Living out the shoulds. (And forgetting to live our life.)

by An on October 30, 2012 · 2 Comments

I should agree, so they won’t think I’m stupid.

(Even though I’ve got a different point of view.)

I should go to that party, so they won’t get mad at me.

(Even though I don’t like to hang out with them.)

I should go to that event, because everybody’s going.

(Even though I’d rather stay at home reading a good book.)

I shouldn’t do that, that’s so not done.

(Even though I’m really excited about it.)

I should be easy-going, or they’ll think I’m arrogant and self-centered.

(Even though I really don’t wanna go see the movie they wanna go see.)

I should want that promotion, because that’s what reasonable people do.

(Even though I’d rather steer my career to a new path.)

I should lead that project, because that will boost my career.

(Even though I’d rather work from the background – that’s where I excel.)

I shouldn’t read that book – if anyone sees I’m reading this, they’ll think I’m losing it.

(Even though I’m really intrigued by it.)

I should do this.

I should have that.

I should be like this.

I should behave like that.

All choices disguised as non-negotiable truths.

Pretending there’s no other option.

Turning us into passive bystanders of our own life.

Living out those seemingly unbreakable rules imposed on us.

Instead of making our own choices.

I choose to do this.

I choose to have that.

I choose to be like this.

I choose to behave like that.

Choices – with consequences.

Options – waiting to be explored.

Decisions – that can be made and changed.

Putting the power back where it belongs.

With us.

Choosing.

Living.

Instead of being lived.

What shoulds are you living out?

What choices can you make instead?

Photo from here.

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