[One Sip of a Book] For Those Struggling with Sensitivity, the Biggest Threat Is 'This'

Some sentences encapsulate the entire content of the book itself, while others instantly reach the reader's heart, creating a connection with the book. We introduce such meaningful sentences excerpted from the book. - Editor's note

"You think too much." "You are too emotional." "Your expectations are too high." Some people hear these criticisms countless times in their lives. These are the 'sensitive and passionate' people this book talks about. Their high energy is often mistaken for ADHD, intense emotions for borderline personality disorder, and perfectionistic tendencies for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Regarding achievement, the author points out, "The greatest threat in life is not rejection by others but abandoning yourself." Then, the book introduces ways to properly recognize your tendencies, make the most of them, and respect and manage the inner passion that you have long been hostile toward.

There is no need to reject the 'adapted self' that is perfectionistic, anxious, and trapped in pleasing others. Remember that your defense mechanism is a wonderful part of you that helped you survive through very difficult times. It is okay to welcome it, greet it politely, and respect it. Think of such survival patterns as if they were a person and say, "Thank you for your help. Now that I have figured out the way, you can go and rest comfortably."

p.145

Even if you are not satisfied with what you have at this very moment, remember that this moment can only be experienced once, and someday you will long for this very moment. Instead of focusing on what is lacking, evoke a sense of gratitude for what you have. All moments in life?waiting, loneliness, parting, longing, sadness?are essential pieces of the tapestry that weaves life together.

p.206

One of the necessary steps in accepting your fate is to grieve over not having the life you wanted. Just as you mourn and grieve when you lose a person or an object, you can grieve the ideal life you always wanted but could never enjoy. You may never harmonize with others in an ordinary way. You might find it hard to feel a sense of unity with mainstream values or endure everyday activities that others commonly enjoy. But once you realize who you are, you let go of some dreams and hopes and free yourself from unattainable ideals.

p.267

The Gift of Sensitivity | Written by Imiro | Translated by Shin Dongsuk | Onward | 320 pages | 17,000 KRW