Turning “should” into self-compassion

I should exercise more. I should get up earlier. I should eat more green leafy vegetables … or maybe I should just stop saying “should”. By “should-ing,” I’m comparing myself with others, or with an idealised version of what I could be. “Should” suggests that I need to change, because who I am now isn’t good enough.

Sure, occasionally “should” can be helpful. It can