Sensitivity Is My Strength

“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 #19 – Sensitivity Is My Strength

March 10,2025
by KAREN LEE STEVENS

I have a confession to make… I’ve always been a tad sensitive. I can sniffle my way through a whole box of tissues watching commercials (the ones with those sad, shivering puppies and kittens always get me), feel the weight of other people’s emotions, and often get overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, and big cities. And don’t even get me started on those big box stores! Let’s just say the sheer surge of stimuli is enough for my adrenal glands to file a formal complaint with my brain.

For most of my life, I thought being sensitive was a weakness. I worked hard to toughen up (mostly to please my parents), built walls around my feelings, and put on a brave face even when I felt like crumbling inside. But it never really worked. In fact, the more I tried to suppress my sensitivity, the more intense it became. It was like trying to hold a beach ball underwater – it just kept popping back up and smacking me in the face.

It wasn’t until later in life, through therapy, mindfulness practices, and lots and lots of chocolate, that I began to understand that my sensitivity isn’t a weakness– it’s actually a strength. It allows me to connect with others on a deeper level, to appreciate the beauty in small things – the way the sunlight filters through the leaves, the sound of wind chimes in the breeze, the quiet comfort of a purring cat. It’s the reason I can offer genuine comfort to a friend in need, to truly empathize with their struggles, and to celebrate their joys as if they were my own. And honestly, it’s a big part of why I love my work with therapy dogs so much. They mirror our emotions so beautifully, and I can feel their gentle understanding right down to my toes. They don’t judge my tears; they offer a warm, furry shoulder to cry on.

Now, don’t get me wrong. Being sensitive doesn’t mean I’m a doormat. It means I’m a doormat with excellent boundaries… mostly. I’ve learned (with varying degrees of success) to say “no” to things that drain my energy, like a sugar-fueled kid’s birthday party or an excruciatingly detailed conversation about the merits of plastic vs paper straws. I’ve learned that sometimes hiding under the covers with a bag of popcorn and a sappy rom-com is the best form of self-care.

This journey of embracing my sensitivity has inspired me to write a children’s book. It’s an autobiography of sorts… it’s about a puppy named Ruby, who’s basically me in fur form. She’s easily startled by loud noises, gets overwhelmed in large crowds, and often feels different from the other puppies, who appear carefree and confident.

But Ruby has a big dream — to become a therapy dog, one of those calm and gentle dogs who help people feel happy and relaxed. As the story unfolds, Ruby learns calming and grounding techniques from her wise animal friends and she masters important therapy dog skills such as the challenging “leave it” command from an encouraging trainer. Ruby discovers that her sensitivity isn’t something to be ashamed of; it’s actually her greatest gift.

It’s my hope that Ruby’s story will resonate with other sensitive souls of all ages. I want them to know it’s OK to feel deeply. It’s OK to be different. And it’s definitely OK to cry at commercials! Our sensitivity is what makes us human, what makes us empathetic, what makes us artists, healers, and caregivers. It’s something to be celebrated, not suppressed. So, embrace your inner Ruby! You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not broken. You’re just really, really good at feeling things. And that’s a strength, even if it means braving a trip to the big box store to stock up on tissues.

Little Ruby’s Big Dream will be published this summer by Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara. Please send an email to karen@TherapyDogsSB.org to receive updates and an invitation to our Book Launch Paw-ty!