I feel like a million different people sometimes, yet I have one mold as evidenced by these lyrics. I know what you mean about the yin and yang, for they are not in rhyme nor reason aligned, though are parts of one or are assigned to one as one. I find that I am in accordance with any particular group, person, by determining which type the situation calls for. I attempt to stay as one but can easily adapt to the current goings on. Phases can last if I am feeling particularly in tune with one. Have been this dichotomy, but am certainly aware of this and it's not a separation of self but rather two parts that make a whole, healthily and sanely.

No change, I can change
I can change, I can change
But I'm here in my mold
I am here in my mold
But I'm a million different people
from one day to the next
I can't change my mold
No, no, no, no, no

I often find that my needs and wants are totally separate and they conflict, like for example your descriptions of wanting to be somewhere but needing to be somewhere else.

Are wants what we THINK we need but are not? or do we want what we need?

Your last one, I can identify with that strongly. I am interested very much in the world but I don't want it to overwhelm me. I get anxious thinking about travel which I am not sure why because I wanted a career in travel in my twenties.
Maybe I found out I don't need it although I want it?



So i try to do this
“Flow with whatever is happening and let your mind be free. Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing. This is the ultimate.” - Chuang Tzu

"In Chinese philosophy, yin and yang, which are often shortened to "yin-yang" or "yin yang", are concepts used to describe how apparently opposite or contrary forces are actually complementary, interconnected and interdependent in the natural world, and how they give rise to each other as they interrelate to one another. Many tangible dualities (such as light and dark, high and low, hot and cold, fire and water, life and death, male and female, sun and moon, and so on) are thought of as physical manifestations of the duality of yin and yang"

Excellent topic Nor! I too like the idea of travel yet don't like the overstimulation it brings. When I was younger it didn't bother me yet now that I have fibromyalgia (which causes more sensitivity/overstimulation) it has become a hassle. So while I enjoy the idea of doing something like traveling, when I actually try driving into the city only fifty miles away, it can often become too taxing and makes me wish I was back at home on my comfy couch and quiet environment. In my younger days I was stationed in Korea, took trips to nearby countries and it was a breeze. I have also comfortably driven across the U.S. by myself with no problems.

So while we as HSP's may want to do a certain thing, our tendencies toward overstimulation can easily make us wish we were somewhere else and feel at cross purpose with ourselves. I hope many other people chime in on this topic. I also hope some older HSP's will share their experiences with over-stimulation as well.

Meander, your avatar of the stacked/balanced stones in the waves is a perfect illustration of what Chuang Tzu said about flowing with whatever is happening and staying centered. It truly is the ultimate:)

when someone asked what my starsign is..I usually answer its the nightmare one..HSP..my starsign ..the words rich and complex innerself..LOL very true..

I did choose the Ying and the Yang because I recently really did understood the meaning.
I am in the twenties, and my dreamjob would be something which allow me to travel sometimes !

I do understand now that we are very different from other people, but we are all very similar as HSP.


The inner me seems more fun that the HSP me, that's why I would like to follow the what I want, because I think it is the way to reach happiness. HSP is unhappy.
But Ying and Yang so one would not exist without the other.

What you said remembered me something I have seen very recently and actually it helped me a lot:
What we want is only in our mind, and happiness is in our mind, we don't need what we want to be happy.

Finding your comfort zone in all the things you do is important for you to thrive. Being HSP should not hinder you from enjoying life in what ever you may want to do. Finding that balance and things of comfort is the best revenge in an overstimulating world.
Travel can be had in carefully planned escapes…When I used to travel a lot I would seek the destination--rent a small house and live in it for two weeks or more for the duration of the visit. Then at my leisure I would take hikes, fish, take a small plane to another island, swim, explore the towns near by, eat at different eateries, sleep in if I needed extra rest, rent a bike and ride down the little alleyways and visit with the locals at the small bakeries in the morning, visit museums etc…Do what makes you happy, and exploring on your terms is the best experience… When you find like-minded friends who make you feel comfortable-and who give unconditional support to you- those are the best traveling partners to have.
Hugs..

Yes at times I feel this way.
I've been like this about being around people especially. I want a friend sometimes but then I want to be alone and I like my space.
I maybe in a social situation and I wish I was back home and so I leave but then I'm home I feel like I could have stayed longer. But usually I am glad to be home and that I left earlier.

I may decide I want to go to a store and look around. I drive there and go in the store and look for a few minutes and feel unsettled and just want to go back home again.

I get very conflicted at times about what I want and feelings. I'm like a pendulum that swings back and forth.

By the way I have had my avatar for some time. Quite appropriate considering the topic.

I feel that HSPs are able to see many sides to any issue. We weigh things and are prone to ambivalence. I plan great adventures and then at the time to travel I don't want to go. In the end I go and have a good time. When I was younger I also was ambivalent about most things. Once in a while I would be very definite and just certain I wanted to do something. Later on I would weigh my decision.

Yes, I have often experienced what you have said. Like you, I love to travel and I am very curious about the world. But when I went to Spain by myself and drove through parts of the country, it was just too much for me. I nearly had a panic attack at one point and could not wait to just go back home. The same goes for a recent trip I took. I also enjoy socializing, but after a couple of hours, I am done and anything more is no longer fun for me. In my twenties, I wanted to enjoy casual sex, but the more sensitive part of me could not do it. There have been times where I would like to meet a friend at an outdoor event, but then I feel overwhelmed by the crowds and no longer in a good mood. I have wanted to go out to meet friends after work, but then traffic becomes draining and suffocating as well as overstimulating.
I think this is normal for us.

Hi Jupiterjazz: Sorry for all those negative experiences. I still enjoy traveling and hope to continue to do it. There are ways to do it that can be less stressful. I prefer solo travel with one other person. I don't drive outside the US. Now I mainly return to places or countries I am somewhat familiar with. I rent apartments or Timeshares and cook mostly all our meals. I avoid crowds and big cities. I now hate packing and all the security at the airports. I panic about having my luggage lost and will not travel with Iberia Airlines...my luggage was lost in Madrid Airport for 9-days, while I waited.

My problem is recently this has been stronger, and almost all the time.
Almost developping a two permanent personalities which wants to do opposite things at the same time.

I think it is because it is a bad period. Most of the time I used to force myself because I knew at the end I would enjoy it ! and I did.