129. How Eliminating “Should” from Your Vocabulary Removes Shame from Your Life

In Part One of this chapter, Removing Shame and Shedding Limiting Beliefs, I touched on the word “should.” Here’s a little refresher: And anytime you hear the word “should” thrown around, that’s a pretty sure sign that someone is trying to play the shame game. “You should really cover up.” “Do you really think you should be wearing that at your age?” “You should mind your manners.” “You should be ashamed of yourself!” Ring a bell? Throughout this journey, we’ve been working hard on raising our vibrations and being responsible for the energy we give and we surround ourselves with, we’ve worked on living from soul instead of ego, and we’re currently working on removing shame and shedding limiting beliefs. I don’t think we can fully remove shame or shed limiting beliefs without dealing with the magnitude of the word should and totally eliminating it from our vocabulary. So while this Part 5 is not expected, it’s absolutely necessary. Because the words we say matter. The words we say to ourselves matter. The words we say to others matter. Words speak things into existence. They’re a tool of creation. The word “should” is not good for any of us. Should is an indication of obligation, not desire. So when we tell ourselves we “should” do something, we are telling ourselves we are morally or legally bound to do it. How many times a day do you think or say the words “I should”? That’s how many times you're telling yourself you are morally obligated to do that task. Not that you’re grateful for the opportunity to do that task. Not that you’re excited to do that task. You’re obligated. It’s crucial for us to flip the script here: we need to rewire that trigger from one of obligation to one of consideration. Find out more about this concept in today’s podcast. EPISODE 129 TOPICS: - The word “should” is not good for any of us. Should is an indication of obligation, not desire. - It’s equally harmful when we use it with others. And why if we have children, we must eliminate it from our vocabulary. - Because “should” is judgmental. The word “should” creeps into our minds and steals away our most precious resource: our time. LINKS: THE PATH BACK TO YOU My brand new course, The Path Back to You isn't about starting over, but starting again, on a path that will return you to yourself. For the past few years, I’ve been on this journey of rediscovery, and it has changed everything. So here’s my invitation– learn to feel at home in your skin again. Just for my podcast listeners, use code PATH15 for 15% off. Join me, on The Path Back to You. jessicazimmerman.com/the-path-back-to-you-course My Ted Talk: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Z_ax0vCBUw My Best Selling Memoir, Sleeping with a Stranger: jessicazimmerman.com/sleeping-with-a-stranger