I've been called "too much" my whole life.

Too sensitive. Too intense. Too passionate. Too productive. Too hot. Too cool.

Too many feelings about too many things. Too many thoughts and opinions. Too much.

Whether by others, or by the voices in my head (which may have been installed by others), the “too much” label has defined the way I’ve operated… or rather, the way I’ve held myself back.

If you’re wired like me (or an HSP), Reader, you likely know this story well.

But, when we listen to Nature, instead of the naysayers, we find a new way forward - one that embraces our “too much-ness” as natural, and helps us find the balance. A way that encourages our overflow in seasons of inspiration and surges of energy, rather than a constant on-demand presence (which results in overwhelm).

Last week’s newsletter was an info-dump of events, resources, and action items for Spring. I only do that once a season, because I like having a “master list” (and maybe you do too)!

That’s me doing things my way, in seasons (not constantly), even when it feels like “too much,” and not being ashamed of it anymore :)

​Here’s a link to those resources if you missed it. ​

This weekend, my to-do list was too long and the timing was terrible for my business (it’s Spring, our busy season), but I had to take a break.

So Tyler and I packed up and drove to the Allegheny Mountains near Bedford, PA to search for hot springs. We stayed in yurts, cooked over a fire, and spent time along a forested creek surrounded by thousands of spring ephemerals blooming and bursting with joy.

I call this a Mini Wild Adventure (or MWA, pronounced "mwah," like a kiss), and it's one of the relational practices I weave into the EarthCare Journey, for myself and for the people I work with. Visiting wilder places inspires us (a form of fuel).

Getting off-screen, out of the ordinary, and into wilder spaces is how I remember what I'm really here to do, and reconnect with the landscapes I love, amidst all the overwhelming lists and feelings of "too much."

Being with wilder landscapes does something to the nervous system that no productivity hack can replicate too. There's literally more oxygen in the air, which helps us encode memories more efficiently - thanks to Tyler, I'm learning more about that daily.

But ultimately, it helps us slow down and remember what's most important: listening first.

Every Place has its own language. To learn it, we ask (and observe) what's pushing through the soil, where the water pools, where the light hits longest, which birds are passing through.

When you learn to read that language, things start to make more sense. You stop trying to do everything and start doing what makes a real difference, in each season, which builds toward impact over time.

And it feels romantic! Mwah!

Another thing I remember in wild places is that Nature isn't in a rush to achieve the goal.

She's flowing in her seasons emergently. Even in the full burst of Spring she doesn't bloom all at once, and she doesn't apologize for her own timing or moments of overflow. She's not "too much."

Unpredictable things happen, and other things happen in very reliable phases. The creek floods and creates a new microhabitat. Some buds pop early and some get frozen off. Ephemerals bloom for a few weeks and disappear. Perennials send up shoots and bloom all summer, quite consistently, year after year.

The antidote to overwhelm (or that "too much" feeling) is allowing things to flow and overflow at times when they need to, and slowing down to prioritize a real relationship with your Place. One that honors your human (limited) capacity too.

On the EarthCare Journey, I work with the seasons like a compass to help me navigate sustainably toward my goals.

When I asked what you were hoping to do this year, I was pleasantly surprised to find that you already have reasonable goals!

Here's what I heard you say you want to do in 2026 -

• attract pollinators instead of pests
• have beautiful summertime blooms that delight my senses
• share space with like-minded friends
• find native plants that do well in containers and porches
• trade plants, swap tips, and manage expectations
• face the grief and overwhelm we all feel

That last one really moves me. Because it tells me you're not just here for gardening tips.

You're here because you feel things deeply, you care about this world, and you're looking for a way to make an impact without burning out. That's exactly the kind conversation I want to have with you this week.​

If you've spent your whole life being told you feel too much, I'd like to suggest that what you actually have is exactly what this moment needs: the sensitivity to listen, the depth to grieve, and the care to act.

You just might need a little guidance to land softly on a reasonable goal, and find simple steps to get there.

Please join me in this free workshop:

​Plan Your EarthCare Journey Live on April 16 + 30 from 1:00–3:00pm ET

We'll slow things down, connect with each other, grieve what's happening, discover what's possible within your capacity, and build an EarthCare plan that actually fits your real life.

There’s a beautiful workbook, 2 live sessions, interaction encouraged, and Q+A time.

You will walk away having way less on your plate, and a clear path toward one ecological impact goal you get to define and then align your actions with, all year...

... even if you don’t own land, your Place can be your city block, greenway, or even a potted porch.

​I would love to see you there.​

Consider this your invitation to take one small, seasonal step.

Not too much, just enough,

Kendra

Can't make it live? Sign up for the replay and workbook here. You'll be able to follow along anytime!

And please share with friends <3

Written by a human - Kendra Marie Hoffman