I have always been too sensitive for my own good, and my emotions have always controlled my every action. Constantly living with my emotions on high has become exhausting, and sometimes I wish I could be just a little more careful with how fast I get attached. However, as hard as I try, I cannot find a way to do this. Some claim that life has made them hard and cold hearted, but I truly do not know how that is. I have been thrown through adversity time and time again, but I cannot find a way to become hard. Some may say that this makes me naïve, but it is simply just who I am.

I have always worn my heart on my sleeve. I do not hide my emotions well, and because of this anyone can tell how I’m feeling from just a glance. This serves as both a blessing and a curse. When I am happy, my energy spreads like wildfire and I can brighten almost anyone’s day with just a smile. However, when I’m sad, my energy tends to take people down with them no matter how hard I try to stop it. I can try to hide my emotions, but it is absolutely worthless. I will always be an open book, it is simply just who I am.

I have always been a hopeless romantic. No matter how many times love has failed me, I cannot find a good enough reason to give up on it. Loving someone is one of the greatest joys of life, and it would be a dreadful thing to give up on it so easily. I will always have a hopeful idea of a perfect wedding followed by a happily ever after. I could try to destroy this part of myself, but no matter how hard I try it will always be there. It is simply just who I am.

Our generation seems to look down on those who allow these characteristics to shine through their personality. However, I believe these characteristics show the innocence of an individual, and innocence is so so beautiful. I realized this a couple of years ago, and I allowed myself to accept my sensitivity and with time I have learned to love it. Even though I have grown to accept this for myself, I see many young people fight their emotions day after day and eventually become hard and bitter towards many things in life.

I encourage you not to do this. Sensitivity is beautiful. It allows one to empathize, it allows intuition, and it allows creativity. If you strip away your sensitivity, you strip away your inner innocence. You strip away your love for the little things and your love for others raw emotions. You strip away your compassion.

So please, I’m begging you, live with your emotions on high and with your heart on your sleeve. Believe in love no matter how many times you’ve been hurt. Find the beauty of sensitivity, and learn to love it. It is what fights to keep you and the world a kind and beautiful place.