The Highly Sensitive: How to Find Inner Peace, Develop Your Gifts, and Thrive

There is often the assumption that only women are sensitive. While women may be more sensitive than men (its a hormonal thing), I do know that I have always been told by others that I am overly sensitive. Certainly empathetic, compassionate, and I am tuned in to other people's feelings and moods, all the time. I'm a crybaby when I watch television shows or movies. Same with at weddings and funerals. I am a bit of perfectionist. I like small social settings and avoid large ones like the plague. It's a blessing and a curse. I didn't even know Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) was a thing until I stumbled upon this book on Amazon. I decided to download a sample, and within its first 25 pages this book nailed me to a tee. I purchased the book and read it in its entirety in little less than a week. Sooner if I wasn't reading other books at the same time. According to Dyer, the signs that you may be a Highly Sensitive Person are: 1. A tendency to feel particularly overwhelmed in noisy environments 2. A preference for smaller gatherings of people rather than large crowds 3. A good track record of picking up on other people’s moods and motives 4. An ability to notice little changes in the environment 5. A tendency to be easily moved by music, books, films, and other media 6. Heightened sensitivity to hunger, pain, medication, and caffeine 7. A need to recharge and relax alone on a regular basis 8. An appreciation of good manners and politeness 9. Difficulty in refusing others’ requests for fear of hurting their feelings 10. Difficulty in forgiving yourself for even the smallest mistakes 11. Perfectionism and imposter syndrome 12. Trouble handling conflict and criticism If most of these identify you, then you are likely a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). Once you are convinced that you are an HSP then the rest of the book will flow nicely for you. As Dyer jumps into how best to navigate through life as an HSP. Whatever you do, don't think of this as a disability or a mental health illness, because it is neither. It is simply how you are wired. There are probably others who are not sensitive, stoic, and not in tune to other peoples sensitivities. Dyer goes on to offer ideas on how an HSP can get through life a little bit easier. For example, how to deal with emotional overwhelm and building your emotional intelligence. How to set boundaries and say no. How to filter out toxic people in your life while at the same time not falling in love with others too quickly. Then she goes on to offer ideas on how to eliminate negative energy in our lives (this one was a bit unorthodox), how to deal with depression and anxiety. And, what careers are befitting to those of us who are HSP. How do HSPs parent, and how to detox from social media since we HSPs are so in tune to others. I can go on. This is a great book through and through. It's not an end all for HSP but it does at the very least offer clear insight into what an HSP is. And, that is all I needed. I highly recommend this as an elementary introduction into Highly Sensitive Person. There are other books out there that expound upon it in much more depth and greater detail. For me, this was all that was needed.

I have always been an HSP and found the info in this book viable. At 62 I already have had many of the skill sets down to a science but this gave me a couple of new methods and helped me to feel that I'm not alone. At one time I was a sponge with good and bad energy coming to me, I've learned to control this and this book broke down with expansion what I was already doing and why. This book gave me more confirmation which is what we all need from time to time. It helped me understand why I was always in tune with my surroundings and how to make it a safe place. For HSP it is hard to say no, but I've become very very good at it. This book explained why I had the need to practice this skill many years ago. This book helped me put me into a tangible order of who, why, what, where, and when. Confirmation was needed, thank you Judy Dyer.

Thank you for your insight into this topic. At times I felt overwhelmed reading it as it hit so close to home almost constantly through every chapter but you suggestion and strategy for coping and navigating left me with optimism. 💜

Great book! I thought something was wrong with me, now I know I am a HSP. This book has helped me understand myself at such depth, and it’s also a page turner. Thank you, Judy Dyer.

I liked how easy this book was to read. I finished it in about 90 minutes. The concepts discussed in the book are all relevant and supported with exercises to help deal with each, which I thought was also good. Where I feel like the book veers, for me personally, is that the author sometimes uses language like, “you can’t help being this way because of how sensitive you are,” — and for me, that feels disempowering. To say we cannot help but be a certain way, is to give our power away to something outside of ourselves. Yes, we cannot help but be human—for that is what we are, but even the most sensitive among us is capable of being anything we want to be. To think anything differently feels small, and even if that wasn’t the intent of the author, the language was used often enough for it to stand out to me as being something of a limiting belief about being highly sensitive.

Really enjoyed this book, i always knew i was very sensitive, always do more for others than myself & very hard on myself! This book definitely gave me a new outlook on things! Cant wait to read the next one!

Correction, I wish I had read this book as soon as I was born. Perfect priceless information. If you are drawn to this book just read it

I have felt fundamentally broken my entire life, literally since the age of 4 or 5 and I’m now 51. I now realize this is part of how I am wired and this gave me tools to help me through difficult times and also gave me permission to begin to feel ok about myself and I don’t necessarily feel broken or that something is fundamentally wrong with me. I don’t believe in crystals or burning sage etc, I am a Jesus follower and this book also helped me to open up to the fact that I am dearly loved

Great book, well written, simple to understand. I would definitely would recommend this book to those that are new to this subject.

Judy Dyer's book, 'The Highly Sensitive: How to Find Inner Peace, Develop Your Gifts, and Thrive', has been a pivotal read in my journey of self-discovery and understanding my high sensitivity. As someone who has always felt overwhelmed by emotions and sensitive to environments, this book resonated with me deeply. Dyer approaches the subject of sensitivity with a blend of empathy and profound understanding of what it means to be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). From the outset, I felt a deep connection with the characteristics and experiences described. The author not only identifies the traits of an HSP but also provides practical tools to manage everyday life. The most valuable aspect of this book for me is its portrayal of high sensitivity not as a burden but as a gift. With proper management, it can be a source of immense emotional and creative richness. Dyer offers strategies for dealing with the overwhelming emotional world, setting healthy boundaries, and managing relationships effectively. Particularly useful is the focus on protecting oneself from emotional burnout and negative energy. Techniques for clearing toxic influences and living harmoniously with one’s environment are invaluable tips for any HSP. While the book includes some unconventional methods for managing negative energy, I consider this a minor drawback compared to the overall value of the book. Dyer also tackles issues like depression, anxiety, and suitable careers for HSPs, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the impact of this trait in all life aspects. In conclusion, 'The Highly Sensitive' is an essential guide for anyone who identifies as an HSP or has loved ones with this trait. It not only provides a clear understanding of what it means to be highly sensitive but also equips the reader with the necessary tools to thrive in a world that can often seem overwhelming. This book is an excellent starting point for those seeking to understand and embrace their high sensitivity.

I bought this book a few years ago and have just re-read it. As a HSP I find it immensely reassuring and comforting, with strategies to manage feelings etc. Yes it does seem expensive for a small book, but the author also offers free downloads of books. For me, it was worth the money as it is a reference I will use again and again, written in easy to understand language with no jargon.

Although it’s an older book it is still very relevant for sensitive people. I recommend it to everyone in my family who suspect they might be over sensitive.

This book was included in my kindle subscription and was a great read. I do admit that I have no professional background in psychology; however the book is very repérable and relevant for someone who can’t filter through all the sources the internet as the offer. I would say it helped me in my beginning of embracing myself as a sensitive person. I was able to identify with many pieces of the book, and put some practical tips to use. Thanks Judy