Too Much? Or Just Right? The Truth About Owning Your Authentic Self

Have you ever been told you’re “too much”? Maybe someone sighed and said you’re too intense, too sensitive, too talkative, too passionate, almost as if your existence came with a volume dial and you forgot to turn it down.

Maybe you’ve been urged to “calm down”, “tone it down”, or “stay in your lane.” Even if they meant no harm, those words land like a punch, leaving you questioning if your energy, emotions, or enthusiasm are somehow…wrong.

The Invisible Pressure to Fit In

From an early age, we pick up on society’s unwritten rules:

Be polite. Don’t take up too much space. Keep your emotions in check. And if you’re someone who feels deeply, speaks loudly, or dreams boldly, like me, you’ve probably noticed that some people find that…uncomfortable.

For women, this often translates to being labeled “too emotional” or “dramatic,” while men with the same qualities are praised for being “passionate” or “driven.” The message is clear: Blending in is easier than standing out. But here’s the problem…when you spend too much time shrinking yourself to fit expectations, you lose sight of who you really are.

What if ‘A Lot’ is Your Superpower?

Instead of treating “too much” as an insult, what if you saw it as a compliment?

Think about it, people who change the world don’t do it by being subtle. They do it by being passionate, bold, and unapologetically themselves.

When someone calls you “a lot,” what they might really mean is:

• You feel things deeply. (That’s called emotional intelligence.)
• You care, deeply, about people, about the world, about doing things right. (That’s called empathy.)
• You bring energy and excitement wherever you go. (That’s called leadership.)

The truth is, “a lot” isn’t a flaw. It’s the thing that makes you irreplaceable.

How to Own Your ‘A Lot’ and Stop Apologizing for It

Reframe the Criticism

Next time someone tells you you’re too much, ask yourself: Is this really a bad thing? Maybe they’re just overwhelmed by your enthusiasm, not criticizing you. Their reaction isn’t your problem.

Know Who Deserves Your Energy

Not everyone will appreciate your intensity, and that’s okay. Find people who celebrate you, not tolerate you. You don’t need to dim your light for those who can’t handle its brightness.

Protect Your Energy

Owning who you are doesn’t mean pouring yourself out for everyone. Set boundaries. Give your energy to those who value it. You don’t have to be everything to everyone.

Practice Self-Acceptance

Stand in front of a mirror and remind yourself: I am not too much. I am exactly enough. The more you believe it, the less the world’s opinions will shake you.

Final Thoughts:

The World Needs You Exactly as You Are

Imagine a world where everyone played it safe, stayed quiet, and avoided standing out. Boring, right?

The truth is the world doesn’t need more people who fit in. It needs more people who are brave enough to be themselves.

So, the next time someone tells you you’re too much, don’t shrink. Don’t apologize.

Instead, smile and say: “Thank you.”

Because being “a lot” means you’re alive, passionate, and unafraid to take up space. And that?

That’s exactly what this world needs.