255. The Becoming Years (Part 3): You Are Not Too Much
In this episode, Dr. Anna Marie explores the idea that women are not "too much" — they are often just carrying too much for too long. She shares a vulnerable story about burnout while planning a conference, how being labeled "too much" is often about dysregulated nervous systems (ours and others'), and why midlife can feel like a breaking point. She reframes exhaustion, grief, and the loss of hustle as biology and awakening rather than failure, and offers practical ways to regulate the nervous system, release people-pleasing, and honor rest as a form of leadership.
Key Points:
- Being "too much" is often just carrying too much.
- Dysregulated nervous systems shape how we see ourselves and others.
- Midlife burnout can feel like grief for a former self.
- The body says "no" when the mind won't listen.
- Women hold an invisible emotional and mental load.
- Most women want presence and acknowledgment, not fixes.
- Regulating cortisol: light exposure, protein, consistent sleep.
- Reduce triggers: inflammatory foods, media, draining conversations.
- Use simple breathing rituals morning and night.
- Rest is not laziness; it is leadership.
- Outgrowing survival mode can make life feel heavier at first.
- Let go of people-pleasing and energy-draining commitments.
- Choose what gives energy; if it drains you, it's a "no."
Connect with Anna:
Email: annamarie@happywholeyou.com / info@HappyWholeYou.com
Website: www.happywholeyou.com / https://linktr.ee/happywholeyou
Personal Website: www.DrAnnaMarie.com
Instagram: @happywholeyou
Personal Instagram: @Dr.Anna.Marie
Facebook: Happy Whole You
LinkedIn: Anna Marie Frank
Venmo: @happywholeyou
