57: I feel that sometimes I can be too sensitive and need to develop a thicker skin - how do I go about doing this?

I’m also a very sensitive person and I asked myself the same question for years, up until very recently. The answer is that instead of trying to reduce your sensitivity, you should manage any potential negativity that was brought about from it. Think of an instrument, it’s value is based on it’s level of sensitivity (of course we are more then mere instruments and I’m not trying to say that a sensitive person is more valuable than an insensitive one.. I’m attempting to show the value in sensitivity itself).

One technique in managing sensitivity is by not taking things personally. For example: there is no reason to be hurt when the person at the deli is annoyed with you, after working ten hours and having their co-worker call out sick. When people lash out in a negative way, it’s about who they are, not about who you are. You will never be able to control how other people act or react, you will only be able to control your own actions. It will take time before knowing this will be doing this.

Sensitivity is an instrument that is used to feel both the ups and the downs of life. I agree with Buddhist philosophy in that to experience happiness is to experience sorrow and vice-versa. I know from life experience that attempting to deny negative feelings results in the loss of those opposite positive feelings. They are connected like the yin and yang in a circle. I’m not hear to tell anyone how to live their life, but I will tell you that, what I have mentioned is the sacrifice for denying sensitivity. To answer your question objectively I would say that you develop “thicker skin” by becoming less happy with the smaller joys. One variable that I try to take advantage of is ‘point of focus.’ Not all things need to be addressed at all times. If there is an aspect about something that makes you unhappy you can switch focus. When you re-apply focus to that subject, you will still have to balance out your feelings but the time between should help you manage them.

Imagine being completely insensitive. Would you want to live like that? Now rejoice in your sensitivity. The reality is, our incarnations are very short and we are here to create and witness the universe. That witnessing is across all of our emotions. Embrace your sensitivity but don’t let it rule your emotions. Allow yourself feeling, but understand that at the end of the day, God/the Universe has your back!!