Guest Post

I’m a compulsive cook, not because I need to eat everything I make, but because being around food is how I express myself and nurture others. Cooking is my way of soothing stress and bringing care into the world. I find comfort in crafting homemade food gifts and taking prepared meals to a homeless community. With dietary restrictions like dairy, gluten, and soy, I’ve become deeply connected to the properties of natural foods. I find joy in the textures, colors, and vibrational energy of whole, nourishing ingredients.

As a child, I ate whatever was put in front of me, perhaps trying to fill the void of being an only child who longed for friends who understood my sensitivity. Today, I returned from my local veggie stand with sweet, flat Romano beans and a gargantuan bunch of Green Leaf lettuce nearly the size of a cocker spaniel!

Last month, when my LAT (living apart together) partner tested positive for Covid, I immediately turned to “food as medicine.” His health issues and medication ruled out many treatment options, so I relied on nutrient-dense meals to help him recover. Oddly enough, I started feeling his fatigue and headaches as if they were my own. Although I never tested positive, I was drained for a week and lost 4 pounds caring for him. That experience left me reflecting—when I’m depleted, do I tend to myself as carefully as I tend to others? Or am I attuned to maintaining a steady source of vitality before I burn out?

As a highly sensitive empath, working as a hospice harpist was a profound privilege. After offering harp therapy at the bedside of each dear soul who had just passed, I would visit my favorite café to savor a slice of pumpkin pie—a symbol of love from my mother. Then, to honor the person who had transitioned, I would spend the rest of the day in solitude.

For years, I wheeled my Celtic harp into hospital rooms, nursing homes, and hospice centers, sharing those intimate moments at the end of life. Though trained in therapeutic boundaries and self-care, there were times I depleted my energy and ended up bedridden for days. A friend who practiced Reiki once visited, offering healing for both me and my harp. She told me that spirits who had passed were clinging to my instrument. After she cleared both the harp and myself, my strength returned, and I felt whole again.

For HSPs (Highly Sensitive People) and empaths, our sensitivity is both a superpower and a challenge. It’s essential to protect our energy, especially during emotionally intense times. One way to support and calm your nervous system is through Julie Bjelland’s HSP Toolbox. Her free masterclass, “How to Set Healthy Boundaries,” is an invaluable resource for safeguarding your energy, especially with the holidays approaching.

Connection is vital to our well-being, and joining a like-spirited HSP community can make all the difference. Enjoy eight weeks of free membership in the Sensitive Empowerment Community by enrolling in one of Julie Bjelland’s comprehensive self-paced HSP courses. Once enrolled, you are eligible for free membership in two of these groups: Sensitive Sages for HSPs 60+ , Autistic Women, or Spiral Up for healing depression.

Remember, our sensitivity is a strength. When we tune into what nurtures our spirit, mind, and body, we can truly thrive.

About the Author

Christine Magnussen, a Master Certified Health Coach, hosts our Sensitive Sages group and leads the interactive PrimeTimeVitality Club health course on Zoom. Her sessions feature easy, delicious recipes, healthy lifestyle tips, holistic health facts and fun movement—perfect for women 60+. The PrimeTime Vitality Club starts Sept. 25. Winter session begins in January. Sign up for the YourVitalityCoach.com newsletter for recipes, details, and to save your spot!

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Founder of The HSP and Neurodivergent Blog

I’m Julie Bjelland, LMFT, a Licensed Psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment. I specialize in high sensitivity, neurodivergence, and the unique challenges faced by women with adult-discovered autism. My passion lies in developing tools that balance the sensitive nervous system, reduce challenges, and help individuals reach their fullest potential, allowing them to excel in their unique talents.

Through my work, I’ve created a global hub of extensive support that includes online courses, the Sensitive Empowerment Community—a nurturing sanctuary—a globally top-ranked podcast, insightful articles, free webinars, and more. My mission is to help create a world where differences are not only embraced but celebrated as strengths. I am proudly LGBTQIA+ and NeuroAffirming. Learn more at JulieBjelland.com.