My life has been one lived as a highly sensitive person as far back as I can remember, constantly feeling different from others but never understanding why. Unfortunately, it was not until I was in my 40’s that a friend brought it to my attention that I was an empath.
“An empath”? I had no idea what she was talking about, but for goodness sake, she holds the title of “Dr.” in front of her name. So, I was not going to let her know I was clueless about the subject. Once I returned home from our visit, I immediately began researching what it meant to be an empath. After reading many articles and taking a multitude of “Are You an Empath?” questionnaires, I quickly confirmed her accusations were correct; I am an empath. I may only be at the beginning of my awareness journey. Yet, I’ve gained a profound understanding and insight into my life. Most specifically, the “why” I have felt so different for most of it.
An empath is a person who possesses high levels of sensitivity to the world around them. During my discovery journey, I came across Dr. Judith Orloff, New York Times best-selling author of The Empath’s Survival Guide: Life Strategies for Sensitive People. In her book, she describes empaths as “emotional sponges” who absorb the world’s joy and stress.
Dr. Orloff goes on to explain that everyone has a subtle energy field that extends inches to feet surrounding them, which communicates emotions, well-being, and distress. Empaths are highly sensitive to these energy fields because they do not possess the same filters as others do. Dr. Orloff’s expertise on the topic of empaths has proved to be the most beneficial resource I have yet to come across. To learn more about Dr. Judith Orloff and her work with empaths, you can check out her website here.
Through my research and experiences, I’ve chosen the top 5 characteristics that resonated with me the most when I started my discovery journey. So take a moment to ask yourself the following questions to see if you identify with any of these characteristics. If so, this could likely indicate you, too, are an empath!
1. Has anyone ever referred to you as being “too sensitive”?
In past relationships, I have carried the label of being “too sensitive.” Heck, I even put that label on myself, often wondering what’s wrong with me or why other people’s emotions affect me so strongly? The results were usually negative and exceptionally draining! Empaths feel the emotions and energy all around them. They are highly sensitive to their environment, experiencing situations more intensely no than others.
Intimate relationships can be challenging for an empath, mainly because they are prone to become victim to a narcissistic partner. That would define the first two serious relationships in my adult life. I thought I was crazy about the level of emotional intensity.
For an empath who does not realize their gift, it is easy to carry labels. Labels like the one who is too sensitive, too emotional, and constantly stressed out. But good news, empaths, awareness is life-altering, and third time’s a charm!!! I am now happily married to Mr. Wonderful, who understands and appreciates my extraordinary gift. Next month, I will discuss how to maintain relationships as an empath, so make sure to check it out!
2. Do you prefer large groups or small intimate settings?
Due to the extreme sensitivity of other’s emotions, empaths will usually prefer one-to-one or tiny groups. They quickly fall into the category of introverts. When I am in a large group or crowd, I tend to become anxious and overwhelmed.
I remember as a child, I never wanted a birthday party. During my college years, I wanted to be social and go to parties, but honestly, I drank my way through it. Alcohol numbed the sensitivity, which allowed me to be in large group settings such as parties. When I became engaged, I did not want a wedding shower. Wedding? Not that either! Baby shower during pregnancy? Double hell no, not with pregnancy hormones!! Placing myself in a room with that many people would send my sensitivities into overload. I was never comfortable in group settings throughout my entire life but never knew the reason until recently.
It is also common for an empath to be labeled as “shy” and to form addictions as a means of coping. Over time, I have become more at ease in large groups and have learned techniques to assist me. I enjoy being social, but in small doses. After being in a social setting, alone time is a must so that I can recharge. In November, I will be discussing how to set boundaries as an empath, so be sure to come back for tips!
3. After you have been in a large group of people or around people who exhaust you, does it take you longer than others to recuperate?
My sensitivities are on high alert in public settings such as fairs, concerts, or amusement parks. The noise, the smells, the people, the lights, my senses take it all in for a small while. However, my brain begins to shut down, making it difficult for me to answer the most trivial questions. After being in a large crowd or placed in an exhausting situation with difficult people, I have a hard time letting go. It is after these situations that I require more alone time than average. A simple 20-minute nap just won’t cut it for me. I spend hours upon hours sitting quietly in nature. Yes, Mother Nature is my number one go-to, as is for many empaths, for recharging.
4. Do you ever feel like you are everyone’s therapist or perhaps keeper of the darkest secrets?
I often wonder if I have a sign on my forehead that says, “tell me your most intimate problems”! Your sensitive nature radiates in a field around you that others feel. Your compassion and special abilities attract people to you for advice, even strangers! It never ceases to amaze me what all a stranger will tell me. I will end up talking to someone I don’t even know for a good 30 minutes about their life.
My husband jokes with me by saying, “You act like you care, which keeps them talking.” But the truth of it is, I do care. Compassion runs deep for an empath because you feel the story they are telling you. It just doesn’t feel like you are engaging with a stranger.
5. Are you easily upset by arguments?
At times, I have been in the presence of others who are arguing and yelling; my body becomes tense, and a heavyweight comes upon me. The anxiety, tension, and fright I feel when I am in the presence of an argument make me feel like I were a small child in the middle of a domestic violence situation. Keep in mind; these are feelings from strangers’ conflicts; you can only imagine when I am personally involved in an argument. Hang it up; I’m toast for weeks!
I try to avoid conflict at all costs! Unfortunately, this approach in life comes with a price. When you keep true feelings bottled up inside to avoid conflict, your emotional and physical well-being both suffer! As an empath, if I were personally involved in an argument, it would be days to weeks that I held onto the pain. I found it much easier to go along with a situation or a person than to speak my truth. My natural tendency to be a peacekeeper, who is full of compassion, is what landed me in a painful 10-year marriage to a narcissist.
The website Highly Sensitive Refuge offers a great article about the intricate relationship between a highly sensitive person and a narcissist. If you are interested in learning more and practical ways you can protect yourself from a narcissist, feel free to visit their website.
As mentioned before, this is a shortlist of empath signs and indicators that resonated with me. It is by no means encompassing the multitude of characteristics. You can find an extensive list that details all the different types of empaths in The Empath’s Survival Guide: Life Strategies for Sensitive People. In her book, Dr. Orloff lists 20 questions that serve as a self-assessment, but you can access the same questions by visiting her website. After you take her 20 question self-assessment, be sure to let me know if you discover that you are an empath too.
As I mentioned earlier, I am new on this journey of discovery. So I welcome feedback and insight (but remember to be kind about it, I am sensitive, wink). On my journey to self-discovery, I am starting to embrace this idea of being your “authentic self.” Now, I know part of my authentic self is an empath. I hope you found the information I shared helpful to reconnect with your authentic self as well. Additionally, check out a unique way of (re)connecting with your authentic self here.
As mentioned previously, I want to welcome you back to continue this 3 part series on my life as an empath. In November, I will discuss how to maintain relationships as an empath. Then in December, I will provide helpful ways to protect your empath energy just in time for the holiday season!
Before leaving, I want you to ask yourself a few questions. Do I struggle with confidence? Do I let fear hold me back from accomplishing my dreams? Finally, does my self-worth frequently get in the way of living my best life? Is there any area of your life where you lack joy and abundance?
If you answered” Yes” to any of these questions, then welcome to my world, my friend! Won’t you please join my beautiful field of Wildflowers where we can grow together! Send me a message at Wildflowersoul70@gmail.com so that you can be the first to know when I launch my “Wildflower Soul” website!
Additionally, check out my Facebook Page. I look forward to growing with you! Read more about Wildflower Soul here.
We all have a Divinely Elevated (higher) purpose in life to serve the greater good.
Our Divinely Elevated Purpose is to use our blessed gifts and talents for sharing our light with other sisters searching for healing as well.
So we hope you find the information we provide on this site helpful and it inspires you to start rising!
However, you don’t have to do it alone. Let’s rise together by encouraging all of our sisters to join us in choosing to live our best lives in light, love, peace, and happiness!
For additional guidance or support, contact us here, or join our DEW Sister Tribe below!
Each week various extended activities, relating to the focus for the week, will be available to our tribe sisters for practice.
Such activities could include meditations, affirmations, worksheets, journal prompts, mentorships and more.
Additionally, you can tap into some amazing positive energy for encouragement, inspiration, motivation, wisdom, love, light, positive energy, and support from other like-minded sisters working toward similar goals.
So check us out sis and let’s start rising together!
The first portion of our travel therapy will include reviews and tips of the places we’ve traveled.
The next portion will include videos highlighting some of our favorite experiences.
The final portion will incorporate our “art therapy” piece into our travels.
First, grab your favorite snacks and beverage.
Then get cozy and ready to experience our unique virtual art gallery exhibition.
Finally, be prepared to elevate your mood and enjoy the show!
A little responsible retail therapy is an awesome way to maintain balance, as well as raise your vibration.
So head over to our shop and browse around for some unique DEAR originals created with light, love, and positive energy to elevate your space today!
We are all unique, traveling along our own individual journey. Every person’s journey is different because every person is a unique individual. What may work for one may not work for another.
YOU (and your Inner Goddess) are the only one who knows what fits best in your journey and what makes the most sense for you.
So, maybe reading doesn’t float your boat, or perhaps you are a visual learner. Either way, subscribe and follow our Youtube channel today! We update it weekly with short videos regarding mindfulness, meditation, poetry, prayers, angel invocations, and more!
We hope to provide encouragement, inspiration, love, and light to any sister who wants to start rising with us to be Divinely Elevated!
Therefore, all of our services are entirely donation-based. Pay whatever you can, even if that means paying it forward at a later time.
We believe the focus should be on the actual healing. So if you are interested in working with us, feel free to request more information or schedule an appointment.
Namaste
Phone: 502-233-9305
Email: startrising@divinelyelevated.com
We have been certified by Divine Guidance to be a light-worker, healer, and educator. Professional education, training, and certifications are included in our nearly 50 years of experience. While we are addressed by many titles; medical doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed therapist, we are not. We provide the information and advice (including sister-friend therapy, art therapy, retail therapy, travel therapy, and all other services) on this site in good faith.
No information on this site is intended to serve as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
We care about your well-being, so if you need assistance beyond our experience, the following is an additional resource:
SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information.
This website uses cookies.
Read More
