The Highly Sensitive Person Publishing Company

Photo Vincent Van Zalinge

Dealing With Conflict: My Lessons Learned by Marina Brink

Post category:Challenge and Conflict Important Life Skill

As a highly sensitive person, I have always felt suffocated by practically any kind of conflict. The intensity and negativity of a conflict-ridden situation would darken my mood, and I would feel paralyzed.

For example, many years ago, one of my co-workers seemed to be on a mission to make my life a living hell. This person knew exactly what to say to push my buttons. As a result, I was riddled with self-doubt, and I dreaded coming to work each day. I wish I could say that I handled the situation successfully, but the truth is that I eventually quit the job. Although walking away is sometimes the healthiest thing to do, it seemed an extreme measure at the time. Perhaps if I had known about my HSP nature and had better strategies to resolve the conflict, I would have dealt with the situation differently. (more…)

Wise advice from Suzanne Falter

Post category:Finding Your Career Path

Here’s some wise advice for highly sensitive people from a lecture that I attended from Suzanne Falter, the author of How Much Joy Can You Stand?

Talent and effort go together. If they do not, the talent will be wasted. –Giorgio Vasari

There’s no such day as some day.
Pursuing a dream can be easier than thinking about it.
How much commitment do you have to your dream?
(more…)

Photo by Israel Palacio

Cliff Harwin’s Interview With Grace Kerina

Post category:Finding Your Career Path

Here’s an interview that I had done with Grace Kerina in 2009:

I would imagine that working in the pest control industry would be difficult for a highly sensitive person for a variety of reasons, such as being around pesticides and killing insects and rodents. Is it? If so, how do you manage?

I’ve been in the pest control industry for over thirty years. I first became involved with the industry when I started working in my father’s business. I eventually started my own company and have been self-employed for twenty-nine years. I didn’t have a great desire to start my own business, but I realized that it was the best way for me to “survive” and sustain myself. I didn’t know that I was a HSP at the time, but my instincts told me I needed to be in a situation where I could control my work environment at my own pace. I would strongly suggest to your readers that they might be happier and more productive in their own business or in a position where they have a lot of independence.

My pest control work involves taking care of insect and rodent problems in homes and businesses. I truly feel that I’m in a helping profession. We HSPs are very helpful people! I help people by protecting them from the diseases that some insects and rodents can cause and also by protecting their properties from damage. The first thing I do is make recommendations for preventing pest problems, such as making repairs or checking for infested food products. I don’t indiscriminately use pesticides or rodenticides. I’m certified by the State of New Jersey and only use products that are approved by The Environmental Protection Agency. I see myself as an environmentalist. (more…)

Pearls of wisdom from Elizabeth M. Atkinson (fellow HSP)

Post category:Inspirational Advice Inspirational Information

Below are some important lessons that I’ve learned, which have helped me to live a healthy and happy life.

Communication works best when it’s open, easy, spontaneous. It should also include active listening.
Rules and boundaries should be clear and explicit, but also allow for flexibility.
Individuality, freedom, and personal identity are enhanced by positive self-esteem. (more…)

Inspiration and Information for Highly Sensitive People