Three simple strategies empaths and introverts can use to keep themselves open to loving others.
“I used to dislike being sensitive. I thought it made me weak. But take away that single trait, and you take away the very essence of who I am. You take away my conscience, my ability to empathise, my intuitive, my creativity, my deep appreciation of the little things, my vivid inner life, my keen awareness to others pain and my passion for it all.”
I tried being the “tough” person and I really didn’t like who I became. I lost my sense of self, and the ability to not only hear my intuition but also feel the pain of those around me- the very essence of who I was. I felt like I was scrambling around in the darkness, without a light or compass.
Sure, my heart was protected, it no longer felt hurt or pain. People weren’t able to drag me down or throw daggers into my heart- but how could they, when it was guarded with stone?
Although being someone who is soft and sensitive opens you up to feelings of disappointment and hurt, it also acts as a powerful force of truth and love. Love is one of the most powerful energies we can harness, and I want to give it freely to those around me and to this community in Paper Crane Of Hope.
I believe that those who are sensitive, empathetic and vulnerable are some of the strongest people I know. And although it’s easy to slip down into a state of sadness, we are also able to experience incredible unshakeable joy.
It’s taken me many years to learn how to remain in a state of joy, despite the trials and tribulations that many empaths face. Being in joy does not mean you don’t face sadness. We will at times feel the feelings of sadness- it’s normal, it’s what makes us human, and it’s what gives us our empathetic heart. But to me, joy is remaining in a state of gratitude, self-care, and love.
I want to share with you just a few strategies I use, to ensure that I don’t slip down the path of hardening my heart, and keeping myself open to loving others around me.
1. SELF-CARE SELF-CARE SELF-CARE
This looks different for different people. For me, it’s a regular commitment to attending my Muay Thai boxing classes. When I exercise, I feel good. And when I feel good, I can give good.
I also try to eat a balanced diet- healthy foods with the sometimes so-called “naughty” food.
Other forms of self-care I try to regularly do are:
Write in my journal.
Have alone time at the beach.
Listen to music.
Read a good book.
Study (because I actually love it! haha)
Spend time with my husband.
2. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO “GET YOU”.
I know many of you reading this are INFJ’s, or at the very least, introverts. Being an introvert in an extrovert world can be exhausting! We relate to the world differently. We process information in a unique way. And most of all, our energy levels are depleted by social interaction.
Therefore, it’s important to have friends that “get you”. Find your introvert buddies. I love my introvert friends- they get me, they get it when I have to say “no” to socialising, there is no judgement. I don’t need to feel bad, or guilty (and we all know that this is a common feeling that empaths feel!)
They lift me up and make me feel supported- and in return I can do the same for them.
3. SPEAK WITH A COUNSELLOR.
This is one of the best things I’ve done for my mental health. Speaking with a counsellor allows you to get things off your chest before it becomes a deep and embedded problem. Speaking with a counsellor will help bring clarity to your problems. Speaking with a counsellor means you can finally talk and feel heard. As empaths and introverts, normally it’s us that do the listening! Listening is a skill that not many people possess. Seeing a counselling means that finally, someone will hear you. And when you feel heard, you feel empowered.
Keep being you- we need more sensitive and loving people in this world.
With love and kindness,
Sam x
