# 212. Why You Feel Everything So Deeply (and Other People Don’t): Childhood, Sensitivity & the Nervous System

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-best-of-you-5434878/212-why-you-feel-everything-so-deeply-and-other-people-don-t-childhood-sensitivity-the-nervous-system
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-best-of-you-5434878/212-why-you-feel-everything-so-deeply-and-other-people-don-t-childhood-sensitivity-the-nervous-system.md
Podcast: [The Best of You](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-best-of-you-5434878)
Published: 2026-06-11T09:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/arttrk.com/p/TSFL1/claritaspod.com/measure/traffic.megaphone.fm/AMPH8105777100.mp3
Audio file: https://pdst.fm/e/pscrb.fm/rss/p/arttrk.com/p/TSFL1/claritaspod.com/measure/traffic.megaphone.fm/AMPH8105777100.mp3
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Duration seconds: 2222

## Resource

Why do certain situations overwhelm you while someone you love seems completely unaffected? In this episode, Dr. Alison explores one of the most important questions we ask about ourselves: Why am I the way I am? Using the image of a seed planted in soil, she explains how your God-given wiring, childhood environment, sensitivity, and nervous system all work together to shape the person you are today. This conversation offers a compassionate framework for understanding yourself—and the people you love—in an honest, empowering way. (You’ll want to share this episode with your loved ones!) You’ll learn: Why your brain is like a plant How childhood shapes your mental and emotional health The difference between your wiring and your wounding The research behind “orchid children” and “dandelion children” How different kinds of “soil” shape your nervous system, relationships, resilience, and sense of safety Why highly sensitive people may struggle more in hard environments—and thrive more in healthy ones Why healing begins when you understand both the seed you were given and the soil that shaped you This episode will help you see your story—and your loved ones—with more clarity, compassion, and hope. More Resources: You can now preorder Dr. Alison’s newest book, The Secure Soul, and immediately receive the first 3 chapters as well as early access to the companion guide! Connect further with @dralisoncook on Instagram Curious what Family Role may have shaped you? Take the Family Role Quiz to learn how you may be showing up in your relationships with others. Want to hear more like this? Start here: Episode 143: Reparenting Your Younger Self—How to Stop Seeking Approval From Others & Find Inner Security Episode 22: How to Build Trust with Yourself 📖 Find a full transcript and list…

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