Eliminate the SHOULDS

Should

Jenn is giving up should for Lent. I love her idea. We all spend so much time focused on what we ourselves and others should do better......should do different...........should do more of. The pressures we put on ourselves and others is exhausting. Celebrating our successes rather than keeping the narrative on our missteps or our not quite good enoughs. What a positive way to look at life if we could just focus on what we are doing well. 

~I should have cleaned house today.

~I should have reached out to others this week.

~I should  have kept my mouth shut in that arguement.

~I should have walked away from buying that frivolous item.

~I should have stayed late at work to get more done.

~I should  have been more understanding.

~You should have.............
~My children should have..........
~My friends should have..........
~My family should have.........

Instead

~I spent time with my kids and will clean house later.

~I listened to a coworker when she was upset.

~I learned from my mistake in that arguement.

~I can return that purchase to manage my money better.

~I will go in early tomorrow to finish up a task at work.

~I understand others when I remember that I have two ears and one mouth and listen more than I speak.

~You succeeded at.........
~My children, my friends, my family make me proud because.........
~Others are an encouragement just for being who they are.

These are only a few ways to restate away from should and more on moving forward. Beating ourselves up is not productive. Each of us has a heart to do what we can to make life better for ourselves and others. Focusing more on our hearts is a great idea. Thanks Jenn for such a powerful direction.

In Him,

Joyful

3-10-19