Ultra-Sensitivity??

[Elizabeth2007]

Does anyone else struggle with ultra-sensitivity to situations and people??

For example, if someone is rude to you ... do you find yourself being more upset by it than a 'rational' person would be?

Do you have fifty-dollar responses to five-cent events??

I've found, especially in the last 6 weeks, I've been really over-reacting to things. Getting very easily triggered, etc. :puppet

I really don't like it.

Is this normal in recovery? I'm nearing 8 months of sobriety at the end of the month.

I could really use some input from others.

Thanks so much,

Elizabeth

[Fluttering]

Hi Elizabeth

It really is normal. In our Book it tells us that we alkies are sensitive. it is by working the steps and practing the principles that it becomes less. The more I get into surrender and acceptance the less I react to others stuff. I had to be reminded often [and still need the reminders upon occasion ]that I am not defined by others and that it really is God reliance not people reliance.

What I get to do today when someone is rude or gets in my face with unbiased assumptions or accusations is to do the 14 day prayer for them and just Bless them. When I do that my peace and serenity remians in tact and my faith continues to grow.

thank You for sharing and I hope you continue to post.

[Elizabeth2007]

Originally Posted by Fluttering

What I get to do today when someone is rude or gets in my face with unbiased assumptions or accusations is to do the 14 day prayer for them and just Bless them. When I do that my peace and serenity remians in tact and my faith continues to grow.

thank You for sharing and I hope you continue to post.

Hi ... Thanks for your response.

What is the 14 day prayer ??

[nandm]

Big Book, Page 125

A man may criticize or laugh at himself and it will affect others favorably, but criticism or ridicule of him coming from another often produces the contrary effect. Members of a family should watch such matters carefully, for one careless, inconsiderate remark has been known to raise the very devil. We alcoholics are sensitive people. It takes some of us a long time to outgrow that serious handicap.

No you are not alone and it is perfectly normal what you are feeling. I still have times when I revert back to being overly sensitive and get my feelings out of whack because someone looked at me "funny". Even if you do not work a 12 step program I think that this quote is still applicable. Take care and remember "You are right where you are supposed to be." I hated it when people told me that but they were right.

Judith

[Ashar]

I am also ultra sensitive, and I always have been. I believe I was (unfortunately) born that way. As a child, I used to cry for hours and hours if anyone reprimanded me. Also, sometimes I incorrectly assume that I have hurt other people's feelings. I know from experience that it takes me about three days after I become upset to feel like a normal person would feel in the same circumstances. Consequently, I try not to act on my feelings for that amount of time. I would love to overcome this defect. My sensitivity is often overwhelming. I think that's why I feel most comfortable when I am alone.

[51anna]

I am less sensitive now than I used to be, but there was a time when someone's words could have me in tears or in a downward spiral. I do think it's an addict trait that we think everything is about us. It's been SO helpful for me to learn that it is not all about me. Lots of people have lots of issues and if they say something rude, I believe it is about that person and her issues.

[indigo]

I too have stopped being so sensitive now, when first in recovery though I was as sensitive as anything, getting back my confidence in me has helped. It's good to see you on the Women's forum.

[Fluttering]

The 14 day prayer is in one of the stories in the back of the Big Book. I can not be sure exactly where right now. But it says when we have a resentment [or are angry with someone to pray for that person for 14 days [repeat as needed until it works] . Pray that they receive all the good things that we wish for ourselves, Peace, Serenity, Happiness etc.
There was a time when this was first introduced to me that I did the prayer with gritted teeth. Today it is automatic and I truly do it with joy and peace in my heart.

As others mentioned the sick person we were our confidence wassx eroded. As we work the steps we gain back that confidence as well as the assurity that others are responsible for their own actions and behqaviors and nearly always it has nothing to do with us...nor does it define who we are. The most important thing, for me, is how God sees me. What helps me also is getting into gratitude that I am not their assumptions and that I do have many tools in my Spiritual tool box.
Hugs to you

[CarolD]

Hmm...
You may not be aware of PAWS Elizabeth..

http://www.tlctx.com/ar_pages/paw_part1.htm

For me....
Fie on the nay sayers!
Why dilute my joy with toxic things?