Many highly sensitive people (HSPs) are caught between their natural creativity and their painful anxiety about sharing their creations with the world. One of my specialties is helping HSPs untangle the knots of performance anxiety. Here’s what you need to know about HSPs and performance anxiety to start to set yourself free.... Read More
5 Anxiety and Depression Signs in Sensitive People (Plus 10 Lies Not to Believe)
Recognizing anxiety and depression signs in sensitive people is crucial--whether you are sensitive or someone you love is a highly sensitive person. The signs of anxiety and depression often sound like deceptive narratives that subtly infiltrate your thoughts, leading you to believe that "this is life" with little hope for change. Looking closely at the signs of anxiety and depression can help you take steps toward healing. ... Read More
Born to Shine Book Review: Stories of Christian HSPs
As an author and book writer coach who loves writing real stories and helping others share their stories, sometimes you come across a book that seems to speak directly to your experiences; "Born to Shine: Navigating Life for the Sensitive Soul" feels just like that kind of read. It offers a glimpse into the personal journeys of Christian women who identify as Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs), outlining the struggles and triumphs associated with a sensitive nature. While the stories of Christian HSPs are rarely shared, this book is unique in focus and scope.... Read More
Realistic Goal Setting for the Highly Sensitive Person
As a highly sensitive person, you may have a unique set of personality traits that influence the way you approach realistic goal setting. Your sensitivity to your environment and stimuli may make it difficult to focus on specific goals and may cause you to become easily overwhelmed or stressed. However, with the right strategies and mindset, you can learn to set realistic goals that align with your values and strengths and work towards achieving them in a way that feels manageable and fulfilling.... Read More
New Julie Bjelland Journey to Authenticity Course Launches
By signing up for this HSP journey to authenticity course with Julie Bjelland, you'll be in for a wonderful explorative path of working through you strengths, finding what motivates and inspires you, as well as discovering how you are wired. ... Read More
5 Empowering Ways to Say No During the Holidays
During holidays and busy seasons (like May if you have kids), sticking to your boundaries becomes even more important. The holidays can be a stressful time for many, but especially for those who are highly sensitive. With obligations piling up and social events filling the calendar, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. However, saying "no" is often difficult, as no one wants to disappoint friends and family during the festive season. It's important for sensitive individuals to be firm, yet gentle with themselves by discerning their limits and not taking on more than they can reasonably manage. ... Read More
3 Ways of Understanding the Highly Sensitive Person Nervous System
When I first started my parenting journey 18 years ago, I was not familiar with the work of Dr. Elaine Aron or the highly sensitive trait. All I knew at the time was everything felt like it was just too much. I felt continually overwhelmed and like there was something wrong with me that I couldn’t quite figure things out in the ways that others seemed able to. I had no understanding of the highly sensitive person nervous system, but would eventually discover that regulating my nervous system was essential to thriving as an HSP.... Read More
22 Firm, Yet Gentle Ways to Say No for HSPs
For many adults and highly sensitive people alike, saying no doesn't come naturally. You may have had parents who allowed other family members to walk all over them, or you might been surrounded by adults in your family who were good at having firm personal boundaries. Yet as you navigate decisions, your sensitive nature has taken charge over the years and you've found it too difficult to say no in your own life. Either way - nature or nurture - we can all benefit from 22 firm, yet gentle ways to say no for HSPs.... Read More
6 Practices for Protecting Your Energy as a Highly Sensitive Person
For the highly sensitive person (HSP), paying attention to your energetic boundaries and how you can develop realistic practices for protecting your energy is very important. Protecting your energy is a way for you to create safety, compassion, and care around your energy field so you can show up in the fullness of who you are without becoming depleted, resentful, and guarded.... Read More
5 Helpful Breathwork Styles for the Highly Sensitive Person
Being highly sensitive means that we can be prone to getting stuck in our heads, overwhelmed by our emotions, and preoccupied by physical sensations. There are many ways to counteract these tendencies, but one of the simplest is through breathwork, intentionally using our breath to change our experiences. In this article, I share five helpful breathwork styles for the highly sensitive person.... Read More