I have been part of the growing HSP "community" for several years now. Although I have little doubt that I "belong" to this community, I continue to think of myself as "The Accidental HSP." Of course, I'm not saying that there's anything "accidental" about my sensitivity, however, I did stumble into the concept of "HSPs" while in the process of studying and researching one of my long-time "pet projects:" Adult Giftedness. Although this site will often have sprinkles of information about giftedness, the main focus here will be on High Sensitivity.
So why this blog? Well, I already keep multiple web sites (a result of a syndrome known as "too many interests") and since this is mostly a writing exercise, I really have little interest in starting and maintaining yet another commercial website, just to post thoughts and musings. The good people at Blogger have made the process of keeping this type of "online journal" incredibly easy (commercial "plug" for which I receive no compensation) so I've chosen to use their templates, rather than code a whole new web site.
So what am I planning to do with this? Apart from being a personal writing exercise and informal "newsletter/journal," it's my intention to provide a "voice from real life" as an HSP. There's already a fair amount of information online, concerning the more "scientific" and "psychological" aspects of being a Highly Sensitive Person, but not nearly so much help, if you just want to read about some of the day-to-day trials and tribulations of an HSP. Also, much of the information available is pretty specific, and not drawn together with perspectives from other NON-HSP sources. Unfortunately, any group that spends a lot of time looking "inwards," tends to eventually isolate itself inside its self-definition. On this site, I will attempt to limit the "Us vs. Them" discourse, in favor of a more "globally inclusive" tone, and generally included content intended to help the HSP live an easier life in a world not designed for HSPs.
I am not sure how often I will write here, nor for how long I will do this. I spent some time considering whether or not my feelings would be hurt if nobody ever read this journal, but concluded that since I am writing it mostly for myself, having others read is a "bonus" rather than an "expectation."
