You Have Chosen All Your Shoulds

I often wake up asking myself an outdated question: “What should I do today?” It’s outdated because I know it’s not an effective question these days. I need to update to the new OS of me and ask instead: “What do I want to do today based on the experience I want to create in life?” Way more effective.

“Should” isn’t a bad word; it’s just outdated. It used to mean something useful at some point, I’m sure, but now we equate it with something external demanding that we fit into some pattern or mold in order to be well, be at peace, and be acceptable.

When I go off doing something I think I should do, like exercise heavily or avoid french fries so I lose weight, the reality is that I’m being complicit in that external suggestion. Women should be x weight, so you should work out and watch your diet. I’m choosing to listen to that should. That’s been important for me to notice no one is choosing but me, because then I realize that I do have the power to do whatever I want; I’ve just been using my will power to do something society suggests to me. And I can change what I will to do. Because I have the power to choose something else.

If you’ve felt weighed down or distracted by all the things you should do, just ask yourself if you agree with them in creating your desired life experience or not. If you do, then do something not because you should do it but because it aligns with what you want to create. If you don’t agree, be in discovery on what you could do. That’s your new OS!

Now, the experience of my body I know I want to create is vibrancy and strength. I wake up and ask: “What could I do today to feel vibrant and strong?” Not only do I have a wider variety of choices, I just feel happier creating my life from my own system. Yes, I will exercise and yes, I will have a couple of french fries. I will also drink a green smoothie and find a pool to go splash in! And meditate! And dance!

What experience will you create today?