As I travel through this parenting journey, I find myself judging myself compared to this preconceived notion of “shoulds”. As I try to be mindful and find balance, I,too, still can get sucked into the vortex of “shoulds”.
- I should feed my kids a balanced dinner every night.
- I should be a better mother.
- I should, I should, I should!
When thinking of forging your own path, I can not help to look at the Royal family. Meghan Markle and Prince Henry welcomed their son this week. I was so impressed on how they broke the “shoulds” and royal customs. Meghan has started her motherhood journey on her own terms. Abandoning a birth picture dressed to the nines only hours after the birth, Meghan remained behind private doors nuzzling her son. Bravo for breaking free of not only “shoulds” but royal customs and pressures of the media.
So what does relinquishing the “shoulds” do for you:
- Relief from the pressure of an unrealistic expectations
- Understanding of yourself that you are work in progress and not perfect
- Giving Joy to relish in the freedom of acceptance.
Now, how do you do it?!
Step 1: identify. Began to take notice of when you apply a “should to your thinking”. Awareness is the first step to change!
Step 2: Challenging Thoughts- develop a script to shift the power and your mindset –
Step 3: Appreciate your efforts and allow for improvement with judging yourself!This is my Mother’s day gift to myself !
Wishing you a Happy Mother’s Day living without the “shoulds”.Photo from: Pexels