Linda McHenry

Author: Linda McHenry

  • Are You, or Someone You Know, a HSP (Highly Sensitive Person)?

    Are You, or Someone You Know, a HSP (Highly Sensitive Person)?

    Are you a HSP? Does any of this sound like you, or someone you know?

    • Do any of the following regularly bother or overwhelm you: loud noises, bright lights, clothing with rough textures, crowds?
    • Do you notice details other people seem to miss?
    • Do you respond emotionally to music, art, and/or nature?
    • Can other people’s moods make you happy, sad, angry, etc.?
    • Are you a deep thinker?
    • Do you prefer small, or one-on-one, gatherings to large social events?
    • Do you have a low tolerance for pain, caffeine, and/or medication?
    • Can movies and books make you cry?
    • Would you prefer to have a deep, intimate conversation instead of engaging in small talk?
    • Has a family member or loved one referred to you as “too sensitive?”
    Are you a HSP?

    I first heard the term highly sensitive person in the late 1990s when my ex-husband presented me with the book written by Elaine Aron, The Highly Sensitive Person. At the time, her research was viewed as controversial and, in the intervening years, is accepted as scientifically accurate. She’s also written several follow up books (https://hsperson.com/books/).

    Here are a few details.

    (At the end of the post, I’ll provide more links if you want to investigate more thoroughly.)

    • HSPs represent about 15-20% of the population.
    • This trait is present in more than 100 different animals. Scientists believe it may be associated with the ability to adapt and survive.
    • HSPs process their thoughts and emotions more deeply than others do. During clinical research, parts of their brain actually respond differently.
    • Because of this deep processing, HSPs tend to become easily overwhelmed by external stimulus (i.e., sounds, smells, bright light, other people’s emotions).

    Are you a HSP? Here’s Elaine Aron’s self-test, if you’re interested: https://hsperson.com/test/highly-sensitive-test/.

    FYI, of a possible 126, I scored 112, which represents 6.2 on a scale of 7. Anything over a 5 indicates a person is probably highly sensitive. Of course, there are different kinds of sensitivity; I scored higher in some areas than others. These areas are:

    • Overstimulation
    • Sensitivity to positive experiences
    • Social sensitivity
    • Depth of processing
    • Emotional reactivity
    • Sensitivity to details

    What I found interesting about the different scores in the preceding 6 areas, is that I was spot on when it came to recognizing in what areas I’m most sensitive.

    So, what do you think? Are YOU an HSP? Care to share your thoughts?

    Here are a few resources:

    Sensitive Refuge: https://highlysensitiverefuge.com/

    Elaine Aron’s website: https://hsperson.com/

    NeuroLaunch: https://neurolaunch.com/hsp-properties/ and https://neurolaunch.com/category/hsp-insights-and-sensory-solutions/

    Cleveland Clinic: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/highly-sensitive-person

    Are you a HSP?

     

  • What’s Your Favorite Crystal/Gemstone?

    What’s Your Favorite Crystal/Gemstone?

    What’s your favorite crystal or type of gemstone?

    Have you ever pocketed stones when beachcombing? What color or type of rocks do you prefer? For example, I know a woman who only gathers pure white stones. How about jewelry–what’s your favorite crystal or gemstone?

    My interest in crystals started a few years ago when I bought a bracelet with pretty stones in it. The packaging included a card that said the stone had certain properties encouraging serenity and stress relief. And sure enough, I felt calmer when I wore it. That’s probably why I chose it in the first place.

    We all have favorite colors, textures, and moods. As I studied more about the healing properties of crystals, I realized that I’d had an affinity for them for about 20 years—without even realizing it!

    When I lived in Montana, a client of mine made handcrafted jewelry. She allowed me to choose the beads I liked and made several (like a dozen) necklaces and pairs of earrings. It wasn’t until recently that I realized ALL the beads I’d chosen then, except for one, were actually crystals (i.e., semi-precious stones) and crystals I have an affinity for now.

    To get this conversation started, let me know which group of stones YOU prefer from the image at the right:

    1: Three dark green stones (all different stones)

    2: Three different colored stones with designs (different categories of same stone)

    3: Two orangey-red stones (same stone)

    4: Five different colored stones with designs (different categories of same stone)

    5: Three blue stones (two different stones)

    6: Two swirly-patterned stones (same stone)

    7: Three stones—pink, clear, purple/white (three different categories of same type of stone)

    Feel free to ask any questions and I’ll share what knowledge and insights I have. FYI, if I receive a lot of similar questions, I’ll be happy to create a blog post addressing specific topics.

    P.S. Extra points if you can guess which of these stones actually makes the back of my head tingle when I hold it in my hand.

    Here are some websites where you can learn more:

     

  • What Do Writing Fiction, Watercolor Painting, and Crystals Have in Common?

    What Do Writing Fiction, Watercolor Painting, and Crystals Have in Common?

    To answer the question, what do writing fiction, watercolor painting, and crystals have in common? the answer is: ME!

    I’m finding myself seeking something different from Social Media these days, something more in line with what matters to me. I know that sounds selfish (because it is) but maybe you feel the same way.

    Now that I’m semi-retired and able to spend more time doing what I love (writing fiction, watercolor painting, and crystals), I find that I prefer to “chat” with people who share the same interests. A flash of inspiration struck, so I’m now prompting conversations on these (and other interesting to me) topics on my blog over at https://lindamchenry.com/blog.

    Feel free to head over and join in the exchange! Some of the conversations appearing soon include:

    • What’s Your Favorite Type of Crystal/Gemstone? (posting at noon on Monday, 2/3)
    • Are You, or Someone You Know, a Highly Sensitive Person? (posting on Friday, 2/7)
    • Are You a Pantser, Plotter, or BOTH? (posting on Monday, 2/10)
    • Sometimes, Do You Just KNOW? (posting on Friday, 2/13)
  • Book Babble and Insurance Payoff

    Book Babble and Insurance Payoff

    Learn all about Lindaland and my two new monthly get-togethers: Book Babble and Insurance Payoff. If you’re a writer or insurance professional, why don’t you join me?

    Looking Backward

    The past couple of years have been a time of discovery for me, as I stepped away from working full-time in the insurance industry. Now, I’m spending my time:

    • Writing. I finished one novel and am working on another. I’ve also written several short stories and a few insurance textbooks.
    • Teaching live insurance continuing education webinars 3 days a week for BetterCE.
    • Offering training/consulting services.

    I gained some podcasting experience during this time, and you can find short videos on YouTube at Taking the Mystery out of Insurance and The Writer’s Voice playlist. I also created and hosted Craft Chat, a live monthly video meeting where unpublished members of our writer’s organization met with me and another published writer to ask their questions about the craft of writing.

    This coming October I’ll celebrate my 50th year working in the insurance industry, and 2024 marks my 18th year as a published writer. These two industries I love have provided me with the ability to support myself and my family while also allowing me a creative outlet and the ability to realize a personal dream.

    The Here and Now

    Now that I have some time on my hands, I fully intend to have fun and I invite you to join me!

    What I liked most about my podcasts and Craft Chat were the interactions with people who share my interests. Sharing our unique perspectives and experiences was uplifting and, in many cases, inspirational.

    What I liked least was the technical work bringing the podcast conversations to a finished product and limiting my Craft Chat participants to members of my writer’s organization.

    To use an old Romper Room saying, I put my thinking hat on. Then, I grabbed the magic wand my friend Lois McElravy gave me, waved it over my head, and promptly came up with two brilliant ideas. (Okay, I admit, there was more to the process than that!)

    Moving Forward

    I’m now hosting two monthly Zoom meetings at Lindaland: Book Babble and Insurance Payoff. Regardless of which meeting you attend, the setting is one for us to gather, chat freely about topics of interest/concern to us, and support each other.

    • Book Babble – for writers of all genres, published and unpublished
    • Insurance Payoff – for insurance professionals

    I also envision these meetings as offering potential matchmaking opportunities. No, not for romance, silly! But for:

    • Writers who want to connect with possible beta readers, critique partners, and other writers who can help with those craft challenges.
    • Insurance professionals who are seeking access to new markets, refreshing sales ideas, and other industry representatives who can broaden their horizons.

    For more information visit Lindaland on my website.

  • I am a Tiger

    I am a Tiger

    I am a tiger: lyng lazily in my cage, watching life march by.

    • Soft and cuddly, warm and furry, colorful and bold – catching your eye.
    • Lumbering and slow, yet fleet and fast when in danger.
    • Pacing back and forth, twitching my tail, impatient in anger.
    • Loud and fierce, roaring in pain, scaring you away.

    I am a tiger: dozing lazily in my cage, keeping life at bay.