It is both a blessing
And a curse
To feel everything
So very deeply.

-David Jones

For as long as I can remember, people have told me that I am sensitive. Truthfully, I don't know if it is meant to be a jab or a compliment. I only know that good movies shake me to my core, inconsiderate remarks weigh on my mind for days, and unexpected surprises make me incredibly happy. For the feelers nodding their heads in agreement, here's to you — the ones who peer through life with kaleidoscopic eyes, magnifying all that it has to offer.

In our fast-paced, capitalistic society and workplace, we are often marginalized. There is no time to mull over our emotions and no moment for deep introspection. We are taught that feelings get in the way of accomplishment. We are told to neglect our nature in favor of ruthless efficiency. We are dismissed as weak or soft — Debbie-downers or crybabies.

However, that's simply not true. It is only when we feel disconnected from purpose or disenchanted by reality when feelers withdraw into their shells. Feelers who find a meaningful cause are incomparably driven and passionate, fueled by a deep desire to change the way things are.

So instead of trying to repress your emotions, learn to identify and acknowledge them without being carried away. The goal shouldn't be to separate the mind and the heart. Allow the two to coexist, converse, and collaborate. It is this inner exchange that allows us to create meticulous, mindful, and impactful work.

Turning to personal relationships, sensitive people are often vulnerable. As people who care so deeply, we are susceptible to being hurt and disappointed. Compared to average folk, we love harder but fall harder. We laugh harder but weep harder. We let our emotions carry us to the crests of the waves only to come crashing back to shore.

Therefore, feelers must learn to pick waves wisely, devoting our time and energy to ones who appreciate and reciprocate. Only then will we be rewarded for our leaps of faith and be able to show our deep capacity for genuine connection.

Finally, in day-to-day life, feelers must learn to monitor our feelings. Acknowledge sadness, anger or envy, but do not allow negativity to consume us. Of course, this is often easier said than done. Being the emotional creatures we are, "lightening up" can be the most difficult thing when entrapped in a bad headspace. The key is to redirect our energies before we sink too deep by being in tune with one's mood and cognizant of our vulnerabilities.

Undoubtedly, living with intense emotions is a double-edged sword. I know how easy it is to slip into a rut or become frustrated when life throws us a curveball. At our worst, we can be impulsive, irrational, and moody.

However, our sensitivity is also what allows us to experience pure, unadulterated joy. It is what allows us to be empathetic individuals and great listeners. It is what allows us to bypass shallow exchanges for deep, meaningful connections. At our best, we are tender, passionate, and sentimental.

So here's to the ones who feel. After all, to feel is to live, and we wouldn't want it any other way.