive, I was told all my (even still) that I am too thin skinned. Now as I’m older that comment holds true in two ways. Literally my skin has thinned, and I am too sensitive especially with how my heart gets tugged so easily. I used to be sensitive to smells. Sadly I can’t smell at all. It wasn’t COVID as it had happened several years ago before then. I cannot even smell the acridness of tar being used on my neighbors new roof nor the wonderful smell of flowers. Nothing.
I think the intent of both comments is the same. But if anyone says it to you now, you can just tell them your dermatologist is working on it. The loss of smell would be huge for me! That's a life tool in all kinds of ways. Thank you for sharing with us.
The good, the bad, the ugly, and also the beautiful, the horrible and painful. I am recalling the old "every time I drop my jelly bread, I drop it jelly side down." Not true but it may seem like that to some people who remember the negative experiences more than the positiive ones because of the pain or the inconvenience or only god knows why. What we focus on and where we choose to spend our time has much to do with the results. Thus far my senses are intact and acute. Except for hearing and I have little button things in my ears to enhance sounds. The good part? I can take them out and turn off the noise. For a treat? "Step away from the noise into solitude bathed in silence. Refreshing silence, nurturing Spirit. Food for the soul."
Feeling with and for others, honest empathy, is a gift, and can also be a burden. Tears of joy and tears of pain, coming from the same place. Heart-felt, genuine, humane.
Well said, Gary. And the ability to turn off your hearing as wanted is brilliant! Thank you.
Thank you, Trevy! Your essay has given me a lot to think about. Seems to me that being sensitive and being an introvert go hand-in-hand. Perhaps one causes the other. Chicken or egg?
Yes I've got that too😆 We should get together and make lunch with these chickens and eggs! Thanks for being here❤️
Thankful for pointing out the sensitivity in nature. How affirming 🙏💜
I thought so too❤️ And I can definitely spot which ones they are in my household!
Wonderful composition! Thank you!
Thank you! I appreciate it.
I was always told to toughen up. When I read Elaine Aron’s ‘Highly Sensitive Person’ book, it was a revelation.
The world might prefer me to toughen up, but half an hour ago I watched shooting stars from my garden and it was so beautiful I wept tears of joy and wonder.
(Six shooting stars in 20 mins!) 💫
Why would I want to toughen up and miss the moments of wonder?
Jackie, that's a beautiful outlook! I'm glad to have you in our sensitive company :)
Just reading this Trevy as I always look forward to your stories and how they hit home for so many to enjoy! I also love the photo’s that tie it all together!!!
Thank you❣️ Makes me happy that you enjoy!
I've got this too. It might be mercury poisoning-some people have an inability to excrete it well enough, something about a slow second phase and so on. Mercury chelation Andy Cutler style seems to have helped mine to smooth out a bit. And metals don't just affect the physical operations of the body, they also affect mental states. Cutler has a great discussion of what different heavy metals do psychologically to a person.