Table Of ContentPraise for The Gifted Highly Sensitive Introvert
“This ‘gifted sensitive introvert’ considers himself richly blessed to have
been one of Benita Esposito’s students. I experienced powerful emotional
healing, acquired practical skills, and learned to be a good deal more loving
to myself. Reading these pages brings back the sound of her voice, and the
warmth, excitement, and deep sense of well-being I always had when I was
around her. I highly recommend this book to anyone who seeks a wise guide,
a fierce protector and champion, and a loving, gentle companion on their own
Hero’s Journey.”
–Rev. Mark Montfort, Presbyterian Church (USA)
***
“After working for decades both professionally and personally with Benita
Esposito, I endorse her wholeheartedly. What a gift to the world that her
profound healing work is finally available via this informative and
provocative book! She was the catalyst that melted the barriers to my
Authentic Self. She guided the release of hidden emotional traumas as I
progressed on my journey towards full mind/body/spirit alignment. The
result? A purer, lighter and happier me. This book will positively change
your life!”
–Janice Fletcher, EdD
***
“Hallelujah! Praises to Benita Esposito for sharing the wisdom gained
through her personal journey. I trust Benita because she is a highly sensitive
person, and she has done her inner healing work. She has been a hero for me
and helped me embrace my authentic highly sensitive self. I have worked
with many healers professionally and personally, and none compares to
Benita. Trust her and her suggestions in this book, and you too can
experience joy, peace and vitality.”
–Lori Finlay Hamilton, MS, RN, BCC Nurse Practitioner, Integrative Health
Coach
***
“I used to think that I had to develop a thick skin, be less sensitive and work
long hard hours to succeed in a male-dominated industry. Now I realize that
being true to my Authentic Self serves others and myself better. I lead by
example to facilitate the best knowledge transfer and bolster the abilities of
those around me to facilitate high-functioning teams. I learned how to
manage conflicts tactfully so relationships aren’t damaged and our teams’
creativity sparkles. I teach my highly sensitive male colleagues that we can
develop a thicker skin and still be our wonderful sensitive selves. Benita’s
book also leads by example and shows that high sensitivity is a strength. I
work more efficiently and relate to others more effectively as a result of the
stories and steps that Benita shares in this book.”
–Laurie Sherazee, National Lead Principal Deployment Engineer
***
“Benita’s struggles and triumphs as a highly sensitive person encourage me
to take the next leap of faith on my own Hero’s Journey to the Authentic Self.
This book is a gift to humanity. Buy it for yourself and share it with your
family, friends and co-workers. What a privilege it is to join Benita Esposito
on her life journey toward joy!”
–Cynthia Libert, MD, Integrative Physician
***
“Benita Esposito shares her journey with such candidness and clarity! Her
expertise in managing the trait of high sensitivity is a great resource for those
who are also highly sensitive. This book will also help family members
understand their highly sensitive loved ones. Key questions at the end of each
chapter encourage readers in their own deep personal exploration. In this
way, Benita has offered both a memoir and an invitation for personal
growth.”
–Karen Hannah, LPC, private practice Psychotherapist and founder of
Spherology
The Gifted Highly Sensitive Introvert
Wisdom for Emotional Healing and
Expressing Your
Radiant Authentic Self
Benita A. Esposito, MA
Licensed Professional Counselor
Foreword by the Reverend Nigel W.D. Mumford
Flourishing Love Press, LLC * Young Harris, Georgia
Copyright © 2018 by Benita A. Esposito
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any
form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods,
without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in
critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission
requests, write to the publisher and address it to the “Copyright Permissions Coordinator” at the address
below.
Excerpts from The Hero’s Journey—Mythic Structure of Joseph Campbell’s Monomyth, by Dan
Bronzite. http://www.movieoutline.com/articles/the-hero-journey-mythic-structure-of-joseph-campbell-
monomyth.html Used with permission.
“Anger is Sadness’s Bodyguard” by Rudy Dimayuga. Used with permission.
“Embrace of the Sacred Inner Beloved” and “Phoenix Rising” by the artists Leslie Lewis and Heidi
Sutherlin. Used with permission.
Cover design by Heidi Sutherlin at My Creative Pursuits https://www.mycreativepursuits.com/
Developmental editing by Sandy Landry sandylandry.com
Copyediting by Laura Lewis
Proofreading and interior design by Kim Carr at On The Mark Editorial Services
http://kimsonthemark.com
Some names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals.
For orders, please visit https://www.SensitiveIntrovert.com and Amazon.com.
Printed in the United States of America
First Printing, 2018
Flourishing Love Press, LLC
P.O. Box 1074, Young Harris, GA 30582
ISBN: 978-1-7325092-0-7 (Kindle)
ISBN: 978-1-7325092-1-4 (paperback)
In loving memory of my father and gratitude to my mother,
both of whom showed me that “old dogs can learn new
tricks.”
Author’s Note
This book is not intended as a substitute for medical care. No book can do
that. The educational tools and therapy methods that I share may or may not
work for you. Gobble up the ones that appeal to you and leave the rest. You
may come back to this book another time and find that something speaks to
you that didn’t the first time. We’re always growing.
Many names of people have been changed to protect privacy. Some of my
friends have given me permission to use their names. I am grateful to all the
people in this book. Because of them all, my life is a colorful tapestry with
many textures. I am thankful for each one’s contributions to my life.
Contents
Author’s Note
Free Bonuses
Foreword
Introduction
1 Taming the Dragon
2 A Stranger’s Kindness
3 Highly Sensitive Introverts’ Strengths and Struggles
4 Definition of the Authentic Self
5 Empath: A Special Kind of High Sensitivity
6 Overview: Stages of the Hero’s Journey to the
Authentic Self
7 Stay with Me
8 Attachment Styles: What Predicts Healthy Romance?
The Hero’s Journey Stage 1: The Ordinary World
9 The Makings of a Gifted High Achiever
The Hero’s Journey Stage 2: Call To Adventure
The Hero’s Journey Stage 3: Refusal of the Call
10 My Introduction to Love, Sex and Meditation
The Hero’s Journey Stage 4: Meeting the Mentor
11 Intimacy with an Ally, My First Mentor
12 Uprooted Against My Will
13 Catalysts for Empowerment: Public Humiliation and
Divorce
The Hero’s Journey Stage 5: Crossing the Threshold
14 The Journey Intensifies with My Second Mentor
15 Emotional Intimacy Begins Within: The Coat of Many
Colors
16 Tears of Anguish, Tears of Love: A Love Letter from a
Daughter to Her Father
17 Healing My Pattern of Abuse
18 The Only Time I Saw My Father Cry: A Short Story
About Forgiveness
19 Beyond the Light
20 An Unexpected Love Affair
21 Letting Go of What Was Once My Dream Home
The Hero’s Journey Stage 6: Tests, Enemies and Allies
22 Thwarted Plans
23 Nature as Healer: Bellingham
24 Mind-Body-Spirit Healing
25 Building My First Home
26 Kicked Out of the Nest Again: Leaving Bellingham for
Atlanta
27 The Reluctant Return
The Hero’s Journey Stage 7: The Hero Reaches the Innermost Cave
28 Severing the Relationship with My Mentor
29 Signs of Verbal and Emotional Abuse
The Hero’s Journey Stage 8: The Supreme Ordeal
30 The Dark Night of the Soul
31 Perseverance in the Long Battle
32 The Sacred Inner Marriage
33 The Sacred Inner Beloved Dialogues: Can I Trust
You?
34 The Sacred Inner Beloved Dialogues: The Invitation to
Love
35 The Sacred Inner Beloved Dialogues: The Nature of
Love and the Role of Emotions
36 Intuition: The Price of Ignoring It
37 The Mystery of Pain
The Hero’s Journey Stage 9: The Reward
38 Recovering from the Long Ordeal
39 Rebuilding Sanctuary Again
The Hero’s Journey Stage 10: The Road Back
40 Jesus Is Wooing Me
41 Work: What Hurts Us and Helps Us?
The Hero’s Journey Stage 11: Return with the Elixir
42 Forgiveness and Closure with My First Love
43 Reconciling with My 93-Year-Old Mother: Who Says
