On my recent post I labeled three certain things as "challenges" and thought that perhaps I should rephrase that statement and look at them from a different angle. I like doing that, so this time I'm looking at these and thinking about what blessings have come about from having these things as a commonplace in my everyday life, which somehow seem to become emphasized when I'm in social settings. I might add before I go further into this that this was also an inspiration I received after listening to a talk today. Part of that talk he mentioned some things about loving yourself, and he mentioned something along the lines of taking a moment to focus on the things that are going right in your lives. This isn't entirely doing that, but I felt like I needed to sit down and think about my gifts and abilities. In reviewing those things, I will remember who I am and what's so special about being, well, me. So I'm taking those three "blessings" and using them as a guide to direct those thoughts.
- Quiet: Ah, Blessed silence! No one knows its value better than those of us who experience it often. What are the benefits of being quiet? Listening, for one. I enjoy a cordial conversation with someone. There's even more of a plus when I find someone who loves to talk. That person gets to chatter away to their heart's delight, while I get to listen with mine. Great stuff. Then there's those golden silent moments when nothing has to be said. Sometimes those are the most powerful moments. Quiet times allow for more ability to observe and learn about the surroundings, picking up on things that wouldn't be noticed if one's too busy talking. There are so many amazing things hidden in those little details! The ability to take time alone merely to think and reflect on things has always been an enjoyable activity. Yes, all too many times, people might tease or comment on the lack of volume or words coming out, but the ironic thing is that it's for those exact same things that many people find valuable and admirable. Being quiet is awesome. Just saying.
- Occasional Shyness: Shyness a blessing? It can be. Sometimes shyness means that more care is taken. Nothing is jumped into without great thought. Achievements are met and celebrated quietly. Announcing them to the world is embarrassing, and sometimes feels demeaning depending on what the accomplishment is. Most of all, being the center of attention isn't a natural or comfortable place. Being in the crowd, and possibly even in the back corner shadows are the places we belong, and one advantage to this preference is that it is more presentable and approachable to people. While they may have a shallow admiration to the one in the spotlight, it's the one next to them with the quiet and peaceful presence that they'll turn toward and entrust with their need for deeper connection.
- Sensitivity: When most people talk about HSPs, they talk a lot about the physical sensitivities, particularly putting them into a negative perspective. It often sounds like everything someone is sensitive to causes anxiety and discomfort, but that's not always the case. There are many things that actually are pleasing to the senses, and affect the system so much that a case of overwhelm turns more into over excitement rather than fear. LOL. Love that version of overwhelm, even though it might turn on the insomnia switch. Some of the things I find pleasing can be as simple as being able to feel the breeze or listen to it blowing through the trees up to being able to connect to the arts such as music and live theater. So many things out there available to please the senses! Another part of being sensitive is being sensitive to the environment and people around you. That can be a blessing or a curse, depending on the situation, but it's a rather valuable gift, particularly in this world when understanding and kindness are being needed more. There's no reason to be embarrassed to feel the deep feelings that come with the package. They are the reason any sort of good in this world exists.
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| Quiet Moments |
