Hey buddy, would you like to learn mindfulness? Nope…Why not? Mind-ful-ness. That’s crazy...My mind is full enough already. Sound familiar? You’ve been overthinking about overthinking again, haven’t you? You don’t think inside the box. You don’t think outside the box. Heck, you don’t even know where the box is.

Too sensitive or sympathetic for your own good? There you are: lost in those thoughts, reflections, and ruminations again. Thinking profound thoughts all day long and feeling passionately about so many things can feel like a burden and ball-and-chain for you or those around you at times. But instead of letting yourself get overwhelmed, make being able to feel and think on such a deep level work for you instead of against you. Without it, you would not have the depth of understanding, compassion, and empathy that makes you so extraordinary. And just think: You may have been assigned to this mountain to show others it can be moved.

Feeling things so acutely and thinking in depth cuts both ways. Insights can feel astounding and astonishing when you have a breakthrough. Wow, those ideas were eye-opening and mind-blowing. That sunset was breathtaking. The movie was jaw-dropping and mind-bending; and don’t even get me started on the concert. Something exciting happened to you, and you take a ride on that good feeling for days.

Of course, this means you feel the aches and agonies severely, as well. But you can find meaning and even beauty in the pain, knowing that it may transform you. This is not a weakness but actually a trademark of people who are truly and fully alive. Sure, you may suffer more; but you love more intensely, and wouldn’t give that up for the world.

Your family and friends labeled you the hot mess and Drama Queen. Or the over-thinker philosopher. Speaking of philosophy… Did you hear about the guy who went to the solipsist convention? Nobody showed up.

But seriously, after labeling you, they turn around, desperately looking for someone with authentic thoughts, and whine about how cold and inhumane the world is. Remember, it is not you who is broken, but society and the culture that is spiritually and morally disabled.

“Yeah, I said that. Welcome to my brain. You may wanna buckle up.” Please do not be ashamed of being highly intellectual or deeply sensitive. The ones who simply don’t “get you” will call you neurotic or anti-social even. But they simply cannot understand what it is like to reflect on all of your experiences or to sometimes feel too sensitive for this world. That’s okay. You just keep contemplating and speculating. Heck, the last time I was somebody’s “type,” I was donating blood.

A highly sensitive and empathetic person automatically mirrors others’ feelings. You put yourself right into their shoes, because that is the essence of who you are. And just think: No matter how much you eat, the shoes still fit. Heh. Then again, there is something known as “shoepidity”: Wearing ridiculously uncomfortable shoes just because they look good. But I digress…

We all have things in life that either drain us or light us up from the inside. Do you know what yours is? Make sure to pursue things that bring meaningful stimulation to your life. It’s okay if you tend to process events more than most. Being detail-oriented can help you notice changes in people or situations that others may miss.

And with all of your intellectual awareness, intuition, and dedication to treating others kindly and fairly, you are an asset and advantage in any business venture or profession that deals with other humans (or with our four-legged friends). Not only that, but because of that extraordinary lens that you see the world through, you can express yourself creatively through music, dance, or art in a sublime way, as well.

Just remember, sweet friends: If everyone is thinking alike, then someone isn’t thinking. And caring too much may be your weakness. But it’s also your strength.

May the New Year bring you the warmth of love, and a light to guide your path toward your joyful destination.

Caroline is a licensed psychotherapist, crisis counselor, and writer with an office in Queens.  She works with individuals, couples, and families.  Appointments are available throughout the week and weekends.  She can be reached at 917-717-1775 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at facebook.com/pages/Safe-Haven-Healing.