Mama's, stop “shoulding” yourself!

Mama's, stop “shoulding” yourself! When you say that out loud, I know it sounds like I’m saying something else—but I don’t want you to do that either! (If that’s an issue for you, no shame; I encourage you to see a pelvic floor specialist.) But what does “Mama's, stop ‘shoulding’ yourself” mean? It means stop saying, “I should” when it's rooted in comparison or unrealistic expectations.

As a mom, it’s so easy to fall into this habit—I struggle with it every day! “I’m exhausted; rest is calling my name, but I SHOULD be doing the dishes, I SHOULD be writing thank-you notes, I SHOULD be starting that diet because my sister looked way better one year postpartum than I do,” and the list goes on.

Yes, you COULD be doing the dishes or starting your diet, but taking a moment to rest is a healthy response to the exhaustion and ache in your body. Comparison is the thief of joy, and unrealistic expectations are the seeds of unnecessary stress.

So, Mama's, stop “shoulding” yourselves and walk forward with grace for yourself, embracing where you are in this very moment.