Sometimes a song doesn’t arrive as a fully formed idea. It slips in sideways. A single line. A feeling you can’t shake. A truth that feels a little too loud to say out loud.
For me, one of those moments came wrapped in a lyric that hit harder than I expected:
“If I’m too much, go find less.”
I can’t take credit for that line — it comes from Elyse Meyers — but the second I heard it, it felt like someone had reached into my chest and put words to something I’d been carrying for a long time.
Even though I’d had similar thoughts, I’d never said them that clean, that sharp. That honest.
And that’s what stuck with me.
Because it didn’t come from confidence. Not at first. It came from that raw, uncomfortable place where you realize how often you’ve been shrinking yourself to fit into spaces that were never built for you.
I’ve spent years being a lot of things to a lot of people. Mom. Wife. Student. Teacher. The reliable one. The strong one. The one who keeps it all together. And somewhere in all of that, there were pieces of me I kept sanding down. Softer. Quieter. Easier to hold.
More “acceptable.”
But that line? That line was the snap.
It was the moment the narrative shifted from “Am I too much?” to “Why am I apologizing for being enough?”
That’s where the song started to take shape.
—
The First Spark
When I wrote that lyric, I wasn’t thinking about structure or genre or where it would fit. I was thinking about every time I bit my tongue. Every time I softened a truth. Every time I made myself smaller so someone else could stay comfortable.
That one line carried all of that.
So instead of building a song around an idea, I built the idea around that line.
What does it look like to stop apologizing?
What does it sound like to own your edges instead of hiding them?
What does it feel like to finally say, this is who I am — take it or leave it?
—
Letting It Get a Little Wild
At first, the song leaned reflective. Almost restrained. But the more I sat with it, the more I realized that wasn’t honest.
Because the truth isn’t quiet.
The truth, for me, was a little feral.
It had teeth.
It laughed too loud. It made questionable choices. It lit the match instead of walking away from the fire.
So I leaned into that.
I let the verses get bolder. Messier. More unapologetic. I stopped trying to make the narrator likable and started making her real.
That’s when the song found its voice.
—
Writing for Me, Not for Approval
There’s a version of songwriting where you’re always thinking about the listener. What will they like? What will land? What will sell?
And then there’s the version where you tell the truth first.
This song demanded the second version.
It wasn’t about being polished. It wasn’t about being palatable. It was about being honest in a way that felt a little dangerous.
Because if I’m being real, the line “If I’m too much, go find less” isn’t just a lyric.
It’s a boundary.
It’s a declaration.
It’s a refusal to keep editing myself down to a version that’s easier for someone else to hold.
—
The Shape It Took
By the time the song settled into itself, it wasn’t soft anymore.
It had grit. A little swagger. A little chaos.
It became a kind of anthem for that version of me that doesn’t ask permission anymore.
The one who knows exactly who she is — even when that’s inconvenient.
Especially then.
—
Why It Matters
I think we all have a version of ourselves we’ve been told is “too much.”
Too loud. Too emotional. Too driven. Too complicated. Too honest.
And we learn, over time, how to file those edges down.
But here’s the thing I’ve learned through writing this song:
The parts of you they call “too much” are usually the parts that are most you.
And maybe the goal isn’t to fix that.
Maybe the goal is to finally stand in it.
Fully.
Unapologetically.
And if that’s too much for someone?
They’re free to go find less.
—
That’s where this song came from.
Not from perfection.
From truth.
And honestly? That’s the only place worth writing from anymore.
—
The Line That Lit It (Full Circle)
And it still takes me back to that line I didn’t write, but absolutely claimed in spirit — the one from Elyse Meyers that put words to what I’d been circling for years.
Because sometimes the most powerful thing isn’t inventing the truth.
It’s recognizing it when you hear it.
And having the guts to build something honest in response.
—
Lyrics Excerpt
Verse I bent myself to fit the frame Cut my edges, dulled my flame Smiled nice and played it safe Just to keep the peace in place
Pre-Chorus But something in me finally broke Somewhere between the hush and choke
Chorus If I’m too much, go find less I’m done drowning in second-guess I won’t shrink to ease your mind Take it or leave it, this is mine Strike the match, watch it burn I ain’t got a damn thing left to learn If I’m fire you can’t confess If I’m too much, go find less
Bridge A little wild, a little free A little more of who I’m meant to be No more trimming down the truth No more asking for your proof
—
That’s the song that came out of it.
Not borrowed. Not copied. But sparked — by a line that told the truth so clearly, I couldn’t ignore it.
Category: This Life
Dinner Conversations We Avoid, But shouldn’t
The Dinner Table Conversation We Avoid… But Shouldn’t
There’s something sacred about the dinner table.
It’s where backpacks get unpacked, where stories spill out about teachers and tests, where we remind our kids to eat their vegetables and ask about their day. It’s where life happens. Messy, loud, beautiful life.
Between the “Did you finish your homework?” and “Don’t forget practice tomorrow,” we’re building something bigger than routines. We’re building a sense of safety.
But here’s a question most of us never ask in those moments:
What would happen to all of this if I wasn’t here tomorrow?
Peace of Mind Isn’t Just a Feeling. It’s a Plan.
We spend so much time protecting our families in everyday ways. Locking doors, checking grades, making sure everyone gets where they need to be.
But real peace of mind comes from knowing your family wouldn’t be left overwhelmed, confused, or struggling to pick up the pieces if the unthinkable happened.
Grief is hard enough without paperwork, court dates, and unanswered questions.
A Conversation I’ve Already Started
I’ll be honest. I’ve had these conversations with my family.
I have a document ready with all my important logins and passwords, and I keep it updated regularly. Someone knows where it is. That matters more than people realize.
I’ve talked through the hard things with my husband and my older kids. Not because I want to, but because I need to.
And yes, sometimes it gets uncomfortable.
Like when I told my kids I changed my mind about insisting on cremation. I told them, “Do what you guys want.” There are five of them, so good luck with that decision.
But I did give them one non negotiable.
At whatever kind of gathering they have for me, they must play “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life).” (They don’t need to know how it ties back to an episode of ER I watched with my mom that left us both bawling.)
My youngest gets so uncomfortable every time I bring it up. He tells me, “Mom, tell the others, not me.”
Oh, I do!
I tell all of them. Often enough to make sure they know.
Because As Much As It Sucks, It’s Necessary
I know this isn’t a fun topic.
It sucks.
But it is necessary.
If I leave this world suddenly, I don’t want my family sitting around asking:
What do we do now?
Where is everything?
What would she have wanted?
I cannot be here forever with them.
But I can guide them through these choices now.
We all die. That is the truth no one likes to say out loud.
But I can ease some of the frustration, some of the confusion, and even a little of the pain that comes after.
I can declutter my own things, so they don’t have to. I can give them sentimental gifts while I am still around to know they enjoy them.
The Reality Most Families Aren’t Prepared For:
Without preparation, families are left trying to figure everything out while grieving:
Where are the bank accounts?
Who gets access to what?
What were the wishes?
How do they even begin?
If things are not set up properly, it can all end up in probate. This is a long, expensive, and emotionally draining process. Just ask my sister. We learned the hard way.
And it does not have to be that way.
Simple Steps That Change Everything
This is not about fear. It is about love. These are simple, practical ways to protect your family:
✔️ Financial Protection
Have life insurance or burial coverage
Consider prepaid funeral plans
✔️ Direct Beneficiaries
Make sure all bank accounts have designated beneficiaries
This allows access with just an ID and death certificate
✔️ Protect Your Home
File a Transfer on Death (TOD) deed
This helps your home pass directly to your chosen person without probate
The Documents That Speak for You When You Can’t
Putting your wishes in writing is one of the greatest gifts you can leave behind:
- Living Will outlines your healthcare wishes
- Durable Power of Attorney handles legal decisions
- Healthcare Power of Attorney handles medical decisions
- Last Will and Testament determines who receives your belongings
- Funeral Planning Declaration states your final wishes
- These do not have to be complicated. They just need to clearly reflect your wishes.
Make It Easy for the People You Love
One of the most overlooked steps is also one of the most important.
Create a master list of:
- Bank accounts
- Investments
- Credit cards
- Bills and utilities
Make sure someone knows:
Where your life insurance policies are
Where to find titles for vehicles and property
How to access your accounts and passwords
Because in today’s world, access is everything.
The Conversation That Matters Most
Talk to your family.
Even when it feels awkward.
Even when they do not want to hear it.
Tell them your wishes. Explain your decisions. Let them ask questions.
What feels uncomfortable now becomes clarity later.
It’s Not About the End. It’s About Love.
We cannot control what happens tomorrow.
But we can control how prepared we are today.
So maybe tonight, between dinner and dishes, you start a different kind of conversation.
Not a scary one.
A loving one.
Because true peace of mind is not just knowing your family is okay today.
It is knowing they will be okay no matter what.
Love and light! 😉
I write this not to be a sales person, I write it because I have LIVED IT, and I have seen up close too many loved ones left grieving with no plan to follow. It matters.
Spring Cleaning….House and Mind
Spring Cleaning Your Mind (And Your Stuff)
Spring equinox is here, and yes—it’s that magical time when the world starts fresh, the days get longer, and everything feels like it could use a good tidy. But here’s the thing: spring cleaning isn’t just for closets. It’s for your mind, your energy, your thoughts… and yes, even your memories.
I know, I know. Some of you are already feeling that panic: “Wait, if I let go of that hoodie, that memory disappears!” To my neurospicy friends—you KNOW exactly what I mean. The texture, the smell, the little stitch that makes you remember… it’s sticky. It feels like letting go of the thing is letting go of the story.
But here’s the truth: it’s not real. Memories live in your brain, your heart, and your soul—they don’t live in the item itself. You can absolutely keep the memory without keeping the clutter. That hoodie? The shoes? The ticket stub? They’re props. You’re the star of the story, not the accessory.
Why Letting Go Feels Hard
Objects, habits, even old thoughts—they cling. We hold onto them because they’re familiar, because they make us feel safe, or because our brain just really likes a good story. But here’s the catch: cluttered spaces, whether physical or mental, make it harder to breathe, to think, to be fully present.
Your Step-by-Step Mental Spring Cleaning
Pick a zone – Closet? Phone? Thoughts that keep looping? Start somewhere small.
Ask yourself – Does this serve me? Or am I holding it out of habit, guilt, or fear?
Let it go – Donate, recycle, delete, journal about it, take a picture… whatever makes it safe to release.
Celebrate the space – Notice how your energy shifts when there’s breathing room.
Reclaim & Renew
Letting go isn’t losing—it’s reclaiming. It’s saying, “I honor my memories, and I honor myself by making space for joy, growth, and intention.” That’s reclamation. That’s renewal. That’s you stepping into a season where you aren’t weighed down by what no longer serves you.
So here’s your challenge for the equinox: pick one thing today—a hoodie, a thought, a habit—and let it go. Notice the difference it makes when you reclaim that space for yourself.
Because spring isn’t just about cleaning the house—it’s about cleaning your mind, your heart, and your life. And yes… you can absolutely keep the memories without keeping the clutter.
Ideas – Let Them Run
Let the Idea Run
Lately I’ve been tired of feeling…a way.
Not necessarily sad. Not angry. Just stuck in that strange middle place where everything feels a little heavier than it should. Like your mind is restless but you can’t quite figure out what it needs.
When I get into that space, I’ve started thinking about something simple: taking an idea and just letting it run.
No overthinking. No pressure for it to become something big. Just following the thread of curiosity and seeing where it goes.
Maybe that idea is trying a recipe you saved months ago but never made. Maybe it’s building that cabinet you’ve been picturing in your head. Maybe it’s pouring a candle, starting a garden, writing down the beginning of a novel, or learning how to fix something instead of throwing it away.
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Reimagine.
There is something deeply satisfying about looking at an ordinary object or a half-formed idea and asking, “What else could this be?”
Sometimes it becomes a hobby.
Sometimes it becomes a skill.
And every now and then, it becomes something you can share with others—or even sell.
But honestly, that’s not the most important part.
We live in a time where there is constant pressure to monetize everything we enjoy. Every hobby becomes a “side hustle,” every creative spark is expected to produce income. And while there’s nothing wrong with making money from something you love, not every idea needs to carry that weight.
Some things exist simply because they bring you back to life a little.
Trying something new wakes up the parts of our brains that routine quietly puts to sleep. It reminds us that we are still capable of learning, experimenting, and creating—even when life feels a bit stagnant.
And sometimes the outcome is messy.
The recipe might flop.
The cabinet might lean a little.
The candle might smell…questionable.
But you still tried.
And that matters more than we often give ourselves credit for.
Because the truth is, the only real failure isn’t making something imperfect. The only real failure is convincing yourself not to try at all.
Ideas are strange like that. Some pass through your mind and disappear. Others linger quietly, waiting to see if you’ll give them even the smallest bit of attention.
So the next time an idea crosses your mind—no matter how random it seems—maybe let it run for a while.
Follow it.
See what happens.
If it works out, wonderful.
And if it doesn’t?
Well…at least you gave it an earnest shot. And sometimes that’s exactly the kind of progress we need.
The View from Here: Why Your “Lens” Changes Everything
Let’s be real: it’s incredibly easy to fixate on the “gap.” You know the one—that space between where you are right now and that shiny, idealized version of your life you’re constantly chasing. We spend so much time obsessing over what we lack, the goals we haven’t hit yet, and the “to-do” list that never seems to end.
But here’s a thought: The lens you choose to look through determines how heavy your feet feel as you move through the world. If you’re only looking at the summit, the climb feels like a chore. If you take a second to look back at the trail you’ve already blazed? That’s where the magic happens.
Take a “Conscious Inventory”
I’m not suggesting you ignore your struggles or pretend you don’t want more. I’m suggesting you take a conscious inventory of the “already.”
What do you already have? What have you already survived? What lessons are already tucked into your pocket? Being grateful for what’s present doesn’t mean you’ve stopped growing; it means you’re fueling your growth with appreciation instead of desperation.
Why You Need to Keep a Paper Trail
If you aren’t already, start journaling. Seriously.
Memory is a fickle thing—it likes to trick us into thinking we’ve stayed in the same place. Journaling is your “proof of life.” It’s the evidence of your growth (or a gentle wake-up call regarding your stagnation).
* Look at your progress: Read a horizontal entry from six months ago. You’ll likely see problems you’ve since solved and fears you’ve since conquered.
* Identify the ruts: If you notice you’re complaining about the exact same thing for a year straight, that’s not a failure—it’s data. It’s a sign to re-evaluate that specific goal or habit.
Progress Over Perfection
Give yourself some grace. You are a work in progress, and “progress” doesn’t always look like a straight line up. Sometimes it looks like a plateau where you’re just catching your breath. That’s okay. Re-evaluate your goals, adjust your pack, and keep moving.
Pocket Affirmations for the Journey
Carry these with you this week when the “gap” starts feeling a little too wide:
* “I am the living evidence of my own resilience and growth.”
* “I choose to celebrate the person I am becoming, even while I’m in the middle of the process.”
* “Grace is my fuel, and progress is my compass—perfection is not required.”
* “I have everything I need to take the very next step.”
Love and light…..it’s going to get better, be better, you just have to believe!
Mothersense and Miscellaneous 