I've been a medium for more years than I want to say, and I've learned an important lesson: just because I sense something doesn’t mean I have to carry it.
Many sensitive people struggle with this.
- You might walk into a room and instantly feel something is off.
- You could sit with someone you love and notice they aren’t quite themselves, even if they say they’re fine.
- You may have a normal conversation with someone, then find yourself thinking about them for hours.
Sometimes, you might not know you’ve picked up on something until you ask yourself, “Why do I feel this way?”
I’ve felt this, especially when I was younger and learning about my sensitivity. I thought that if I noticed someone was sad, I had to help. If I sensed someone’s anxiety, I needed to address it. If someone around me struggled, I felt responsible to fix it.
Honestly, it’s exhausting.
One of my biggest lessons has been realizing:
- I can notice something without taking it on myself.
- I can love someone without carrying their emotions with me.
- I can support someone without losing myself in the process.
- I can feel deeply without needing to understand every single emotion I have.
Sometimes we get so used to questioning ourselves that every small change in our feelings leads us to wonder. We might ask, “Why do I feel strange today? Is this feeling mine? Have I picked something up? Is my intuition trying to tell me something?” Sometimes, the answer is just, “You’re tired. You’ve had a lot going on. You need some quiet time. You need to focus on yourself.” It doesn’t always have to be complicated.
Now, when I realize I’m carrying too much, I simplify things. I stop, get quiet, and ask myself, “What did I feel before all of this?” This question helps me refocus on myself: my feelings, my body, my needs.
Sensitive people need this reminder sometimes. You don’t have to be less caring. You don't have to toughen up. You don’t have to stop feeling deeply. You need to remember that you can let go of things, even things you understand, care about, or belong to loved ones.
So, if you've felt weighed down lately, instead of asking what else you need to fix, think about what you’ve been carrying that you don’t need to keep. Be gentle with yourself this week.
Michelle x
The Modern Day Medium
