I think people often look at sensitivity as a bad thing: as if it makes people weaker, more susceptible, pansies.

I used to be ashamed of my sensitivity; I thought it made me foolish and a baby. I hated how much my emotions swallowed me and I felt with such immensity and intensity. If I was happy, I was elated. If I was sad, I felt crushed by the weight of its measure. There was no middle ground; I felt everything.

My sensitivity made me caring. I tried not to pity people, but instead empathize with them. I noticed how bitter people could be and how people often assumed the worst. I didn't want to live my life in misery or constantly assuming people sucked. Instead, I tried to find the good in people. I saw light in people. I saw light in people who felt swallowed by their own darkness. I saw light in those who people normally wouldn't try to search for radiance in.

Someone once told me I was too nice for my own good and that nobody would ever care for me as much as I would care for them. That someone made me feel like it was a flaw to be nice. S/He told me people would take advantage of the goodness I did possess and abuse it. I felt silly, naive, and foolish for simply being nice.

I'm not perfect; I am not always sweet and oozing benevolence. I have my bitchy tendencies and I can be quite the sarcastic asshole, but at the root of my core, I genuinely care about people. I want the best for people I care about: I put their happiness first and try to listen to be an understanding friend. I like spreading happiness, no matter how small or large the quantity or gesture.

I'm here to say don't be ashamed of your constant willingness to be kind. Don't be ashamed of believing in people. Don't be ashamed for believing in people who might not believe in you. It's okay to care. But remember: be kind to yourself first.

Be proud and grateful for your ability to feel. Acknowledge what a beautiful thing it is to reach people with empathy and understanding.

There always be negativity in the world; there will be people who take advantage, taunt and tease, and try to pull you into their vortex of unhappiness. Keep shining. Be weary of the people who try to use you and of their toxic nature. Be aware of negativity and do your best to deal with it.

Be kind: to yourself, to fellow humans, the planet and all the life inhabiting it.