I don’t know about you but I keep a running list of shoulds. These aren’t written down, to the contrary, they’re like squatters, taking up space in my head rent-free!
All I need to do is take a look around and there they are, glaring at me:
Should file those benefits statements
Should get out and pull some weeds
Should organize that closet
Should exercise and lose some weight
What’s the message? That what I am doing is clearly –not enough.
Ugh!
It’s time to stop SHOULDING on myself!
So … I’ve been getting up early to exercise. Some days… when I am tired and achy it is oh-so-tempting to hit the snooze button and blow it off. But I haven’t. I do a weights routine in the mornings and cardio at night, after I get home from work. There’s always lots of other stuff to be done, but, for once, my stuff is getting done first. Whoop Whoop!
I’ve been down the exercise path a million times before because I know I should.
But that’s not why I’m doing it this time.
I am exercising regularly … because I want to.
I am choosing to stretch, to sweat, and to be sore. Conversely, I am also choosing to lower my cholesterol, strengthen my bones and tone my muscles.
I think it’s different this time, because, by plowing through the shoulds, the musts and the have-tos, I’m making room for choices.
Of course, some “shoulds” are important and non-negotiable (I should wear a seat belt and I always do) but there are just so many more in my head that …aren’t.
And now? Now the benefits statements aren’t filed but … I will take care of them on my lunch break; the weeds are thriving but … the youngest kid wants extra money so here’s his chance to earn it …. and my closet? My closet looks exactly the same as it did.
And I know I should care. But I don’t.
..::..
Are you “shoulding” on yourself, too? What “shoulds” can you replace with “want tos?”
