What does it really mean to be a Highly Sensitive Soul in a world that moves so fast?
In this tender and illuminating episode of Slow Secrets, I sit down with Stephanie Ann Webb — Encouragement & Empowerment Mentor, podcast host, and author — to dive deep into the truth, challenges, and power of living life as a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP).
Through personal storytelling and soulful reflections, Stephanie shares her journey of reclaiming sensitivity not as a burden, but as a brilliant form of intelligence.
1. Who Are the Highly Sensitive?
Stephanie gently introduces us to her definition of Highly Sensitive Souls — not as people who are “too emotional,” but as those whose nervous systems and inner landscapes are tuned more finely to the world around them. She opens up about how she discovered her own sensitivity and how everything changed when she finally embraced it instead of fighting it.
“There was a time I thought something was wrong with me. Now I see — this is my gift.”
2. Misunderstood Magic
We explore the common societal myths around sensitivity. Phrases like “too much” or “too intense” become internalized, creating shame and self-doubt. Stephanie sheds light on how these misconceptions shape our identities and how we can begin rewriting the narrative — starting with compassion.
“Sensitivity isn’t weakness. It’s attunement. It’s depth. It’s presence.”
3. The Nervous System & Slowness
Stephanie shares how Highly Sensitive People often process sights, sounds, emotions, and energies more intensely than others — and how essential it is to honor that by slowing down. For HSPs, slowness is more than a lifestyle; it’s a survival strategy. It’s nervous system nourishment.
We talk about rituals, rest, and daily rhythms that support sensitive bodies and minds.
4. Healing from Fear-Based Systems
One of the most moving parts of our conversation is Stephanie’s story of deconstructing from fear-based religion. She speaks openly about how her sensitivity was often dismissed or suppressed within rigid belief systems, and how she began to heal by trusting her inner voice.
“For so long I silenced my truth out of fear. Reclaiming sensitivity was part of reclaiming my self.”
5. Creating Safe Inner & Outer Spaces
What does it mean to “hold space”? For yourself? For someone else?
Stephanie breaks down the difference between protection and self-abandonment. She offers practical ways HSPs can ground themselves, establish energetic boundaries, and return to their center — even in overstimulating environments.
6. Emotional Intelligence for All Ages
Stephanie is also the author of What Should Dragon Do?, a children’s book that teaches emotional resilience, kindness, and sensitivity.
We discuss why emotional intelligence should begin in childhood — and how adults can reconnect with their own inner child to cultivate more gentleness, clarity, and courage.
“We’re not teaching kids to be ‘tougher.’ We’re teaching them to understand their feelings.”
7. Navigating the World as an HSP
We talk about the daily tools that help Highly Sensitive People move through life without burning out:
- energetic hygiene
- boundary-setting
- honoring alone time
- permission to not always “be strong”
Stephanie shares the ways she protects her energy — not from a place of fear, but from deep reverence for her sensitivity.
8. The Gift of Sensitivity
At the heart of this episode is a powerful reminder:
“You are not broken. You are brilliant.”
Stephanie’s message is one of empowerment — not despite your sensitivity, but because of it. She leaves us with her slow secret: a life guided by softness, empathy, and curiosity is not only possible, it’s potent.
✨ Where to Find Stephanie Ann Webb
You can follow Stephanie’s work, her podcast StephUp, and her writing via:
🌐 Website
📚 Author of What Should Dragon Do?
Stephanie Ann Webb
Let’s Just Be Human With Each Other
Encouragement & Empowerment Mentor | Author | Podcaster | Voice Actor | Speaker
🌿 Final Thoughts
This conversation is an invitation to every sensitive soul who has ever felt like they were “too much.”
You are not.
You are wise.
You are aware.
And your slowness, your softness, your seeing — are sacred.
