On “Doing too Much”
People often tell me how impressed they are with how much I get done. While I do accomplish many tasks and goals, it comes at a cost. My home is not always as neat and organized as my family would appreciate. Another price is the judgment. My whole life, people have urged me to slow down, asking if I ever enjoy time alone.
Well, I have some news for you: I do slow down, and I get time alone when I need it. It turns out, I just don’t need it all that much! Everyone is different—our capacities, our needs, and especially our motivations. I get loads of energy from being around people and from getting things done.
To share what’s in my heart and on my to-do list right now, here are my three simultaneous passion projects. Only one am I tackling alone, and even then, I feel energized by the support of my friends and community. I don't feel weighed down by the responsibility; I feel fueled by it.
1. Lady Camp Events
I organize and produce Lady Camp, both a larger retreat in September and smaller gatherings we appectionatley call Lady Camp Livin. While I choose the locations, curate the teachers, and do most of the gourmet cooking, I couldn’t do them without the wonderful participants who bring their skills, knowledge, and open hearts.
2. WILD NC
The Wilderness Institute for Lifelong Development of Nevada County is a non-profit created by my husband, Alex Nopola, and myself. Along with our Board, we are continuing the legacy of Synergia Learning Ventures, where Alex has worked for the last 20 years. WILD NC is an outdoor school whose mission is to cultivate holistic development for youth and adults through authentic relationships and immersive experiences in nature. We are thrilled to offer Ropes Challenge Courses and team-building workshops starting this spring and fall for schools, corporations, and groups of friends.
3. The Oaktree Orchard Project
This has been in the works for decades and found new roots a few years ago after a "food forest" post I made on social media went viral locally. We have worked with the school board and parks service to bring this project to life—and we are so close! The fence is up and the compost is ordered. Thanks to the folks at the Felix Gillet Project and other generous donors, we have trees that will feed the community for many years to come. And you can donate today for this project.
So, I asked myself this question the other day: “What if I’m not doing too much?”
The answer that came was that I am right where I need to be. I am checking in with myself daily, asking for help, taking breaks, and living life at my own pace—beyond the judgments of others. I’m allowing them to be them, and me to be me and I invite you do show up for yourself and your family this way as well if that calls to you.