Oh how you have hit the should on the head. I can relate to so much of what you describe with such honesty and humour. It is amazing and eye-opening how one little modal verb can be the cause of so much 'shoulding' on oneself. It is the inner critic's favourite tactic, it seems. Toxic positivity certainly has a lot to answer for, particularly how it undermines mental health.
Thanks Lauren. I really enjoyed reading this, especially as my Sunday has been a steady flow of 'should' reminders which I thought I had started to shake off. Perfectly timed - thank you!
"when we behave in the direction of travel - towards those aspirations and values that guide us - we are operating in our self-worth" - this resonated so much for me. Every time I've gotten stuck in the doldrums of life and struggled with my own sense of worthiness, it's been because I'm adrift from my values. Once (to extend the slightly laboured metaphor) I get my sails aligned with my values and start to live life with a focus on the things I care about deeply, I always end up feeling better.
Oh how you have hit the should on the head. I can relate to so much of what you describe with such honesty and humour. It is amazing and eye-opening how one little modal verb can be the cause of so much 'shoulding' on oneself. It is the inner critic's favourite tactic, it seems. Toxic positivity certainly has a lot to answer for, particularly how it undermines mental health.
Thanks Lauren. I really enjoyed reading this, especially as my Sunday has been a steady flow of 'should' reminders which I thought I had started to shake off. Perfectly timed - thank you!
"when we behave in the direction of travel - towards those aspirations and values that guide us - we are operating in our self-worth" - this resonated so much for me. Every time I've gotten stuck in the doldrums of life and struggled with my own sense of worthiness, it's been because I'm adrift from my values. Once (to extend the slightly laboured metaphor) I get my sails aligned with my values and start to live life with a focus on the things I care about deeply, I always end up feeling better.
Me too. You shouldn't take any notice of shoulds. Oh, there I go again...
I love reading these. They are always full of humour and wisdom. 💜 April