You Are Not Alone: A Gentle Reminder for Sensitive and Neurodivergent Souls by Julie Bjelland, LMFT

If life feels heavy right now, you’re not alone. Many of us are carrying exhaustion, overwhelm, and uncertainty—whether from the painful events happening in the world around us, personal struggles, or the weight of simply existing in a world that often wasn’t built with our sensitivities and neurodivergence in mind.

First, I want you to pause. Take a breath. Let’s acknowledge that this is hard—and you’re doing the best you can. Even if it feels like you're barely keeping up, even if rest feels out of reach, you are not failing. You are navigating something challenging, and that matters.

Small, Doable Steps to Support Yourself

🌱 Prioritize Sensory Comfort – If everything feels too much, start with something small: wrap up in a cozy blanket, listen to calming sounds, put on soft clothing, or dim the lights. Sensory support is a real and valid need.

🌱 Give Yourself Permission to Pause – The world will try to rush you, but you don’t have to keep up with an unsustainable pace. If your body or mind is asking for slowness, listen.

🌱 Anchor to What Feels Safe – Whether it’s a favorite book, a pet, a grounding object, or a trusted person, remind yourself that safe and soothing moments still exist.

🌱 Lower the Bar (It’s Okay) – If the list of ‘shoulds’ is overwhelming, set it aside. Choose one small, kind action—maybe eating something nourishing, stepping outside for a minute, or simply drinking some water. Small is enough.

🌱 Let Yourself Be Held in Community – You don’t have to carry this alone. We are here for you, whether you need to be heard, understood, or simply sit in a space where you are accepted as you are.

💛 You are not alone. You are not too much. You are worthy of care, even (especially) when you feel like you aren’t doing enough.

If any of this resonates, I invite you to share in the comments—whether it’s something that’s helping you right now, a gentle word for others, or simply a heart emoji to show you’re here. Let’s hold space for one another.

If you’re looking for deeper connection and understanding, I invite you to join the Sensitive Empowerment Community—a global space where neurodivergent and highly sensitive people come together for support, shared experiences, and encouragement. Inside, you’ll find daily discussions, weekly events, and a welcoming environment that honors who you are. You don’t have to do this alone.

Sending softness,
Julie 🌿💛

Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is a consultant and specialist in high-sensitivity and late-discovered autism. A neurodivergent psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment, Julie is passionate about guiding sensitive and neurodivergent individuals to reduce challenges, improve their mental and physical health, flourish to their fullest potential, and embrace their authentic selves. Through her global support hub, Julie provides online courses, a supportive community, a podcast, articles, and webinars—all thoughtfully designed to reduce overwhelm, balance the sensitive nervous system, and foster resilience. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Julie is devoted to creating safe, inclusive spaces where differences are celebrated and strengths are fully embraced. Discover more at JulieBjelland.com.