Don’t should on yourself.
I should exercise more. I should eat better. I should sleep more. I should. I should. I should.
Someone told me “I should” write down a two column list.
Wants vs. Shoulds
I want a cookie. I should eat a salad.
I want a new pair of jeans. I should save my money.
I want to be thinner. I should go to the gym.
Sooooo…why am I doing this?
Why shouldn’t we should on ourselves?
The message that we are receiving is that we are judging ourselves. Do we like to feel judged? Not effective. Not helpful. Not self-compassionate.
We SHOULD LOVE ourselves.
Anpao 
Your title really grabbed me!
What a common problem, and you address it so well.
Your last line is great.
What a challenge to stop the shoulds and love ourselves as we are! Thanks for the inspiration.
LOVE this! It’s so true and yet, I’ve never thought of it in this way. What an amazing thought! I feel like this is a lesson for not only me, but my own kids as well. Thank you for sharing this!
When the shoulds take over it is so challenging to see anything clearly. This is so well said, and I love the journey that you have managed to paint with a few simple words. I also like the expression ‘shoulding on myself’ and will be using it often, as a funny and helpful reminder 🙂
Going out on a limb… Corinne Crabtree podcast inspired?
😊
I don’t know about this podcast. I will definitely look it up! Thanks.