How many times a day do you use the word “should” in reference to yourself or other people? The word “should” has become a fixture in our everyday language and in our every day inner dialogue. We use it in conversation with others, as a way of motivating ourselves or keeping ourselves in check, and to express a myriad of feelings, including frustration, guilt, and regret. Today, begin to become aware how often you use the word should in your daily life. Begin to recognize that telling yourself that you should be doing more or being more isn't actually helping you do more or be more. In truth, by using the word "should" you are actually telling yourself that you are not enough, just as you are. When you use the word “should,” you are not accepting reality. You are talking about things that you wish were so, but aren’t (or vice versa). When you tell yourself or other people that you should or they should be doing something , you are reinforcing the negative, and the fact that we or they are not doing it. Although removing the word “should” from your vocabulary will take time, patience, and practice. But it is possible, and it comes with great rewards. Replacing “should” with more helpful dialogue will lead to a kinder relationship with yourself, and better relationships with the people around you too. Today stop "shoulding" on yourself and other people, replace the world should with could and just accept your life and yourself as you are or as you are becoming.

Just for today, I replace the word should with could. I recognize that I have the power to create all that I wish for with my mind and my thoughts. I am truly someone special. I create my experiences with my thinking and feeling patterns. What I believe about myself and about my life comes true for me. I do not fix my problems, I fix my thinking and my problems fix themselves. Everything is working out for my highest good. And so it is.