Being sensitive as a photographer is a positive

When I was growing up, I would hear it a lot.

"You're so sensitive!"

And it was always brought up as a negative. I felt too much, I hurt too much, I WAS too much. I needed to be toughened up. I needed to have less feelings, whether they were negative or positive.

As an adult, I still get called sensitive. By others, as well as by my own thoughts. The difference now, after some experience and perspective, I can see being sensitive as mostly a positive.

I've had some realizations in the past few years, and some just in the past few days, about what it really means to be sensitive:

Being sensitive means seeing little details in the world that others might not

Being sensitive means being able to pick up on what others are feeling

Being sensitive means being kind

Being sensitive means noticing the quiet ones

Being sensitive means giving others the space and support they need

Being sensitive means processing things deeply

Being sensitive means being easily moved by art, movies, music

Lastly- being sensitive can be a challenge

Now – I'm not saying I don't get derailed at times, and step on some toes as a result.

Being sensitive means that when something really hits home, I get riled up. Sometimes I forget that when someone is acting really strong and loud, around them is where I need to be most careful with my words – which is really hard when I for once have something to say.

Being sensitive also means I can get overwhelmed easily, but I've learned to create systems to work as well as I possibly can under sometimes stressful circumstances.

Being sensitive means I'm uncomfortable in big groups with a lot going on, when I'd rather dive deep with just one or two people.

I need to continue reminding myself that being sensitive on the whole is a good thing. And that sometimes as a deep thinker and sensitive soul, I sometimes need to tread lightly when I do get the urge to be vocal.