Stop “shoulding” on yourself

I used to “should” on myself quite a bit.

I converted all my energy into doing what I thought I should do. My theory about “right” was established on the “should” foundation.

When I was a child, “What I SHOULD do” to please my parents, be a top student, get into the right college, get the job that provided the most security.

When I grow up, “What I SHOULD do” to win acceptance from my peers, make my relationship work and offer my child whatever leads him a prospective future.

My heart was never in my choices.  And I thought it should not.

I did whatever I thought I should. Life showed me few worked out as well as rewarded me with exhaustion, depression and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Till some of these days,

I was asking one of my best friends:” Steven, should I accept the new offer? Should I take one step back to reconsider? Should I …..”

“Helen, what do YOU want to do?”

??!!!

“Helen, you don’t LOVE yourself” Susan, my psychologist, said many times in our sections. “Love and accept yourself”.

“Honey, I don’t know if I should. Should I……”

“Sweetie, do whatever YOU want to do.” Hubby’s arms were always around me.

…….

One day, I suddenly saw the light.

Happiness is a choice, and I am the ONLY one who’s responsible for it. I will succeed because of the value of me, the spirit of me, the way of me and the vision of me.