Howdy frens! 🌼

I’ve been a bit quiet lately—life’s been a juggling act, and honestly, I'm impressed and honored about how resilient I can be. Sometimes, you just have to honor your own rhythms and go at your own pace. That’s actually one of the main lessons from a book I recently finished (and keep returning to):

The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You by Elaine N. Aron, Ph.D.

📖 This book had been on my list for ages, and like many books I’ve picked up recently, I wasn’t expecting it to reinvent the wheel. But it turned out to be a refreshing and insightful read.

☝🏻Whether you consider yourself an HSP (that’s the acronym used throughout the book) or not, you’ll probably find some nuggets of wisdom or practical advice you can use in your own life. And if you know someone who fits the HSP profile, it’s even more valuable—it offers real insight into how they experience the world, and how you can support them without neglecting your own needs.

One thing I especially appreciated is how Aron distinguishes between being shy and being highly sensitive. It’s not necessarily about lacking self-confidence (though low self-esteem can sometimes go hand in hand with HSP, for reasons the book explains in depth). Sometimes, it’s just about needing to find your own way of doing things—not the extroverted way society often expects, but a gentler, more thoughtful approach.

🧠I also loved that the author is herself an HSP and shares plenty of personal stories. It makes the book feel relatable and validating, and you might even have a few “aha!” moments about your own life or about people you care about.

📕 It’s a pretty easy read, though I found myself pausing and rereading some parts to really let them sink in. The world isn’t always accommodating to gentler, softer souls, but that doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with them. In fact, what many see as a weakness can be a real strength, and this book helps you reframe and appreciate that.

I definitely recommend it—maybe it’s not for everyone, and that’s okay. According to the author, HSPs are a minority, but their voices matter just as much as anyone else’s.

👀 Have you read this book? Would you like to? Or do you have any other recommendations for personal growth and self-compassion reads?

Godspeed, my frens! 🌱