Written by 
“Should”
When I take stock of who I am and see that things are good
A thief comes in to steal my joy, accusing, “But you Should…”
“You Should be more productive. Your body Should be slim
That person there is so well-liked, you Should be more like him.”
“How dare you be contented. Your best will never do.
Try harder still,” his voice demands. “Become a different you.”
I get back on the hamster wheel determined to improve
But hear him say to my dismay, “the finish line has moved.”
So now there is a rubble heap where my esteem once stood
Knocked down with cruel intention by the wrecking ball of Should
Then in a time of clarity I see I have a choice
I can choose to tune him out and hear a different voice
I hear, “I am accepted.” I hear, “I am enough.”
And where I lack, God’s got my back. I’m covered by His love
I’ll celebrate my talents working hard at what I do
I’m doing fine with my design, my limitations, too
I don’t do super-exploits. Sometimes I wish I could
But I accept me as I am. I’ve had enough of Should!
Copyright 2019 by Peter Cafarchio
Well written and accurate. “Should” projects guilt and shame. I try to make it a code word so when I hear it or say it, the rest of the next sentence or two becomes gibberish. Thanks for sharing!
This is well written and I totally identify with every word. I was able to work in my field of choice without any prior experience or degeree. I took it upon myself to complete the degree, and now all of the abiove occurs. My experience is too far back but my degree is more recent. I have a great and stable employement history, and have since completed a masters, but none of this is good enough.
I trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not to my own understanding.
This is powerful! I was fighting the “should” monster this morning thinking how I should have done this or that which almost paralyzed me from doing what was in front of me. Thank you for this fun way to take control!