Reflect with co-founder Anne-Kathrin on the journey of the Ideal Self Plus Membership, launched in November 2023. Discover how this supportive community for highly sensitive people provides expert-led personal growth resources, masterclasses, and practical tools to help you become your ideal self—one small step at a time.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
It’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly a year since we officially launched the Ideal Self Membership in November 2023. As I sit here reflecting on the journey, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride, excitement, and gratitude for everything this membership has become. I’ve been dying to talk more about it, especially now that we have several months behind us and a growing community of incredible members. Today, I want to share with you why we created it, what it’s evolved into, and how it’s making a difference for so many highly sensitive people (HSPs) and empaths around the world.
From an Idea to a Thriving Community
To give you some background, the story of Ideal Self Plus Membership really began years ago. In 2018, we – my husband Riny and I -started HiSensitives as a simple blog for highly sensitive people, sharing insights, tips, and personal experiences on what it’s like to live with this unique trait. It all started with my tattoo design, actually—a symbol I designed to represent my journey as an HSP. Check out the HSP symbol here. What began as a personal project quickly grew into something much bigger when I realized how much the symbol resonated with others.
Soon after, my husband and I realized that this wasn’t just a small side project. We had found a purpose in creating meaningful content for the HSP community. Riny built the blog and I started sharing blog posts about daily life, personal growth, and how to navigate relationships, careers, and emotional challenges as a highly sensitive person. But even then, I knew something was still missing. I wanted to connect on a deeper level with our readers, to build a resource that could offer more than just blog posts—a place for ongoing personal growth that was tailored specifically to HSPs and empaths.
That’s when the vision for Ideal Self Membership came into focus. I wanted to create a membership where highly sensitive people could learn, grow, and connect in a meaningful way, but I also knew I couldn’t do it alone. I began collaborating with certified personal growth experts to create content that was not only helpful but also actionable. And that’s how, in November 2023, we finally launched Ideal Self Membership – which later down the road was renamed Ideal Self Plus Membership.
What the Ideal Self Plus Membership Has Become
Fast forward to today, and the membership has grown into something more incredible than I ever imagined. We’re now a community of over 80 members, all of us on our own personal growth journeys. But what’s most exciting is how the membership has evolved and continues to evolve each month.
We’ve created over 12 personal growth masterclasses led by experts in their fields, ranging from emotional resilience to setting boundaries and reducing overwhelm. We’ve also produced 12 extensive eBooks and more than 48 interactive worksheet printables, all designed to help you take practical steps toward becoming your ideal self.
The idea behind the Ideal Self Plus membership is simple: it’s not about becoming perfect or putting pressure on yourself to be someone you’re not. It’s about learning to take small, loving actions that move you closer to the person you aspire to be. Whether that’s incorporating more gratitude into your life, finding new ways to manage stress, or deepening your understanding of your sensitive nature, the membership is here to support you every step of the way.
Reflecting on the Name: “Ideal Self”
One thing I’ve thought a lot about since launching the membership is the name: Ideal Self. Initially, I worried that it might feel like too much pressure, as though we’re all supposed to be striving for some unreachable version of perfection. But over time, I’ve come to see the beauty in the name. It’s not about perfection at all. It’s about progress. It’s about living life like the ideal version of yourself in a way that feels authentic and achievable.
We all have an “ideal self” in mind—a version of ourselves that feels more fulfilled, balanced, and aligned with our values. But for many of us, that vision can feel far away, especially when we’re overwhelmed or stuck in our current patterns. The Ideal Self Plus Membership was created to help bridge that gap, but in a gentle, compassionate way. There’s no pressure to get everything right or to transform overnight. Instead, it’s about taking small, intentional steps that align with the person you want to become.
What Our Members Are Saying
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been hearing from our members. I’ve received wonderful messages from people telling me how much Ideal Self Plus has helped them—whether it’s through the masterclasses, the e-books, or just being part of a supportive community of like-minded individuals.
Here are just a few things members have shared:
- “What I like about it is that there is a topic that is explained every month.” One member told me that she really enjoys the continuous stream of new personal growth expert content in our community!
- “I finally feel like I’m not alone.” Many members have expressed how comforting it is to be part of a community of other HSPs who understand what it’s like to navigate life with this trait.
- “The worksheets are my go-to.” The interactive worksheets have been a favorite resource for members who like to reflect and take actionable steps after each lesson.
These stories and experiences from our members make all the hard work and effort we’ve put into the membership so worth it. It’s been a constant reminder that we’re on the right path, creating something that truly makes a difference.
What’s Next for Ideal Self Plus?
As we look to the future, I’m more excited than ever about where Ideal Self Plus Membership is headed. Each month, we continue to collaborate with new experts and introduce fresh topics that are designed to help you grow in ways that feel authentic to you. Whether you’re looking to deepen your meditation practice, learn new ways to manage overwhelm, or explore career growth as an HSP, there’s always something new waiting for you inside the membership.
We’ve also made it a point to keep the membership accessible. For just $9.99 a month (less than your daily lattes!), you can join this growing community and have access to expert-led content and practical tools that can help you navigate the challenges of being a highly sensitive person.
Join Us Inside Ideal Self Plus
If you’ve been thinking about focusing more on your personal growth but feel overwhelmed or don’t know where to start, the Ideal Self Plus Membership is here for you. It’s a place where you can take small, meaningful steps toward the person you want to be, all in a warm, supportive, and understanding community.
We’ve designed this membership to be accessible and affordable, knowing that sometimes the biggest barriers to personal growth are time, money, and energy. With Ideal Self Plus, you can work at your own pace, in your own way, and with the support of experts who understand your unique needs as a highly sensitive person.
I invite you to claim your free 7-day trial and see for yourself how transformative this experience can be. We’re here, we’re growing, and we’re learning together—and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us all.
Let’s continue taking those loving, small steps living life like our ideal selves would.
