Shoulda Woulda Coulda

A few weeks ago, I wrote about feeling anxious about what I was doing in these uncertain times. Instead, I would work on who I was being.  This shift in focus was very helpful to me as we adjusted to our new normal.
 
And then, we started talking about coming out of this...
 
Once again, I felt uneasy. I fell back into the trap of  “what am I doing.”
 
My quarantine project list is largely untouched. It's not even written down. My inner critic thought it would be fun to start in on all of the things I SHOULD have done over the last six weeks. 
 
I SHOULD have created the perfect 5-year business plan.
I SHOULD have organized the kids’ closets.
I SHOULD have gotten the scuffs off the walls.
 
And on and on and on...
 
Then, I caught myself. A year or two from now, what will have mattered?
 
This glimpse into the future helped me let go of SHOULD...
 
A year or two from now, I won’t remember whether I cleaned the baseboards or not.
 
So, why should it matter right now?
 
I am being the best possible partner for my clients.
I am supporting my friends.
I am staying in the moment with my family, even though I am a very mediocre substitute teacher.
 
Be well, my friends.
Tell that inner critic to BACK OFF and let go of the SHOULDS. 
Be kind to yourself and celebrate what you have done well.
 
That matters.