To connect with other human beings is an innate need for most people, but I think to connect deeply with another person can be a rare treasure to find.

For much of my life, although I had friends and family, I was isolated. I felt at once both ‘too much’ and ‘not enough’. Felt the need to both engage and withdraw. To live in my emotions and my logic. To search never-endingly for knowledge, whilst finding the quest exhausting. To need both company and solitude, often at the same time! Somehow always slightly off kilter with the rest of the world and envious of other people’s easy belonging. Longing to find ‘my people’ but not knowing where to look.

Discovering I had the trait of High Sensitivity, and am also intuitive and empathic, has been life changing. Slowly and gradually my solitary planet is being populated by others just like me. Tentatively at first, unsure of the terrain, then with surer foot. Allowing oneself to be vulnerable with another person is scary. Will I be accepted, particularly those traits society deems weird, unusual or hard to comprehend? Can I, finally, be all of who I am and not be ‘too much’?

The answer is Yes and it is wonderful.

Note: as always, all parts of this image are photographs taken by me. No AI, Photoshop or computer generated graphics are included.