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  Volume 32                 Inspiration and Information for Highly Sensitive People 
March 2011   
In This Issue
Seeing Clearly
The Right Doctor
Sunshiny Days
Featured Book
Request for Support
Making Sense of Your High Sensitivity
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In my book, I reflect upon my life and provide a unique perspective on the lessons I have learned as a highly sensitive person.

 

Learn More  

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"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence."

 

~ Helen Keller  

 

HSP Gathering Retreat 
[img: Rolling Ridge]Celebrating the 21st HSP Gathering Retreat since 2001.

WHEN: May 26th - May 30th 2011

WHERE: Rolling Ridge Retreat Center  in North Andover MA

Dr. Elaine Aron will be a guest speaker, via teleconference.

Publish Your
Own Book 
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SEMINAR: How to Write, Publish and Market Your Book

WHEN: Saturday, April 16th, 2011

WHERE: Princeton Marriott in Princeton, New Jersey

Eileen Sinett, President of Comprehensive Communication Services, is one of the speakers at this event. Eileen has been a great resource in helping me cope with my social anxiety and fear of public speaking.

How Optimistic Are You?
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Some people see only storm clouds where others are able to spot silver linings. Take this quiz to help determine where you fall on the optimism scale.
 
Music CDs
Music CDs
Music Therapy for Healing and Wellness


These beautiful recordings use psychoacoustic techniques to gently shift brain waves in support of well-being.

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Dear ,  

 

[img: bird]Although we've recently had cold weather and snow in New Jersey, I'm finally starting to see signs of spring. Like many highly sensitive people, my mood is adversely affected by winter's lack of sunlight and frigid temperatures. I always feel a sense of renewal when I see flower buds slowly emerging, and the days getting longer. It feels as if a weight has been lifted,  and I can't wait to get outside and enjoy the milder weather.


This month's feature article, "I Can See Clearly Now" hints at another new beginning for me. After struggling with the decline of my eyesight, my eyes have recently been given new life, thanks to wonders of modern medicine. 


This year, I want to get the most of out of new beginnings and really take advantage of all the opportunities they offer. I've made a conscious choice to make optimism and hope my buzz words of the day. Do you look for the things that you can feel good about? Since highly sensitive people can easily get caught up in the negative aspects of life, it's important that we find things to appreciate and look forward to.
I Can See Clearly Now

[img: eye]Over the past six months, my eyesight has been getting worse. I was having difficulty seeing street signs, the images on my television, and I was having problems with night driving. 

At first, I thought it was all part of the natural aging process. Having worn glasses since I was ten years old, my eyes have never been perfect. I figured that I just needed a new eyeglass prescription and then everything would be fine. I was in denial about the possibility of having any serious vision problems.

I hadn't had an eye exam for three years. At my last appointment, my optometrist had discovered cataracts in both eyes, but he didn't think they would bother me for another ten to fifteen years. He recommended that I follow up with another exam in six months to monitor any significant changes. Figuring that I wouldn't have to deal with the issue for a long time, I wasn't too concerned about the situation. If this was hereditary, my mother didn't have cataract surgery until she was eighty-four.

As time wore on, however, it became obvious that I needed to figure out what was going on. I went to Dr. Santamaria, the ophthalmologist who operated on my mother for her cataracts. He told me that my sight had gotten significantly worse and that I needed cataract surgery on both eyes as soon as possible.  

The idea of having this surgical procedure was alarming to say the least. I couldn't even put eye drops in my eyes without feeling anxious. While any type of medical procedure is a major source of stress for me, the fact that it was my eyes elevated my fears even more. Dr. Santamaria immediately sensed my concern and put my mind at ease when he told me that there would be no discomfort or pain involved. I also felt better when he told me that he had done over 18,000 procedures.

[img: glasses]Over the course of one week, I had two cataract surgeries, which I'm pleased to say were extremely successful. In fact, my sight is so clear now that I don't need glasses for driving, and in most cases, I don't even need reading glasses. Colors are beautiful and more vivid than ever, and I'm noticing things that I never would have seen before. Until my sight was restored, I had no idea how badly my vision had deteriorated. It's amazing when you're able to get a fresh perspective on life, and I'm grateful for the chance.

Of course, you don't have to have cataract surgery to gain a new outlook on your life. We all get caught up in the fog of our daily routines, and often times, we can significantly improve our lives by making a few small adjustments or by adopting a better attitude. Make a conscious decision to see your life with new sight, and you just may be surprised at what comes into view.
Finding the Right Doctor

[img: Doctor]After going through my recent surgeries, I feel the need to emphasize how important it is for highly sensitive people to have a medical practitioner who can empathize with their sensitivity. For many of us, medical procedures are extremely anxiety producing. With more sensitive nervous systems, we have a low threshold for pain. As deep thinkers, we often try to research our own symptoms, and this can make matters worse as we consider every possible disease and outcome. 

Having a practitioner that you are comfortable with, and with whom you can openly communicate your concerns and questions, can go a long way in easing the apprehension. In my case, I was very fortunate that my eye doctor was able to sense and quickly respond to my sensitivity. Once he realized how nervous I was, he carefully explained the procedure, answered all my questions, and did all that he could to reassure me that everything would be fine. In my book, Making Sense of Your High Sensitivity, I discuss this topic in depth and offer an HSP-Friendly Health Care Strategy.
A Bright Sunshiny Day

 

[img: sunshine]With my restored eyesight, I am reminded of the song, "I Can See Clearly Now", a #1 hit, written and recorded by Johnny Nash. Originally released in 1972, it achieved blockbuster success in the US and the United Kingdom. This song was later recorded by many artists throughout the years, including versions by Jimmy Cliff and Bob Marley.

In addition to having an upbeat tempo, the lyrics of the song are beautiful and profound.

I can see clearly now the rain is gone.

I can see all obstacles in my way.

Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind.

It's gonna be a bright, bright, sunshiny day.

It's gonna be a bright, bright, sunshiny day.

Yes I can make it now the pain is gone.

All of the bad feelings have disappeared.

Here is that rainbow I've been praying for.

It's gonna be a bright, bright, sunshiny day.

Look all around, there's nothing but blue skies.

Look straight ahead, there's nothing but blue skies.

I can see clearly now the rain is gone.

I can see all obstacles in my way.

Here is that rainbow I've been praying for.

It's gonna be a bright, bright, sunshiny day.

It's gonna be a bright, bright, sunshiny day


How can you apply these words to your life circumstances? How can you clear the cobwebs from your mind and body? How can you stay optimistic in troubled times? How can you gain the strength to move confidently forward?
Featured Book

[img: book]I recently had the privilege of meeting an extraordinary gentlemen, Thomas Pierce, who wrote an inspirational and touching book called, The Last Rose: A True Celebration of Eternal Life. 

Thomas wrote about the tragic experience of losing his beloved wife and daughter in a boating accident in 2004. His courage and strength to share his story to help others is a true humanitarian pursuit. He shares the lessons he has learned, demonstrates how we can heal ourselves, and reminds us that we are never alone in our grief. 

This book is a true testimony to the human spirit and gives us hope that we're stronger than we've ever imagined.
Request for Support
Life RingThere comes a time when we all need help. This is the 32nd issue of Thoughts for the Thoughtful. (For new subscribers, be sure to check out the archives). The expense and effort that I put into this newsletter is a true labor of love.

Unfortunately though, a labor of love doesn't pay the bills. In order for me to continue to meet the expenses of this publication, I need your help and support. Aside from the time it takes me to write articles, I pay monthly fees to an email marketing provider, a stock photo company, and I hire a graphic designer/editor. If you enjoy this publication and want it to remain afloat, please consider making a donation or patronizing the online store.
Please email me if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for products, topics, or resources. I'm also interested in hearing from you if you have an HSP challenge or a desire to share your background in a guest article (< 600 words).

Warmest Regards,
Cliff Harwin
The Highly Sensitive Person Publishing Company