Unapologetically Sensitive

An exclusive meditation made by Chel Hamilton of Meditation Minis just for our listeners, and for those that are Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs). Chel's podcast has over 12 million listeners. Check out her meditations.  They're amazing!   LINKS Where to find Chel Hamilton-- https://audioboom.com/channel/meditation-minis-podcast APPLE PODCASTS: https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/id963597166/ SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bSTeVDsXWKQCRptxuZnVQ   To write a review in itunes: click on this link https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/unapologetically-sensitive/id1440433481?mt=2 select “view in itunes” chose “open in itunes” choose “ratings and reviews” click to rate the number of starts click “write a review”   Website--www.patriciayounglcsw.com Podcast--www.unapologeticallysensitive.com Facebook--https://www.facebook.com/Patricia-Young-LCSW-162005091044090/ Instagram--https://www.instagram.com/unapologeticallysensitive/ Youtube--https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOE6fodj7RBdO3Iw0NrAllg/videos?view_as=subscriber e-mail--info@unapologeticallysensitive.com Show hashtag--#unapologeticallysensitive MUSIC—Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com

EPISODE Bonus Episode Day 26 TITLE Everyone Gets to Own Their Awesome! PLUS exclusive meditation just for our listeners! GUEST Chel Hamilton EPISODE OVERVIEW We talk a lot about play and inhibition, and I ask Chel how do we take those first steps when we want to let go, but we’re really scared. The interview takes an unexpected turn when Chel asks me something, and I get tearful, and have a pretty big insight! I was NOT expecting this.  The is so much freedom and joy on the other side of letting go of fear and inhibition and we talk about how to get there. This leads to a conversation about the importance of community, support, validation and knowing that you’re not alone as a sensitive. I wonder about the connection between childhood wounding and our preferred love language because I can see a direct correlation since my preferred love languages are Quality Time and Words of Affirmation. Chel talks about the benefits of meditation and silent meditation for Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) as well as hypnosis. Guided meditation can be really helpful when you’re having feelings of overwhelm, stress, overstimulation because your body and mind will engage your relaxation response—your parasympathetic system, which is going to soothe your entire system, which will also create more calm for you, which also improves our emotional responses. Chel ends with talking about the quote Brene Brown uses about The Man in the Arena by Teddy Roosevelt and how to focus on feedback from those that are actually in the arena doing the work.   BIO As a certified Clinical Hypnotherapist in practice for over a decade, and over 20 years of working with addicts and alcoholics, Chel has helped thousands of people let go of habits and thought patterns, and re-design their lives for more joy, freedom, and confidence. Through her guided meditation podcast “Meditation Minis” (with over 12 million downloads) she has helped people create more calmer, clearer, and happier lives. Her mission is to be an agent of change of powerful, positive change for the planet, and her passion is to that light that sparks in people’s eyes when that change occurs.   HIGHLIGHTS Silent Meditation or focal point meditation (when you focus on your breath, or an object or a word) is good for training your brain to focus, and letting go of distractions. It can also be good for mindfulness, which is the practice of noticing what you’re thinking and feeling in the moment because you no longer become distracted by those things Guided Meditation is closer to hypnosis. It can cause focus to increase, but it also reprograms the brain to have different reactions What happens with guided meditation or hypnosis is that your body is in a trance-like way your body and mind starts having difficulty differentiating between reality and what you’re picturing. This is the power of imagination and visualization. Hypnosis has more direct suggestions, so it’s similar to doing a guided meditation, but it often focuses on literally changing habits QUOTES Girl! There is only one of you in the Universe! Everyone gets to own their awesome! The more you own your awesome; it gives others permission to own their awesome I want to renew my sense of play in life and set aside perfection I think everybody gets to do a happy dance much more frequently than we typically do As a Highly Sensitive Person, it’s important that we do bring more play in If we’re going to feel all the feels…why can’t feel all the outrageously positive feels too? We get to choose what we believe Beliefs that are nourishing to us, we get to choose to have more of, and beliefs that are depleting to us, we get to acknowledge and set aside(ren)], and party with them Most of what we choose to take as truth, are actually beliefs we choose to believe All of this is for play and exploration, and adventure and fun, and I get to create more of that I’m talking about incorporating play and fun into what we’re already up to. Even in a more powerful way In those times when you are feeling overwhelmed, and/or are in a place of doubt or dread, there is so much power in just acknowledging where you are at, and taking 3 deep breaths   LINKS Where to find Chel Hamilton-- https://audioboom.com/channel/meditation-minis-podcast APPLE PODCASTS: https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/id963597166/ SPOTIFIY: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bSTeVDsXWKQCRptxuZnVQ     How weird are you? JP Sears--https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaPjy7FB254   Saying YES! to your Weirdness | JP Sears | TEDxCardiffbytheSea-- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79zra755WgA     SHOW PAGE: https://audioboom.com/channel/meditation-minis-podcast APPLE PODCASTS: https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/id963597166/ SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/4bSTeVDsXWKQCRptxuZnVQ   To write a review in itunes: click on this link https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/unapologetically-sensitive/id1440433481?mt=2 select “view in itunes” chose “open in itunes” choose “ratings and reviews” click to rate the number of starts click “write a review”   Website--www.patriciayounglcsw.com Podcast--www.unapologeticallysensitive.com Facebook--https://www.facebook.com/Patricia-Young-LCSW-162005091044090/ Instagram--https://www.instagram.com/unapologeticallysensitive/ Youtube--https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOE6fodj7RBdO3Iw0NrAllg/videos?view_as=subscriber e-mail--info@unapologeticallysensitive.com Show hashtag--#unapologeticallysensitive MUSIC—Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com

EPISODE Bonus Episode Day 25 TITLE My Son’s Perspective on Sensitivity GUEST Daniel Young EPISODE OVERVIEW I hadn’t really discussed what it means to be a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) with my boys since I found out I was an HSP when they were in high school, so I was curious to see how my son viewed sensitivity.  He talks about how sensitivity is viewed when you play sports (he played baseball from Kindergarten through high school).  He talks about having to get “tougher skin,” which is when I believe he started to push down some of his sensitivity. BIO Daniel is a freshman at Cal State University Long Beach where he is studying criminology.  Daniel is a talented rapper who writes and performs his own songs.  He is an amazing graphic designer and photographer.  He took all the headshots on my website (and the pic of me podcasting that I use for the podcast).  LINKS To write a review in itunes: click on this link https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/unapologetically-sensitive/id1440433481?mt=2 select “view in itunes” chose “open in itunes” choose “ratings and reviews” click to rate the number of starts click “write a review”   Website--www.patriciayounglcsw.com Podcast--www.unapologeticallysensitive.com Facebook--https://www.facebook.com/Patricia-Young-LCSW-162005091044090/ Instagram--https://www.instagram.com/unapologeticallysensitive/ Youtube--https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOE6fodj7RBdO3Iw0NrAllg/videos?view_as=subscriber e-mail--info@unapologeticallysensitive.com Show hashtag--#unapologeticallysensitive MUSIC—Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com

EPISODE Bonus Episode Day 24 TITLE Working Together and Respecting Different Needs and Expectations GUEST Solo episode—Patricia Young EPISODE OVERVIEW After surviving a long 9 days when my kids were home from college with their guests, I talked about how I needed to figure out how to create and maintain balance in Bonus Episode 23 since my boys will be home for a month for winter break.  Jacquelyn Strickland, who has been running the Highly Sensitive Person--HSP Gathering Retreats for many years commented on my post encouraging me to rethink my statement to “It will be important for the group [my family] to come up with ways that allow everyone to enjoy each other’s company while also respecting different needs and expectations.” This got me thinking about how I have made my HSP needs my problem instead of seeing that as a family, we need to figure out something that works for everyone.  We also came up with the idea of setting up my son in the “North Wing” when he comes home (aka garage!). BIO Patricia Young, LCSW is a therapist in San Diego who is in private practice.  Patricia works primarily with Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) helping them understand their HSPness, and to turn their perceived shortcomings into superpowers.  Patricia is passionate about providing education to help HSPs and non-HSPs understand and truly appreciate all the gifts we have to offer.    LINKS Dr. Elaine Aron—www.hsperson.com   Jacquely Strickland/HSP Gathering Retreat--http://www.lifeworkshelp.com/hspgathering.htm   To write a review in itunes: click on this link https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/unapologetically-sensitive/id1440433481?mt=2 select “view in itunes” chose “open in itunes” choose “ratings and reviews” click to rate the number of starts click “write a review”   Website--www.patriciayounglcsw.com Podcast--www.unapologeticallysensitive.com Facebook--https://www.facebook.com/Patricia-Young-LCSW-162005091044090/ Instagram--https://www.instagram.com/unapologeticallysensitive/ Youtube--https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOE6fodj7RBdO3Iw0NrAllg/videos?view_as=subscriber e-mail--info@unapologeticallysensitive.com Show hashtag--#unapologeticallysensitive MUSIC—Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com

EPISODE Episode 7 TITLE The 5 Love Languages GUEST Dr. Tom Murray EPISODE OVERVIEW Dr. Tom Murray explains why it’s important to be able to speak your partner’s love language. Most people identify their top 2 love languages. Words of Affirmation-the person needs to hear, “I love you,” and receive compliments. There is a sense that words hold value. This will strengthen the bong to hear that your partner cares deeply about you. Quality Time-giving your partner undivided attention. Spending time together feels comforting and satisfying. Your partner may be bothered if you’re on your phone during these times Receiving Gifts-Receiving tokens of appreciation shows the person that their partner is thinking of them. It’s showing signs of appreciation, and it’s not so much about being materialistic Acts of Service-for these people, actions speak louder than words. They feel loved and cared for when their partner does things that help to make their life easier (washing the car, picking up something on the way home, doing the dishes). Physical Touch—this can be things like holding hands, kissing, public displays of affection, sitting close together. HIGHLIGHTS It’s possible for us to want a certain type of love language to be used with us, and we resent it at the same time Tom believes that it’s really helpful when a partner recognizes that the other partner may be loving them with the love language that is their partner’s preferred love language. If you want to figure out your partner’s love language, you can observe how they respond to other people in their relationships Men, culturally have a harder time acknowledging that they have needs Men need support in allowing themselves to receive in a way that’s meaningful to them When we have parents that don’t provide a rich emotional environment, many times we don’t recognize our needs since it wasn’t modeled for us Improv can be great for Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) to help them be less in their heads and more in the moment BIO Dr. Tom Murray, international trainer, educator, and couples and sex therapist, is a widely sought-after expert in the fields of sexuality and intimate relationships. For 15+ years, Murray has worked with everyday folks to embrace their weirdness, shed labels and shame, lean into anxiety, and build better and stronger relationships. Murray's appeared in numerous venues, including the Huffington Post and The Daily Mail, as well as radio, television and podcasts, including the Practice of Being Seen and Shrink Rap Radio. Murray directs a group practice in Greensboro, NC and holds a faculty appointment at Northwestern University’s Family Institute.     LINKS Website— https://drtommurray.com/ Self-assessment for the 5 Love Languages-- https://www.5lovelanguages.com/profile/ Downloadable self-test-- https://www3.canyons.edu/faculty/rafterm/0%200lli%20loveandloss/Day%20Files/Day%201%20Files/5%20Love%20Languages%20Assessment.pdf   Dr. Elaine Aron-- https://hsperson.com/   To write a review in itunes: click on this link https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/unapologetically-sensitive/id1440433481?mt=2 select “view in itunes” chose “open in itunes” choose “ratings and reviews” click to rate the number of starts click “write a review”   Website--www.patriciayounglcsw.com Podcast--www.unapologeticallysensitive.com Facebook--https://www.facebook.com/Patricia-Young-LCSW-162005091044090/ Youtube--https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOE6fodj7RBdO3Iw0NrAllg/videos?view_as=subscriber e-mail--info@unapologeticallysensitive.com Show hashtag--#unapologeticallysensitive MUSIC—Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com

EPISODE Bonus Episode Day 23 TITLE How to Care for Ourselves When We are Depleted GUEST Solo episode—Patricia Young EPISODE OVERVIEW After having 4 teenagers staying with us for 9 very long days, I talk about how depleted I am, and how challenging it was to be the only Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) who is sensitive to sounds, people and noise in a household of 6.  It brought back those old feelings of feeling like I’m a freak and not asserting myself because I felt like I was being too picky.  I realize that I need to assert my needs and figure out how to negotiate with others in order to have an environment that works for everyone.  I realize that because of this, I haven’t done a very good job of teaching my boys how to be sensitive and considerate of others’ needs.  I always made it about me, and I didn’t require them to be more mindful about this. They kids will be back for close to a month over spring break, so it will be important for me come up with some ways to allow myself to maintain peace and balance. BIO Patricia Young, LCSW is a therapist in San Diego who is in private practice.  Patricia works primarily with Highly Sensitive People (HSP) helping them understand their HSPness, and to turn their perceived shortcomings into superpowers.  Patricia is passionate about providing education to help HSPs and non-HSPs understand and truly appreciate all the gifts we have to offer.    LINKS   Website--www.patriciayounglcsw.com Podcast--www.unapologeticallysensitive.com Facebook--https://www.facebook.com/Patricia-Young-LCSW-162005091044090/ Instagram--https://www.instagram.com/unapologeticallysensitive/ Youtube--https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOE6fodj7RBdO3Iw0NrAllg/videos?view_as=subscriber e-mail--info@unapologeticallysensitive.com Show hashtag--#unapologeticallysensitive MUSIC—Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com  

EPISODE Bonus Episode Day 22 TITLE When No One Shows Up to the Party, Send Out More Invitations GUEST Solo episode—Patricia Young EPISODE OVERVIEW I have an weekly online group, and for 2 weeks, I rushed to be there on time, and I was the only one.  I felt angry and resentful and disappointed because I count on this group and the connection.  For 2 weeks, I cut things short to be on time because I value this group.  I realized that I need to add more members to the group (I’ve just been too busy, so I haven’t made it a priority, but my resentment was an indication that I need to take care of myself).  HSPs tend to be very loyal, conscientious and committed to what we do.  It’s not uncommon for us to overwork and overdo in relationships.  If this works for us, there’s no problem, but often we end up feeling resentful or feeling like it’s more important to us than the other person(s).  It’s our responsibility to take care of ourselves and our needs.  BIO Patricia Young, LCSW is a therapist in San Diego who is in private practice.  Patricia works primarily with Highly Sensitive People (HSP) helping them understand their HSPness, and to turn their perceived shortcomings into superpowers.  Patricia is passionate about providing education to help HSPs and non-HSPs understand and truly appreciate all the gifts we have to offer.    LINKS   Website--www.patriciayounglcsw.com Podcast--www.unapologeticallysensitive.com Facebook--https://www.facebook.com/Patricia-Young-LCSW-162005091044090/ Instagram--https://www.instagram.com/unapologeticallysensitive/ Youtube--https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOE6fodj7RBdO3Iw0NrAllg/videos?view_as=subscriber e-mail--info@unapologeticallysensitive.com Show hashtag--#unapologeticallysensitive MUSIC—Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com

EPISODE Bonus Episode Day 21 TITLE Losing My Sh*t! It’s NOT about the Gravy! GUEST Solo episode—Patricia Young EPISODE OVERVIEW I win the triple crown award for B*tch of the day for Thanksgiving! It was a stressful day filled with noise, overstimulation, too many people, overwhelm and some mishaps. I dropped a handful of swear words with all of my guests present in my home over a gravy mishap.  It’s NOT about the gravy.  There were stressors leading up, but I shamed my husband (which is totally NOT ok).  I also talk about “the bank of mom,” and how when the bank of mom is depleted, you cannot make withdrawals before making some deposits or it impacts our relationship.  A friend crowned herself “Victim of the Day,” and my neighbor dropped a whole pie before they left the house.  How was your holiday? I’d love to hear all about it! The good, bad and ugly. BIO Patricia Young, LCSW is a therapist in San Diego who is in private practice.  Patricia works primarily with Highly Sensitive People (HSP) helping them understand their HSPness, and to turn their perceived shortcomings into superpowers.  Patricia is passionate about providing education to help HSPs and non-HSPs understand and truly appreciate all the gifts we have to offer.    LINKS   Website--www.patriciayounglcsw.com Podcast--www.unapologeticallysensitive.com Facebook--https://www.facebook.com/Patricia-Young-LCSW-162005091044090/ Instagram--https://www.instagram.com/unapologeticallysensitive/ Youtube--https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOE6fodj7RBdO3Iw0NrAllg/videos?view_as=subscriber e-mail--info@unapologeticallysensitive.com Show hashtag--#unapologeticallysensitive MUSIC—Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com

Vulnerability alert! I'm getting caught up with the number of downloads (listeners) to the podcast, and I'm feeling a little depressed because I'm connecting my sense of value and worth to how many people are listening.  I'm questioning, "Do I matter? Am I important? Is what I have to say important?" and I'm thinking that, "No one wants to hear about me."  My friend Laura Carr, LMFT reminds me that this is like dieting and getting on and off the scale and feeling good if the numbers go down, and feeling bad if the numbers go up.  My value and worth are not connected to downloads.  My "why" for doing this podcast is to create a tribe and a culture where we embrace sensitivity, and we feel really good about who we are.

This is a simple episode thanking all the listeners (and I mention all of the countries that you are listening from!).  I give a special shout out to my husband Steve Young, my mom Judy Winkler, and my 2 best friends Laura Carr, LMFT and Maureen Fitzgerald.  I offer a simple exercise in gratitude.