“Unleashing Happiness” a monthly blog by Karen Lee Stevens

Director of Wellness Programs, Karen Lee Stevens tackles topics related to mental health and the human-animal bond, along with a healthy dose of humor (because let’s face it, sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying!).

BLOG POST #20 – Sensitivity Is My Strength (Part 2)

April 8, 2025
by KAREN LEE STEVENS

My blog post about sensitivity really resonated with readers last month, so I decided to dive back into the emotional deep end with a follow-up post.

First of all, thank you all for your feedback! I’m thrilled so many of you related to my tales of over-the-top empathy and sensory overload. It turns out we’re not alone in our quest to navigate a world built for those with more emotional fortitude.

This reader perfectly captured what I was trying to convey: that our sensitivity, often perceived as a weakness, is actually the foundation of our strength. It’s the wellspring of our empathy, compassion, and ability to heal. I appreciate this reader’s perspective and for reminding us all that our capacity to feel deeply is a gift to be cherished, not a burden.

At times, my sensitivity still feels like I’m riding the emotional equivalent of a yo-yo on a sugar rush. But here’s the thing: I’m getting better at this! I’ve learned to stock up on items for an emotional emergency kit for these situations. My kit includes:

• Foam earplugs: For when the world’s volume knob gets stuck on “a thousand toddlers having a drum circle in a metal shed.”

• Aromatherapy balm: To create my own bubble of calming scents (lavender is my personal favorite).

• Emergency chocolate: For when all else fails. (And honestly, it often does.)

• Favorite book: Because sometimes you just need to read about someone else’s feeling for a while.

• YouTube: With the channel set to “calming music videos” that play nonstop on my TV.

And, perhaps most importantly, I’ve (nearly) perfected the art of the strategic exit from activities at the end of the evening. I’ve discovered that saying, “I need some time to myself to wind down and meditate before sleep” has proven quite effective and allows me to slip into slumber where I’m able to rest, recharge, and dream.

Speaking of dreaming… my children’s book, Little Ruby’s Big Dream is coming along beautifully. Now that I’ve finished writing the book, I’ve begun working with an illustrator to bring Ruby’s character to life. Ruby is becoming my furry role model as she learns to remain calm and focused amidst the challenges of daily life.

Yes, I still tear up at commercials. But now, I do it with a knowing smile and a box of tissues within arm’s reach. So, fellow sensitive souls, let’s continue to embrace our emotional quirks. Let’s build our emotional emergency kits, find our mantras, and cry with gusto at those heartwarming commercials.

After all, as the ongoing saga of our sensitivity reveals, we find ourselves, once again, in the deep end of this beautifully messy, tear-jerking, chocolate-fueled journey together. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go refill my emotional emergency kit and maybe finally invest in a waterproof mascara.

To read last month’s blog on sensitivity, visit: https://therapydogsamerica.org/sensitivity-is-my-strength.

And please share your comments with Karen at karen@therapydogsamerica.org.