You're Not Too Sensitive

Jewel's CD available at Amazon. This post is dedicated to my nephew, GP, whose kind words lifted my spirit yesterday.

Dear GP:

I want you to practice these words. "That's not true." Say it calmly and softly with love in your voice and a smile on your face. You know, the way Thich Nhat Han speaks.

Whenever anyone says any of the following: 1. You're too sensitive. 2. You can't do that. 3. You're not creative, or any other such bullshit. You say: "That's not true," and walk away happily basking in the knowledge that you can do anything.

You are a marvelous, gifted person with an acute sensitivity. Contrary to what many people think sensitivity is strength, not weakness. It affords acute perception.

Here is a survival kit for you.

Jewel's first CD. It's profound. This young woman and her mother set out on a journey to create Jewel's career. At one point they were living in a van and a frustrated Jewel was thinking of learning to type as a fall back plan. Her mother told her not to have a fall back plan. She said if you have a fall back plan, you will fall back. GP, have no fall back plan. Do what your heart tells you to do, knowing without doubt that you can do anything. Never entertain doubt. Any time doubt tries to rear it's ugly head, say "That's not true."

I have often used the line on the cover of Jewel's CD. "What we call human nature is actually human habit." Sometimes adults take part in behavior that is cruel and just plain wrong. They then try to cop out by calling the behavior human nature. Abhorrent behavior and words are not nature, they are habit. The nature of human beings is to be joyful, and kind, and yes, even sensitive. That's true.

I am particularly in love with Jewel's song about sensitivity. Wish I had written it. She talks about how careless words tear her apart, she's sensitive and wants to stay that way. She owns her sensitivity proudly. She realizes sensitivity is strength, not weakness. That's true.

Here is a survival kit for you. You should probably read these two books before embarking on corporate America (or maybe even high school). We can read them together if you like.

The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine Aron. Link.

Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman. Link.

GP, you have given me some of the happiest moments in my life. I am so glad you came from Heaven to share yourself with us. You are an angel. Now that's true.