Ditching the "Should": Embracing Mindfulness in Back-to-School Season

Boy, back-to-school season really turns up the volume on the "comparison" game, doesn't it? Whether it's scrolling through the "social media highlight reel" of friends and family or navigating the "school pick-up line jungle," it feels like there's always someone to compare yourself to.

One of my favorite aspects of the MMK Method is how it invites us to release the pressure of perfection and obligation. Personally, I think that's one of the most game-changing parts of the entire method!

Today, I want to talk about something that I think is crucial for maintaining our mindfulness and giving ourselves a little extra grace: the word should.

If I could strike any word from the dictionary, it would be "should"! Has anything good ever come from it?

I hear "should" most often when families talk about what makes them anxious:

• "I should be spending less at the grocery store."
• "I should be feeding my kids less junk food."
• "I should be doing something about global warming."

I have a couple of issues with "should." First, it takes us away from what we're doing in the moment and prevents us from appreciating it. The truth is, just by being here, you are doing something!

At MMK, we're all about small habits that add up to big changes. In my experience, "should" only focuses on the big changes, which can be overwhelming. Instead, I'm here to teach you how to make small changes, recognize your progress, and appreciate the journey. "Should" just gets in the way.

Here's the secret: Big changes don't stick, but small changes do.

Let’s ditch the pressure of perfection and see where mindfulness, presence, and intentionality take us instead. ❤️🌱

TIP OF THE WEEK

My second issue with "should" ties into this week's tip: Comparing ourselves to others can totally take the wind out of our sails.

Here's an example: If we start thinking, "Wait, I was supposed to overhaul the way my family plans, shops, cooks, and eats. I should be much farther along by now. I haven't accomplished anything!" then we're likely to feel super de-motivated... and then we don't do anything. 

This is the all-or-nothing mindset that leads to feeling too much pressure or obligation to make any change at all.

But, if we think we're making great progress week after week by getting the kids involved in the kitchen, we might say, "Hey, that's awesome! I'm proud of myself... and I'm proud of my family, too! Let's keep this ball rolling!" This mindset is where true change happens and flourishes. ❤️🌱

So, this week, I invite you to look at all the places in your life where you're giving yourself a lot of "should." Where can you release that comparison, obligation, or drive for perfection? Give it a try this week and see what happens!

Here’s to ditching comparison and embracing the journey, together!

Start your journey in Becoming a Mindful Foodie. Visit our website.

For more information contact: Janet Irizarry at info@mymindfulkitchen.com