Alright, folks, brace yourselves because we’re about to dive headfirst into some controversial territory. Today, we’re going to talk about a topic that has been bugging me for quite some time.
In my humble opinion, the world has become excessively sensitive.
I know it’s not an easy pill to swallow, but it’s time for us to toughen up, face our fears, and reclaim our resilience. Now, before you jump to conclusions, let me set the stage with a little story.
Bee-lieve in Yourself
Meet Jimmy, a 7-year-old boy who had a run-in with a bee when he was just a toddler. Ever since that fateful day, Jimmy has been paralyzed by an intense fear of bees.
So, what do his well-meaning parents do?
They decide to shield him from anything remotely related to bees.
Fast forward to a classmate’s birthday party. Little Jimmy receives an invitation adorned with an adorable honey bee. His mom immediately goes into panic mode, calling the classmate’s mom to inquire about any potential “bee” decorations.
She firmly declares that Jimmy won’t attend the party if there’s even a hint of a bee present.
Can you hear the collective exasperated sigh?
Why Accommodating Triggers Shouldn’t Limit Celebrations
Now, let’s pause for a moment and reflect. By sheltering Jimmy from his fear, his parents unintentionally set him up for failure. Instead of teaching him how to confront and overcome his fears, they taught him that bees are triggers to be avoided at all costs.
But how will Jimmy ever learn that not every bee is out to get him?
How will he explore the great outdoors, like a field trip to the Grand Canyon, without panicking at the sight of a buzzing creature?
And what about developing general coping skills to face future challenges?
But that’s not the only issue at hand here. Jimmy’s mom inadvertently made her son’s fear the problem of the classmate’s mom. That’s just not fair. The classmate should be able to celebrate their birthday with a bee-themed party if their heart desires it, without accommodating every possible trigger out there.
Breaking Free from the Shackles of Sensitivity
You see, this simple example magnifies a significant problem facing younger generations today. Society cannot be expected to cater to every individual’s triggers, yet that’s exactly what we’re attempting to do. Unfortunately, this hypersensitivity leads to a constant tiptoeing on eggshells, where people fear unintentionally upsetting or triggering someone.
I’m not here to simply vent my frustrations. I believe in finding solutions. So, without further ado, let me share three tips on how we can navigate this delicate balance between acknowledging triggers and fostering personal growth:
Embrace discomfort and face your fears
Growth happens outside our comfort zones. Instead of avoiding triggers, confront them in controlled environments.
Seek professional help if needed, and gradually expose yourself to the things that trigger you. Over time, you’ll build resilience and learn that you have the power to overcome your fears.
Communication is key
Open and honest dialogue is crucial in this era of sensitivity. If you have triggers, communicate them calmly and respectfully to those around you. Similarly, if someone shares their triggers with you, be understanding and empathetic. By fostering healthy conversations, we can create a more compassionate and inclusive environment.
Personal responsibility
While it’s important to be mindful of others, it’s equally vital to take responsibility for our own triggers. Recognize that the world cannot accommodate every individual’s sensitivities. Instead, focus on developing your coping mechanisms and building emotional strength.
You have the power to handle triggers with grace and resilience.
So, my dear readers, let’s shift our perspective. Let’s encourage personal growth, embrace discomfort, and take charge.
I am thinking about starting a podcast called “Let’s Get Triggered”.
What do you think about that?
Last modified: June 21, 2023
