Hey there, friend! Put on some soft music, make the coziest environment on your couch, grab your journal, and let’s have a heart-to-heart. Today, I want to dive into something that I believe resonates with many of us: feeling like we’re “too much.” Have you ever caught yourself saying that statement.. “I’m too much.” OR leaving an environment where afterwards, you can’t help but feel that pit in your stomach, replaying every conversation and wondering if the people around you really understood you?
I have too.. don’t worry. I’m here to have a little heart-to-heart with you, share some vulnerability, and hopefully reassure you that you are in fact, not too much.
Recently, I stumbled upon a quote by Mitchell C. Clarke that struck a chord deep within me. It goes like this: “What if I’m too much? Be too much anyways. Show up as your full self and give people a chance to love you for who you are. The ones that are meant to be in your life will love you for it- they’ll help you to see the beauty in what other people told you was “too much.” Powerful, right? This quote sparked a wildfire of emotions and reflections, not just for me but for many others too. I reshared the quote on my Instagram stories and had so many people DM me saying “wow, I needed that.”
I’ll admit, there was a time when I felt like I was constantly walking on eggshells, afraid that my true self might be too overwhelming for those around me. I grappled with insecurities, believing I was too emotional, too talkative, too ambitious, too different—the list goes on. And in my attempts to fit in, I dimmed my light, stifled my passions, and suppressed parts of myself that I deemed “too much.”
If you’re an avid follower of me you’ll find this next part shocking, and if you’re not.. let me set the scene quickly. I’m currently a full-time artist painting murals, photographing weddings, and spreading hope through my podcast ‘Your Artsy Friend.” BUT… here’s the thing. Would you believe that years ago I was rarely painting, I had dreams of starting a podcast… but didn’t want to seem “stupid” for putting my voice out there. And I had never painted a mural, nor did I think it was a possibility in my near future.
[check out: Bedroom Transformation: Blank Wall Turned Dreamy Cloud Mural]
During that time in my life, I was suppressing SO much of me, out of fear that all of me, would be (you can probably guess it) “too much.” Reflecting on that now, as a completely different woman, I have to say it’s quite sad and I hate that for my younger self. I also hate to imagine that for you, which is exactly why i’m so passionate about this subject and writing this blog and podcast episode.
Here’s the thing: I realized that by hiding parts of myself, I wasn’t doing anyone any favors, least of all myself. So, I made a conscious decision to embrace my full self, unapologetically. In fact, in 2021 I made “unapologetic” my word of the year as a promise to myself to embrace my fullest self. It wasn’t easy, and yes, I lost some people along the way. But those who remained—the ones who truly mattered—they embraced every facet of my being. My support my heart, my emotions, my wildest dreams, and they never make me feel like I need to dull my shine, they encourage me to shine brighter.
Creating a supportive environment is crucial on this journey. If you find yourself surrounded by negativity, it’s time to reassess. Seek out those who uplift you, who celebrate your quirks, and who see the beauty in your uniqueness. Surround yourself with people who love you for you, no apologies necessary.
Remember, there is only one you in this vast universe. Your quirks, your passions, your dreams—they all contribute to what makes you wonderfully unique. So why hide that? Embrace it. Own it. Be unapologetically you, because that’s where your true beauty lies.
Each day, take a moment to appreciate the marvel that is you. Journal, reflect, and dig deep into whats got you feeling like you’re “too much.” And with each grateful acknowledgment of your uniqueness, watch as self-love blossoms within you, unshakeable and unwavering.
[related: Free Printable Flower Art to Inspire Self Love ]
So, if you ever find yourself questioning whether you’re “too much,” remember this: You are enough, just as you are. Embrace your full self, shine brightly, and never apologize for being authentically you.
I hope this little pep talk resonated with you, dear friend. Embrace your uniqueness, surround yourself with love, and never forget your worth. You’ve got this!
Remember, you’re never alone on this journey. Reach out, connect, and together, let’s celebrate the beautiful messiness of being human.
stay shining and stay creating! ☀️
sincerely, your artsy friend that is rooting for you –
Arastasia Rolain – Traveling Mural Artist, Art Educator, & Creative Entrepreneur